Handling gas might seem like something that you should take extra precautions doing, but many people do not realize how dangerous in fact this really can be. Whether you are stocking up on fuel to run a generator in preparation of the power going out or you need gas to run all your landscaping equipment, handling gas properly will go a long way in making certain everyone is safe.
The following 5 safety tips you need to know when handling gas will make your environment and everyone in close proximity safer;
1. Never Store Gasoline in a Generator
Perhaps the biggest mistake that many homeowners make with handling gas is leaving it inside the generator so it can be at the ready in case the power goes down. Keeping a generator on standby is a smart choice, but having it full of fuel could lead to a serious disaster. When the tank of the generator is full because the homeowner simply wants to pull the cord and have power in an instant, it can have a negative impact on the life of the generator. The shelf life of the gasoline is not unlimited, so not only will it not be effective when the time comes to run the generator, you simply are wasting fuel you will need to replace.
If your concern was keeping the generator in working order, pour a very small amount of fuel in the tank and run the generator every six months until the tank is empty to identify if it is in need of any repair.
2. Important Storage Tips for Gasoline
Never should there be a time where gasoline will need to be stored inside the house. The fumes from the gasoline are deadly and can ignite in a flash. Never store the gasoline outside because rain and many other elements could also contaminate the fuel. Leaving the gasoline out in the sun each day is not wise considering how flammable the gas can be. The ideal place to keep the gas is in an outdoor shed, the garage is the second safest place.
When storing the gas in the garage or shed, it should only be kept in the appropriate containers.
3. Using Airtight Red Gasoline Containers
Gasoline should only be stored in red airtight containers for numerous safety reasons. These containers lock in the fumes and make it easier to locate the container. If the house was on fire, law enforcement and firemen can locate the red containers easily in the garage and make the scene safer. Never put the gasoline in blue containers, that is only for kerosene, and yellow containers has been designated for only diesel. Never buy used containers to store gas, small holes could allow fumes to escape and cause a fire.
When using the red containers, make sure it is airtight by tightening the spout opening and securing the air-hole cap.
4. Avoid Storing Gas Near Hot Sources
If you are keeping the gasoline in the garage, be sure it is kept far away from heat sources. These sources include the heater, the dryer, and the hot water heater. Since the gasoline is very flammable, it could easily ignite from a spark from any of those heat sources.
When storing a gas can in the garage, keep the container as close to the door opening or the furthest point from the hot water heater or furnace.
5. Cleaning Up Gas Spills
There are going to be times when accidents happen when handling gasoline. Cleaning up spills in a safe manner is imperative to making certain the area is safe from fire. If a small amount of gasoline spills, soak up the fuel with sawdust, rags, kitty litter, or dry sand. For severe spills, it is advised to call the local waste disposal center and they will instruct you how to proceed safely.
Be sure you take and dump any of the recovered gasoline into approved containers.
Although these 5 safety tips for handling gas might seem like common sense to some, there are others who simply ignore the obvious or just do not realize the power the fuel has at igniting at a any moment. Taking these tips seriously will ensure you significantly reduce the risk of a fire caused by mishandling the gasoline.
