07 Jul Flammable Liquids – Gasoline

Flammable Liquids – Gasoline

Gasoline is one of the most commonly used flammable liquids, and that familiarity can cause workers to underestimate its hazards. Gasoline is highly volatile, readily ignitable, and capable of producing dangerous vapor concentrations at normal working temperatures.

The greatest fire hazard is generally not the liquid itself, but the vapors released from the gasoline. Understanding how these vapors behave is essential to preventing fires, explosions, and harmful exposures.

Understand the Hazards

Keep these important facts in mind when working with or around gasoline:

• Gasoline vapors, not the liquid itself, burn.
• Gasoline has a very low flash point, approximately -45°F (-43°C), meaning it can produce ignitable vapors under virtually all normal workplace conditions.
• Gasoline vapors are heavier than air and can accumulate in pits, trenches, drains, sewers, basements, and other low areas.
• Vapors can travel considerable distances and reach an ignition source, causing the flame to flash back to the gasoline source.
• Gasoline vapors mixed with air can create a flammable or explosive atmosphere.
• Ignition sources can include open flames, cigarettes, sparks, electrical equipment, hot surfaces, welding and cutting operations, and static-electricity discharges.
• Gasoline contains hazardous substances, including benzene, and unnecessary skin contact and vapor inhalation should be avoided.

Never rely on your sense of smell to determine whether an area is safe.

Safe Handling Practices

When handling or using gasoline:

• Use gasoline only for its intended purpose as a fuel.
• Never use gasoline as a cleaning solvent, degreaser, or fire starter.
• Keep gasoline away from flames, sparks, hot surfaces, and other ignition sources.
• Do not smoke or permit smoking near gasoline storage, dispensing, or refueling operations.
• Use gasoline only in adequately ventilated areas.
• Avoid breathing gasoline vapors.
• Avoid unnecessary skin and eye contact.
• Wash thoroughly after handling gasoline and before eating, drinking, or smoking.
• Clean up spills promptly using the company’s approved spill-response procedures.
• Never pour gasoline into drains, sewers, onto the ground, or into unauthorized containers.

Approved Containers and Storage

Gasoline must be stored and handled in containers suitable and approved for the intended use.

• Use approved safety cans or other approved containers as required by applicable regulations.
• Clearly identify containers and keep them properly closed when not in use.
• Never store gasoline in beverage bottles, food containers, glass jars, or other unapproved containers.
• Protect containers from damage and excessive heat.
• Store gasoline only in designated areas away from ignition sources.
• Keep only the quantities necessary for the work being performed.
• Report damaged, leaking, or improperly labeled containers immediately.

Refueling Equipment

Before refueling gasoline-powered equipment:

1. Shut down the engine or equipment.
2. Follow manufacturer and company refueling procedures.
3. Allow hot equipment to cool when necessary to prevent ignition.
4. Eliminate smoking, open flames, and other ignition sources.
5. Use approved fuel containers and dispensing equipment.
6. Avoid overfilling the tank and promptly address spills.
7. Replace the fuel cap securely before restarting the equipment.
8. Move portable equipment away from the fueling area before restarting when required.

Never refuel gasoline-powered equipment while the engine is running unless the equipment is specifically designed and approved for that procedure.

Static Electricity

Static electricity can provide enough energy to ignite gasoline vapors.

When transferring or dispensing gasoline, use required bonding and grounding procedures and approved equipment. Avoid practices that could generate static electricity or sparks in areas where gasoline vapors may be present.

Spills and Leaks

If gasoline is spilled or leaking:

• Stop work and eliminate ignition sources when it can be done safely.
• Keep unauthorized personnel away.
• Notify the supervisor.
• Ventilate the area when appropriate and safe.
• Follow the company’s spill-response procedures.
• Use appropriate PPE and approved absorbent or spill-control materials.
• Do not enter an area where dangerous vapor concentrations may exist unless properly trained, authorized, and equipped.

Large or uncontrolled releases should be treated as an emergency and handled according to the site’s Emergency Action Plan.

Health Hazards

Gasoline exposure can occur through inhalation, skin or eye contact, or accidental ingestion. Excessive vapor exposure may cause symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, or irritation.

Review the applicable Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before working with gasoline and follow its requirements for PPE, handling, storage, first aid, and emergency response.

If an employee develops symptoms of significant exposure, move the person away from the exposure without placing yourself in danger and obtain appropriate medical assistance.

Remember

Gasoline is common, but it is not harmless. Its vapors can travel, accumulate in low areas, and ignite suddenly from a distant spark or flame. Use approved containers, control ignition sources, provide adequate ventilation, follow safe refueling procedures, and never use gasoline as a cleaning solvent.