Gasoline Safety Tips

Gasoline is an essential part of everyday life, but failing to use it carefully can lead to injuries, fires or other disasters. Due to its flammable nature, you should use caution when handling gasoline and store it only in safe and approved containers. The following tips will help you and your family stay safe around gasoline:

• Store gasoline in a container (of 5 gallons or less) designed for that purpose. Seal the containers tightly and handle them carefully to avoid spills.
• Always handle gasoline outdoors, in a ventilated area. When filling a container, place it on the ground and be careful not to spill gasoline.
• Clean up minor spills immediately with rags, paper or sawdust, then discard the clean-up materials in a safe container. Never dispose of the clean-up materials into toilets, drains, sewers or garbage disposals.
• For larger spills, ask your local government or hazardous waste disposal center about the safest way to dispose of spilled gasoline.
• Never store gasoline in non-reusable plastic containers or glass containers.
• Keep the containers at room temperature, if possible. Don’t fill containers completely; this will allow gasoline to expand if the temperature is high.
• Keep gasoline tanks outside the home, in a detached garage or lawn shed.
• Store gasoline at a safe distance (at least 50 feet) from heat sources, such as the sun, space heater, electrical generator, furnace or other devices.
• Allow machinery, such as a lawn mower or electrical generator, to cool off before refueling with gasoline.
• Use gasoline only as a motor fuel. Never use gasoline as a cleaning agent or as fuel for kerosene heaters or lamps. Do not mix gasoline with kerosene or diesel.
• Never smoke or ignite flames when handling gasoline.
• Do not allow children to handle gasoline; keep it out of their reach and sight.

Gasoline is one type of fuel that electrical generators use. Check out this article to learn how to use electrical generators safely.  For professional fire, water and mold restoration services, contact your local PuroClean office.