29 Mar Gasoline

Gasoline Safety

Gasoline is a useful fuel, but it is also highly flammable and potentially deadly when handled improperly. Gasoline can cause fires, explosions, chemical exposure, and environmental contamination. Anyone who handles, transfers, stores, or uses gasoline must understand its hazards and follow safe work practices.

Gasoline Hazards

Gasoline itself does not burn—the vapors released by gasoline burn. These vapors can ignite rapidly and explosively.

Important gasoline hazards include:

• Gasoline vapors are highly flammable.
• Vapors are heavier than air and can travel along floors or the ground and collect in pits, drains, trenches, basements, and other low areas.
• Vapors can travel considerable distances and ignite when they reach an ignition source, causing fire to flash back to the gasoline.
• Sparks, static electricity, cigarettes, open flames, electrical equipment, hot surfaces, and other ignition sources can ignite gasoline vapors.
• Gasoline can irritate the skin and eyes and should not be allowed to remain on the body or clothing.
• Breathing gasoline vapors can be harmful, particularly in poorly ventilated areas.
• Gasoline contains hazardous substances, including benzene.
• Never use gasoline as a cleaning solvent.

Avoid prolonged or repeated skin contact. If gasoline contacts the skin or eyes, follow the first-aid instructions on the Safety Data Sheet (SDS).

Storage

Gasoline must be stored in approved containers and in accordance with applicable fire-safety requirements.

• Use only approved safety cans or containers designed for gasoline.
• Clearly identify containers as containing gasoline.
• Keep containers closed when not in use.
• Protect containers from physical damage and excessive heat.
• Store gasoline away from open flames, sparks, hot work, smoking, and other ignition sources.
• Do not store gasoline in unauthorized containers such as glass bottles, beverage containers, or ordinary plastic containers.
• Keep gasoline storage areas properly ventilated and free of combustible waste.
• Observe required limits on the quantity of gasoline that may be stored in a work area.

Never assume an empty gasoline container is safe. An empty container may contain a flammable mixture of gasoline vapor and air and can be extremely dangerous.

Do not cut, weld, grind, drill, or perform other hot work on an empty gasoline container unless it has been properly prepared for such work under an approved procedure.

Transferring and Dispensing Gasoline

Use particular caution when transferring gasoline because vapors may be released and static electricity can provide an ignition source.

• Shut down engines and other ignition sources before fueling.
• Allow hot equipment to cool when necessary before refueling.
• Do not smoke or permit open flames in fueling areas.
• Transfer gasoline only in properly ventilated areas away from ignition sources.
• Use approved pumps, hoses, nozzles, and containers.
• Never use your mouth to siphon gasoline.
• Prevent overfilling and leave appropriate expansion space in portable containers.
• Keep the dispensing nozzle in contact with the container opening when required to control static electricity.
• Use required bonding and grounding procedures when transferring flammable liquids between applicable containers or systems.
• Replace caps and close valves when fueling is complete.

Spill Prevention and Response

Prevent spills whenever gasoline is handled or transferred.

If a spill occurs:

• Stop the source if this can be done safely.
• Eliminate ignition sources.
• Keep employees and the public away from the affected area.
• Do not start vehicles, electrical equipment, or other equipment that could ignite accumulated vapors.
• Use appropriate spill-control materials and follow the site’s spill-response procedures.
• Prevent gasoline from entering drains, waterways, soil, or other environmentally sensitive areas.
• Report the spill as required by company procedures.
• Dispose of gasoline-contaminated absorbents and materials properly.

Large or uncontrolled spills should be handled only by personnel who are trained and equipped for the response.

Personal Protection

Wear PPE appropriate for the task and exposure potential. Depending on the work, this may include:

• Safety glasses or chemical splash goggles.
• Appropriate chemical-resistant gloves.
• Protective clothing and footwear.
• Additional PPE identified by the SDS or workplace hazard assessment.

Immediately remove clothing that becomes significantly contaminated with gasoline and follow appropriate decontamination procedures. Wash exposed skin thoroughly.

Fire Safety

Know the location of appropriate fire extinguishers and emergency equipment before handling gasoline.

If gasoline ignites, do not attempt to fight the fire unless you are trained and authorized, the fire is small and controllable, you have the correct extinguisher, and you have a clear escape route.

For a significant or rapidly spreading fire, sound the alarm, evacuate the area, and contact emergency responders in accordance with the site’s Emergency Action Plan.

Remember

Gasoline becomes dangerous when its vapors encounter an ignition source. Control the vapors, eliminate ignition sources, use approved containers, prevent static discharge, and clean up spills safely. Never become complacent simply because gasoline is commonly used.