Here's how to handle, store, and dispose of gasoline safely.
Every year in Baja we have many accidents that are caused by people mishandling gasoline we have had several already here in Mulege this season.One
of the most dangers thang is when you Cary gasoline in ,on or on the back of your car or truck. it can turn a miner accident into a deadly inferno.
the truth is their is no way to safely transport Gasoline with your vehicle.
one of the big problems is that when gasoline worms up or is moved it expands and gives off fumes these fumes can ignite for many reasons . if you
close the vents on your hopefully dot and OSHA approved cans.they can build up preasher and split with devastating results.auto manufactures spend a
lot of money designing their tanks to be safe . mostly to fit it wear it wont be damaged in an accident having the engine burn the vapors from the
vent. these things you cant do with your cans.
in Baja we have a more severe problem . because of the heat and the rough rodes. I really cringe when I see a van or car with a can of Gas on the roof
or on the back bumper. it is vary dangerous
Gasoline is an important part of our everyday lives. It lets us run our cars and trucks, getting the kids to school and the groceries home. It helps
us keep our grass and gardens looking good, powering mowers and lawn care equipment. It lets us get away on vacation, running boats, off-road
vehicles, and motorcycles.
But gasoline can be dangerous if not handled or stored properly. Gasoline should only be used for its intended purpose - as a motor fuel - and stored
only when absolutely necessary. It should not be used as a solvent, cleaner, barbecue starter or for any other non-engine use.
That's why you should take the following precautions when handling, storing, and disposing of gasoline. There's a lot of life in a gallon of gas - if
you handle it safely.
What are some of the standards and regulations regarding storage of flammable liquids such as gasoline? Your local and state governments are the first
places you should check for standards and regulations on gasoline. There are numerous codes, standards, and regulations that cover storage and
handling of gasoline within the United States and Canada. For example, fire codes and regulations restrict the amount of gasoline an individual
homeowner can store* (usually no more than 25 gallons), in approved containers of less than five gallons capacity each. The use of tanks or storage of
quantities larger than 25 gallons is typically regulated. Most states restrict the amount of gasoline you are allowed to carry in containers in your
vehicle. Fire codes also regulate the amount and type of gasoline storage allowed in other occupancies, including service stations, garages, car
dealers, hospitals, and commercial and industrial businesses. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) establishes codes and standards for
fire-related safety issues, which can be incorporated into binding regulations. Many of these codes have been adopted by regulation in many
communities. A partial list of some of these codes includes:
What precautions should be taken when filling a gasoline container?
Keep gasoline away from ignition sources like heat, sparks, and flames.
Do not smoke.
Shut off the vehicle's engine. Disable or turn off any auxiliary sources of ignition such as a camper or trailer heater, cooking units, or pilot
lights.
Only store gasoline in containers with approved labels as required by federal or state authorities. Never store gasoline in glass or unapproved
containers. Portable containers must be placed on the ground, and the nozzle must stay in contact with the container when filling, to prevent buildup
and discharge of static electricity. Do not fill a container in or on a vehicle, including in car trunks or truck beds. (Placing the container on the
ground minimizes any static electricity buildup that could lead to a spark and cause a fire.)
Fill the container at a slow rate. This will decrease the chance of static ignition buildup and minimize incidents of spillage or splattering.
Manually control the nozzle valve throughout the filling process.
Keep your face away from the nozzle or container opening.
Avoid prolonged breathing of gasoline vapors.
Never siphon gasoline by mouth. Do not put gasoline in your mouth - gasoline can be harmful or fatal if swallowed. If someone swallows gasoline, do
not induce vomiting. Contact a doctor immediately.
Keep gasoline away from your eyes and skin, because it may cause irritation.
Use gasoline only in open areas that get plenty of fresh air. Never use gasoline to wash your hands.
Remove gasoline-soaked clothing immediately.
Fill container no more than 95 percent full to allow for expansion.
Place cap tightly on the container after filling - do not use containers that do not seal properly.
If gasoline spills on the container, make sure that it has evaporated before you place the container in your vehicle.
Report spills to the attendant.
Use gasoline as a motor fuel only.
When transporting gasoline in a portable container make sure the container is secure from tipping and sliding, and never leave in the direct sunlight
or in the trunk of a car.
