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Fuel Storage Safety Tips |
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Safe Practice: Always place
gas cans on the ground before refueling.
In recent incidents reported to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), fires spontaneously ignited when workers or others attempted to fill portable gasoline containers (gas cans) in the backs of pickup trucks equipped with plastic bed liners or in cars with carpeted surfaces. Serious skin burns and other injuries resulted. Similar incidents in the last few years have resulted in warning bulletins from several private and government organizations. These fires result from the buildup of static electricity. The insulating effect of the bed liner or carpet prevents the static charge generated by gasoline flowing into the container or other sources from grounding. The discharge of this buildup to the grounded gasoline dispenser nozzle may cause a spark and ignite the gasoline. Both ungrounded metal (most hazardous) and plastic gas containers have been involved in these incidents.
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Residents who stored gasoline or other fuels in preparation for Y2K perils could be sitting on a time bomb. Many people purchased limited amounts of cooking fuels that can be safely stored in their originally purchased containers, under proper environmental conditions. Others, who stockpiled gasoline and heating fuels in makeshift drums or containers, pose an enormous life safety hazard to the community and responders. When storing gasoline or kerosene it is important that
these fuels be stored in approved containers. Gasoline must be
stored in the "red" container and kerosene in an approved
"blue" container. Storing gasoline, kerosene or other
flammable fuels in non-spill proof containers, soda bottles or milk
bottles is illegal and dangerous.
Last modified: April 07, 2005
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