While doing research on problems involving gasoline fumes in garages, I came across what I think is some valuable information concerning gasoline safety in general.
During summer months, as portable gas containers are brought out of storage, you need to know what you can do to protect yourself from a possible gasoline explosion or fire as you go get gasoline for various yard machines:
- Turn off the vehicle's engine before moving it into the storage area.
- Do not smoke near gas containers or pumps.
- Remove fuel container from any riding vehicle and place it on the ground before refilling.
- Use only approved metal or plastic gasoline containers.
- Fill the container slowly to reduce the build up of static electricity.
- Never overfill the container.
- Secure the container for transportation to avoid spills.
- Transport in ventilated areas of the vehicles, never in a closed area or trunk.
The following is an example of voluntary labeling for portable containers. It would be a good idea to clip and post this important information on or near your gasoline containers:
"Danger: Gasoline; Extremely Flammable
Vapors Can Explode;
Harmful Or Fatal If Swallowed."
And post the following instructions in case a child drinks or comes in close contact with any of the stored fuel:
- If swallowed, DO NOT induce vomiting; call a physician immediately.
- Keep out of reach of children.
- Avoid prolonged breathing of vapors.
- DO NOT siphon by mouth.
- DO NOT store in vehicle or living space.
- Store in well-ventilated area.
- Vapors can be ignited by a spark or flame source many feet away.
- Keep away from flame, pilot light, stoves, heaters, electric motors and other sources of ignition.
- Keep container closed.
(Dwight Barnett is a certified master inspector with the American Society of Home Inspectors. Write to him with home-improvement questions at PO Box 268, Evansville, IN 47702 or send him e-mail at d.barnett@insightbb.com.)
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