27 Jun Gasoline Safety – Know the Facts

Gasoline Safety – Know the Facts

Gasoline is one of the most commonly used flammable liquids at work and at home. Because it is so familiar, it can be easy to underestimate its hazards. Gasoline is extremely flammable, and improper handling, storage, or refueling can result in fire, explosion, serious injury, or harmful exposure.

Important Facts About Gasoline

Understanding how gasoline behaves can help prevent an emergency:

• Liquid gasoline does not burn—the vapors it produces burn.
• Gasoline gives off flammable vapors at very low temperatures. Its flash point is approximately -45°F (-43°C).
• Gasoline vapors are heavier than air and may collect in pits, trenches, drains, basements, and other low areas.
• Vapors can travel away from a spill or open container, reach an ignition source, and flash back to the gasoline.
• Gasoline’s approximate flammable range is 1.4% to 7.6% vapor in air.
• Ignition sources include open flames, smoking or vaping, welding and cutting, electrical sparks, hot surfaces, vehicle or equipment components, and static electricity.
• Gasoline contains hazardous substances, including benzene, a known human carcinogen. Avoid unnecessary skin contact and inhalation of gasoline vapors.

Never rely on smell alone to determine whether gasoline vapors are present at a safe concentration.

Safe Handling and Storage

When handling or storing gasoline:

• Use gasoline only for its intended purpose as a fuel. Never use it as a cleaning solvent, degreaser, or fire starter.
• Store and dispense gasoline only in approved containers or safety cans designed for flammable liquids.
• Keep containers closed when not in use.
• Clearly identify gasoline containers. Never place gasoline in beverage bottles, food containers, or other unapproved containers.
• Keep gasoline away from flames, sparks, hot surfaces, electrical ignition sources, and other sources of heat or ignition.
• Provide adequate ventilation wherever gasoline is handled or dispensed.
• Protect containers from physical damage and excessive heat.
• Clean up spills promptly according to established spill-response procedures.
• Properly dispose of gasoline-contaminated absorbents, rags, and other materials.
• Wash hands and exposed skin thoroughly after handling gasoline.

Empty gasoline containers can still be extremely hazardous. Residual gasoline and vapors may create a flammable or explosive atmosphere. Never cut, weld, grind, drill, or perform hot work on a container that has held gasoline unless it has been properly prepared under an approved procedure.

Safe Refueling Practices

Refueling creates an increased potential for fire because gasoline vapors can be released around the equipment.

When refueling:

• Shut off the engine before adding gasoline.
• Allow hot equipment to cool when necessary.
• Never smoke or vape, and keep flames, sparks, and other ignition sources away.
• Refuel outdoors or in an approved, adequately ventilated location.
• Avoid overfilling the fuel tank.
• Use approved dispensing equipment.
• Maintain required contact between the dispensing nozzle and the tank or container to help control static electricity.
• Remove portable gasoline containers from vehicles, trunks, truck beds, or similar surfaces and place them on the ground before filling.
• Replace fuel caps securely when refueling is complete.
• Inspect tanks, hoses, pumps, fittings, and fuel lines for leaks or damage.
• Report and correct fuel leaks promptly.
• Do not start equipment after a gasoline spill until the spill has been controlled and accumulated vapors have safely dissipated.

If Gasoline Is Spilled

If gasoline is spilled:

1. Stop the release if this can be done safely.
2. Keep employees and the public away from the affected area.
3. Eliminate ignition sources when this can be accomplished safely.
4. Notify your supervisor and follow the site’s spill-response procedures.
5. Prevent gasoline from entering drains, waterways, soil, or other environmentally sensitive areas.
6. Use appropriate spill-control materials and PPE.
7. Dispose of contaminated materials according to company procedures and applicable requirements.

Do not enter pits, trenches, tanks, enclosed spaces, or other low areas where gasoline vapors may have accumulated unless the atmosphere has been properly evaluated and appropriate controls are in place.

Fire Response

If gasoline catches fire, immediately follow the site’s emergency procedures.

Only attempt to extinguish a fire when you are trained and authorized, the fire is small and controllable, the correct extinguisher is available, and you have a clear escape route. Otherwise, sound the alarm, evacuate to the designated assembly area, and contact emergency responders.

Never use water directly on a gasoline fire in a manner that could spread the burning liquid.

Remember

Gasoline may be familiar, but it is never harmless. Control the vapors, eliminate ignition sources, use approved containers, prevent spills, and follow safe refueling procedures every time.