Essential oils, which are easily combustible, are increasingly
used in aromatherapy and other complementary treatments. The
issue of these combustible oils came to light when a beauty
therapy room at Swindon College was badly damaged in April after
a blaze broke out in a pile of towels. Fires in tumble dryers,
linen baskets and airing cupboards where towels had oil on them
have caught fire and fire officers are concerned that incidents
in launderettes, salons and homes could have the same cause. The
problem seems to arise when the wash cycle has been set to a
cool temperature. When the wash has been at 100 degrees or
above, the oil residue is more likely to be safely broken down
by the washing detergents. For more on fire safety at colleges
and workplaces, view: U.S Senate Makes September Campus Fire
Safety Month Fire Safety Tips for Your Workplace