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Gasoline Storage Requirements

Storing gasoline properly to prevent injury and damage is important. Damages from gasoline leaks or spills can include explosion, or blisters, skin, eye and upper respiratory tract irritation from benzene exposure. Knowing and practicing gasoline storage requirements also helps prevent ground-level ozone, which the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers "bad" ozone--the most hazardous smog pollution connected to a list of respiratory problems.

  1. Gas Cans

    • Portable fuel containers (PFCs) represents another name for gas cans. Only use nationally recognized tested cans from labs like Underwriters Laboratories (UL). These gas cans hold up to 10 gallons and can be used and reused for transporting, receiving, pouring or storing fuel. Think about purchasing improved gas cans, which have spill-proof spouts and does not let gas fumes escape through the plastic. Since old gas cans cause gas to evaporate, improved gas cans save fuel and also prevent gasoline exposure caused by accidental spills.

    Locations

    • Always keep your gasoline stored in a garage or shed with proper ventilation, such as open windows and vents. The garage or shed should also be dry and cool. Your basement would not be a good location for gasoline storage, because the vapors from the gas will collect in the room. Keep the gasoline stored on the garage floor to avoid any spilling. If you do spill some gasoline, soak it up using an absorbent towel or saw dust. Never store gasoline in the trunk of your car to prevent your gas can from exploding from bumping around or from heat.

    Leftover Gasoline

    • Attempt to use all of the remaining gasoline in your equipment, such as the lawn mower, by the end of the season by letting the engine burn up what the tank still contains. Pour any leftover gasoline in the gas can into your car. If you try to store this gasoline for a long time, it can get gummy in the gas container or engine from dirt, condensation of water and rust.

      Use old gasoline you may have stored away by letting any water you see in the gas container settle to the bottom of the container. Pour this gasoline into another container, but leave the water behind. Allow this water and any traces of gasoline in the container evaporate outdoors. Pour the old gasoline back into the now empty container. Make certain you dispose of your old gasoline if you cannot use it, by taking it to a hazardous waste collection site in your area. Never pour gasoline on the ground or down the drain. This action contaminates the soil and water supply.

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