02/01/11
Handling Gasoline Safely

Gasoline is an essential fuel to our daily lives; however, if it is not utilized properly, it can become deadly. Most accidents can be prevented if gasoline is handled properly and safely stored. The following are some safety tips from the American Burn Association:

• Gasoline should be used in well-vented areas.
• Smoking or using matches, lighters, or other ignition sources around gasoline should not be allowed.
• Before filling the tank, turn off equipment and let it cool down.
• Do not use gasoline as a cleaning fluid or solvent to clean hands.
• Gasoline needs to be stored in approved containers and stored in cool, ventilated areas.
• Gasoline cans should not be kept in a vehicle.
• Avoid prolonged breathing of gasoline vapors, as the vapors can damage your lungs.
• Never siphon gasoline by mouth.
• When filling gasoline in an approved container, fill it no more than 90% full to allow for expansion.

According to the National Fire Protection Association:

• Nearly 150,000 fires occurring in the United Stated every year are caused by gasoline.
• About 500 Americans die every year in gasoline related fires.
• Almost half a billion dollars in property damage can be linked to gasoline annually.
• One gallon of gasoline has the explosive power of 20 sticks of dynamite!

How to dispose of gasoline:
Never dispose of gasoline by pouring it into the ground, streams, trash or bodies of water. If the gasoline has deteriorated, there are organizations such as fire departments, recycling centers, and hazardous waste centers that will assist with proper disposal.

For further information about storage of gasoline, contact the National Safety Council at www.nsc.org or the National Fire Protection Association at www.nfpa.org.

Be sure to check the documents section of the Online Resource Library for other information about gasoline.