Summer Safety: Gasoline

Gasoline is used to fuel many household appliances. In addition to our cars, gasoline is used in lawn care equipment, power washers, air compressors, snow blowers, boats and motorcycles. It has become so much a part of our everyday lives that we often forget how dangerous it can be if not properly stored or used.Gasoline vapors are heavier than air and will move along close to the ground. These vapors will ignite with violence if an ignition source is reached, such as a pilot light, a lit cigarette, or a spark. If gasoline vapors ignite, one gallon can explode with the same force as 14 sticks of dynamite. Don't be fuelish! Take the following precautions when handling, storing and disposing of gasoline.

FILLING A PORTABLE GAS CONTAINER AT SERVICE STATION

  • In New York City, it is illegal for any person, other than the service station attendant to dispense gasoline into a portable container. Only one-gallon approved safety containers are permitted.
  • Shut off your vehicles engine. DO NOT SMOKE.
  • Remove the container from the vehicle and place the container on the ground. Portable containers should not be filled when located inside a truck, passenger compartment or truck bed of a vehicle.
  • Have the attendant fill the container only 95 percent full to allow for expansion during temperature changes.
  • After filling, ensure that the container cap and vent cap are secured tightly.
  • When transporting the gasoline container, place the container in the pickup bed or car trunk. Secure the container so it will not tip or slide around. Never place the container in the passenger compartment.
  • Never leave the container in direct sunlight or unattended in the truck of the car.

STORAGE AND HANDLING OF PORTABLE GAS CONTAINERS

  • Store only a 30-day supply, but not more than one gallon in an approved safety container.
  • Never store gasoline in plastic containers such as a milk jug or in glass jars.
  • Store gasoline in a cool and well-ventilated area.
  • Store gasoline away (at least 50 feet) from any source of heat or open flame, such as a pilot light.
  • Store gasoline in the garage or a well-ventilated shed. Never store gasoline in the house or in a garage where a boiler or hot water heater is installed.
  • Store gasoline out of children's sight and reach.
  • Never use gasoline as a cleaner, charcoal starter or solvent.  Allow gas-powered equipment, such as a lawnmower to cool before refueling. (Refueling hot powered equipment can cause vapors to ignite.
  • Refuel equipment outdoors.
  • Never dispose of gasoline by pouring it into the ground or into a sewer, street drain, stream or placing it into the trash. These actions are environmentally harmful and may cause a fire or explosion.

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