Gasoline Safety Tips to Stay Safe

In addition to cars, gasoline fuels many common household appliances, such as lawn care equipment, power washers, and air compressors. We use it so frequently, in fact, that it’s easy to forget just how dangerous this substance can be when mishandled.

This article, based on safety tips from the Fire Department of New York (FDNY), offers tips for handling, storing and disposing of gasoline.

Filling a Portable Gas Container

New York City law prohibits any person other than a service station attendant to fill a portable container with gasoline.

• Turn off the vehicle’s engine.
• Remove the gasoline container from the vehicle, and place it on the ground.
• Ask the attendant to fill the container only 95% full to leave room for expansion due to temperature changes.
• Transport the container in a car trunk or pickup truck bed. Secure the container to prevent tipping or sliding.
• Do not leave a gasoline container unattended in a car trunk or in direct sunlight.

Storage and Handling of Gas Containers

• Only store gasoline in an approved, one-gallon safety container. Do not use a plastic container, such as a milk jug, or a glass jar.
• Keep gasoline at least 50 feet away from any heat source or open flame, such as a pilot light in a water heater.
• Store gasoline in a cool, well-ventilated area—but not in a house. Use a shed or garage, unless the space has a boiler or water heater. (See previous tip!)
• Keep the gasoline out of the sight and reach of children.
• Never refuel equipment while it is still hot; the heat might ignite vapors. Allow the equipment to cool down first.
• Always refuel equipment outside.
• Never pour gasoline onto the ground, in a storm drain or sewer, or place it in a trash can. Not only do such actions damage the environment, but they can also cause a fire or explosion.

For more summer safety tips, visit the FDNY website. You may also like our Fire Safety Tips for Apartment Buildings.

We hope you have a safe, enjoyable summer and find these gasoline safety tips useful. To discuss how to lower your property’s risk management profile and other ways to lower your insurance costs, contact our office at 877-576-5200.