Safely Fill and Transport Gasoline Using a Gas Can
Due to the volatile nature of gas, certain procedures for handling and transporting gasoline should be utilized to ensure the safety of nearby people and buildings. Fire, combustion, and illness due to inhalation are a few of the potentially tragic consequences of gasoline. Anywhere there is gas, there is potential for danger, but you can reduce risk of tragedy by paying attention to potential hazards and taking precaution when filling gas cans.
Contents
Steps
How to Fill a Gas Can Safely
- Do not smoke anywhere near the gas pump or gas can.
- Turn off your vehicle's engine.
- Make sure your container is made to hold gasoline. Approved gas cans are red and have a marking stating their intended use for gasoline.
- Discharge static electricity. Static electricity can build up and cause a spark, igniting the gas fumes. Release any static electricity in your body collected from being in the car by touching a metal part of the car, possibly the car door, as you exit the vehicle.
- Remove the gas can from your vehicle prior to filling it. Never fill a gas can that is located inside a vehicle or in the bed of a truck. The can is not grounded from electrical charge if it is in a vehicle. Bed liners and mats in truck beds negate the grounding of static charges.
- Place the can on the ground at a safe distance from moving or parked vehicles and people.
- Touch the gas pump nozzle to the side of the can, never touch it first to rim of the gas can opening. If there is a spark, you don't want it at the opening where it could ignite fumes in the can.
- Fill the can slowly to prevent splashing and overflow. Do not set the lock latch on the pump handle. Pay attention and pull the trigger manually.
- Do not fill the can all the way to the top. Leave a couple inches of space for fume expansion due to temperature changes. This will also help thwart spills and overflow.
- Secure the cap tightly.
- Wipe off the outside of the can before you put it in your vehicle. If you do not have a cloth, look for one provided by the gas station at the window washing station.
How to Safely Transport Gas Cans
- Take steps to prevent gas spills in your vehicle. Make sure all caps and vent caps are on correctly and tightened. Sit the can upright. Secure gas cans so they can not move.
- Leave gas cans in your vehicle for as short a time as possible. Make sure the area is not enclosed. Open windows to keep the space well ventilated. Do not leave gas cans in the trunk or inside the riding area of a vehicle.
- Keep gas cans away from sources of heat, even the sun, and spark.
- Protect children and loved ones from the harmful fumes of gasoline. Gas cans should not be placed on the seat beside people. Secure the cans as far from people's faces as possible. Children should never be left in an enclosed vehicle with a gas can.
