What to Know
Gasoline is something that almost everyone uses, but many may not be aware of the dangers of gasoline. As a fleet fuel card company, we thought we’d share some safety tips that you should keep in mind when handling gas.
1. Do not use or store gasoline near sources of ignition, such as oil-fired appliances, gas-fired appliances, stoves, open flames, sparks, static electricity, etc.
2. If you get back into your vehicle while fueling up, touch a metal portion of the vehicle before re-handling the gas pump. This will prevent creating a possible spark from static electricity.
3. Store gasoline in metal or plastic containers approved by a fire authority and make sure they are tightly sealed.
4. If you’re adding gas to a vehicle that is towing a trailer, turn off all possible sources of ignition before fueling (like heaters, pilot lights, etc.).
5. Keep gasoline away from children and out of their reach.
6. If a fire sparks while fueling your vehicle, don’t attempt to remove the fuel pump or put the fire out. Instead, quickly move away from the area and get help.
7. Never use gasoline in place of kerosene or charcoal lighting fluid.
8. When filling a container, fill it on the ground (not in a vehicle or in its trunk or bed) to prevent any chance of static electricity.
9. Never overfill a container or a gas tank – especially during hot months. Gasoline expands in the heat and if it has no room to expand, it can cause leaks.
10. Wait until equipment (such as a lawnmower, weed trimmer, etc.) is cool before refueling its gas tank.
11. Never use gasoline while inside your house.
12. If you need to dispose of gasoline, never pour it on the ground or down a drain, sewer, or any type of waterway. Instead, contact your local Waste Management company and ask where you can safely dispose of it.
13. If gasoline comes in contact with a person’s eyes, immediately flush them with lukewarm water for 5 minutes. Then, seek medical advice.