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What is the safest way to store and handle gasoline? Gasoline must be stored in an approved container or tank. Gasoline containers must also be
provided with an approved label as required by federal and state authorities. Storage in anything other than an approved container is strictly
prohibited by fire prevention codes.
Gasoline is a flammable liquid and should be stored at room temperature, away from potential heat sources such as the sun, a hot water heater, space
heater or a furnace, and away from ignition sources. Gasoline vapors are heavier than air and can travel along the floor to ignition sources.
Therefore, appliance pilot lights or igniters should be kept more than 50 feet from where gasoline is stored or handled, and elevated. Other
precautionary measures include:
Do not smoke where gasoline is handled or stored.
Always keep gasoline out of reach from children.
For better ventilation, it is best to handle gasoline outdoors.
Keep gasoline containers tightly closed and handle them gently to avoid spills.
Do not mix even a small amount of gasoline with kerosene or diesel.
Do not use gasoline in kerosene heaters or lamps.
Store gasoline in a building separate from the house or place of occupancy, such as a shed or garage.
Put gasoline in a small engine (like a lawnmower) only when the engine and attachments are cool.
Storage of gasoline requires developing precautions for spill cleanup. Minor spills should be absorbed with sawdust, paper or rags. Larger spills may
be contained and collected. Check with your local government or hazardous waste disposal center to determine the proper avenues for disposing of
spilled gasoline. Place recovered gasoline and cleanup materials in approved, labeled containers for proper disposal. Never dispose of spilled
gasoline or cleaning materials on the ground or into your garbage, drains, toilets or sewers. If you do, it might cause a fire, or seep into streams,
bays, lakes or your groundwater.
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How long can gasoline be safely stored? If the container or gas tank will not be used right away, will be exposed to direct sunlight, or will be
stored at temperatures above 80? F much of the time, add a fuel stabilizer/additive to the gasoline when you first buy it, prior to storage. Fuel
stabilizers contain antioxidants, which prevent gum and other compounds from forming on gasoline; biocides, which prevent microbial growth; and
corrosion inhibitors, which prevent the formation of rust and corrosion. Fuel stabilizers/additives are available at auto parts stores.
Many manufacturers of engines put restrictions on the amount of time gasoline should be stored before use in engines. Always refer to the
manufacturer's recommendations. Freshness is improved if the container or gas tank is stored in a cool place and is kept almost 95 percent full.
However, leave some headroom for gasoline to expand if it warms up in storage. Without an airspace, expansion will force liquid gasoline out of the
container or distort the container.
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What is the proper way to dispose of gasoline? Never dispose of gasoline by pouring it onto the ground or into a sewer, street drain, stream or other
waterbody, or putting it into the trash. These actions are environmentally harmful and may result in a fire, explosion, or soil, surface or
groundwater contamination. Fines and criminal penalties may be associated with improper disposal.
Excess gasoline in good condition can be added to the fuel tank of a gasoline-
powered car or truck. See manufacturer's recommendations. (Don't dispose of gasoline/oil mixtures for two-stroke cycle engines this way.) However, it
is not easy to dispose of gasoline that has deteriorated. There are organizations that will help dispose of gasoline in an environmentally responsible
way. Finding the best option may take some researching. Sources of information are your community's fire department, recycling center, and hazardous
waste disposal center. Check the government pages of your phone book to locate these organizations.
Commercial organizations are usually listed in the Yellow Pages under Environmental and Ecological Services and Oils, Waste. You may have to pay for
disposal. Therefore, try to purchase only the amount of gasoline that you absolutely need.
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This information has been extracted from a variety of petroleum company publications. Language may vary from company to company.
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Whom should I contact for further information about gasoline? Contact your local fire department or local government to familiarize yourself with your
local fire and building codes regarding storage of gasoline. You may also request a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) covering the potential fire,
health and safety hazards of gasoline, from your fuel supplier or service station dealer. If you have further questions, you may want to contact the
National Safety Council or the National Fire Protection Association. The National Safety Council is a clearinghouse for information on storage and
handling of flammable and/or combustible liquids (including gasoline). The National Fire Protection Association develops codes and standards as well
as research and education for fire and related safety issues.
Bruce R Leech
Ensenada
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