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Portable Fuel Container Safety Tips

Portable fuel containers are designed to hold gasoline and other fuels when they have to be transported from one place to another. Even though the containers are designed to hold gasoline, there are still many dangers that can occur around the highly flammable liquid. When using portable fuel containers there are many safety precautions that should be taken to avoid dangerous fires or explosions.

  1. Containers

    • Portable gas containers should always be made from approved materials. Plastic and metal containers can be used to hold fuel. Glass should never be used. You should also never place fuel or oil inside containers not designed to hold fuel. Fuel containers are designed to reduce the possibility of fire and static electricity sparks.

    Funnels

    • Plastic funnels should not be used to fill fuel containers. Plastic can cause static electricity sparks which can ignite fuel and cause an explosion. Always use a metal funnel instead. Metal funnels will provide electrical continuity rather than friction.

    Filling

    • When filling fuel containers, always place them on the ground. This reduces the chance for static electricity sparks. It also helps prevent fires or explosions that may occur from gasoline spill-off from vehicles or other high surfaces. Always turn off the engine of your car when filling portable containers with fuel. Never use your mouth as a siphon.

    Storing

    • Full fuel containers should never be left inside vehicles or in the back of trucks. Keep fuel containers away from living spaces and electricity or power generating equipment such as water heaters, stoves, heaters and vehicles.

    Static Electricity

    • Static electricity is one of the worst enemies of gas and other fuels. Because so many things can create static this is always a danger especially when filling portable containers. Make sure to keep in full contact with the gas line when filling the portable container. Wear shoes with conductive soles such as rubber. Keep the fuel dispenser nozzle in contact with the lip of the container that you are filling at all times. Do not get in and out of your car during the fueling process.

    Fire

    • If the fuel does catch fire, there are some reactionary measures that can be taken to reduce the level of danger. If a spark starts a fire in the container, do not move away. The movement will cause the air to shift and can cause the fuel to explode. Notify the employees at the location where you are that a fire has started. Cover the fuel container with a fireproof blanket or use a fire extinguisher to eliminate the flames. Never try to put out a gas fire by blowing.

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