Gasoline Storage Precautions
- The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes that improper handling of gasoline can lead to explosions, fires and asphyxiation. Even small amounts of spilled gasoline can contaminate soil and groundwater, sickening both humans and animals that drink polluted water. Even at low concentrations, gasoline vapors can cause health problems in humans.
- In his 1916 book, "Gasoline and How to Use It", George Arthur Burrell says that every user should appreciate that gasoline is a dangerous, flammable substance.
Exercise great care when dealing with gasoline, including: avoid spilling gasoline; use gasoline only when adequate ventilation is present; don't wash your hands with gasoline; never fill a leaking container; and never overfill a container. Also, never allow an open flame or spark near where gasoline is being used. - The EPA's Web site describes precautions for owners and operators of underground storage tanks (UST). Federal regulations under 40 CFR Section 280.30 require that UST owners and operators ensure that releases of gasoline do not occur due to spillage or overfilling by ensuring that the volume available in the tank is greater than the volume of gasoline product to be transferred to the tank. Transfers must be constantly monitored. Section 280.30 also requires that UST owners and operators report, investigate and clean up any spills in accordance with Section 280.53.
The EPA Web site also offers safe storage and use advice for patrons at filling stations, homeowners and boat owners, echoing Burrell's advice and adding that users should: never start a siphon by mouth; always turn off engines before filling with gasoline; avoid spilling even a few ounces of gasoline on the ground or in the water; and only store gasoline in approved storage containers. - Approved gasoline storage containers are usually red in color and are marked "gasoline". The Alliance for Proper Gasoline Handling recommends using only containers approved by a recognized testing authority, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL). Gasoline should be stored with the cap in place and tightly sealed. Use containers with spouts to minimize spills and the release of vapors.
- The Alliance for Proper Gasoline Handling recommends storing gasoline out of direct sunlight and in a cool, dry place with adequate ventilation. Store at ground level to avoid the danger of falling and spilling. The Alliance recommends that no more than ten gallons of gasoline be stored at any one time, and that gasoline not be stored in the trunk of a car, as there is a risk of explosion from heat and impact.
- Many people believe that "inflammable" is the opposite of "flammable". According to Mirriam-Webster's Online Dictionary, inflammable actually means the same as flammable. The opposite of flammable is non-flammable.