Safety Tips for Storing Gasoline
Gas occupies much of our lives every day from driving a car to mowing the lawn. Gasoline is usually only used for its intended purpose and must only be stored in your home when there is no alternative. If you need to store gasoline, takes precautions to do so in a safe and responsible manner.
Only approved containers
The most important thing when storing gasoline around the house is doing in safely in containers approved by local authorities, not in glass or plastic reusable ones. Also, you should not store gasoline in recyclable bottles from milk or soft drinks. Gasoline should be stored in red containers to distinguish it from kerosene (blue) and diesel (yellow). This color code should be used at all times, as it makes each fuel recognizable at a glance.
Do not overfill the containers
When filling a container with gasoline, you should only fill to about 95% of its capacity. If the container is stored in a warm place, liquid gasoline will evaporate into gas, causing the contents of the container to expand. If the fuel does not have the extra space 5%, the potential of the expansion stroke gasoline or deformed container, and this possibly breaking. Because of this expansion, it is also important to seal all containers tightly with a tight fitting lid. This will prevent spills and toxic fumes from escaping.
Select the ideal location
If you must store gasoline at home, you should do it in the garage or tool shed, out of reach of children. The gasoline fumes are toxic and ingestion of liquid can be lethal, as an extremely flammable liquid fuel must be stored away from direct sunlight, heaters, furnaces and electric points where an accidental spark could ignite the container.
Follow all the rules and regulations
When you decide to store gasoline at home, be sure to check with local authorities to identify the rules in your area for storing gasoline. The amount that can be stored on personal property may vary depending on where you live, but generally you’re allowed to store a small amount for use in lawn mowers and other small engines.
