Gasoline: What You Don’t Know Can Kill You

Gasoline gives off potentially explosive vapors that are heavier than air.  These vapors can flow along the floor or even down stairs.  The following are 12 basic gasoline safety tips.

1. Don’t use gasoline to clean paintbrushes.  Any hardware store sells paint-removing solvents that clean better than gasoline and are much safer.
2. Don’t store it in an improper or unlabeled container.  Never keep gasoline in a glass bottle. Use a safety can designed for gasoline storage.  A safety can has a broad base that makes it difficult to tip over and a spring-loaded cap that helps prevent the release of flammable vapors.  Look for the UL or FM label on the container.
3. Don’t smoke while working around gasoline.  Remember, it is the gasoline vapors that are flammable and these can be ignited by a distant flame or spark.
4. Don’t store gasoline near an ignition source.  Water heaters are a common ignition source for gasoline fires.  The best place to store gasoline is somewhere separate from the living area, such as a detached garage or shed.
5. Don’t use gasoline to wash floors or strip wax; using it for this purpose can lead to a hazardous buildup of explosive vapors.
6. Don’t activate any electrical switches (lights, motors, etc) if you smell gasoline.  Gasoline vapors need only the smallest spark to ignite, and the arc from an electric switch or motor is enough.  Ventilate the area if you smell gasoline, but don’t create any ignition sources.
7. Don’t mistake it for something else.  Gasoline should always be stored in a properly marked safety can out of reach of those who are too young to read and heed labels.  Keep only a small amount on hand, enough for your immediate needs.
8. Don’t use gasoline to clean clothes.  Gasoline is fuel, not a cleaner.  Gasoline-soaked clothes have caused washing machines to explode.
9. Don’t start a fire with gasoline.  Flames can travel up to the can and cause an explosion.
10. Don’t leave a gasoline container uncapped.  Gasoline produces flammable vapors so readily that an uncapped container can be a hazard.  Vapors are formed whenever gasoline is stored in tanks and cans, lawn mowers, and motorcycles.
11. Don’t use gasoline in a kerosene heater.  It will burn out of control if used in a kerosene heater.  Never store gasoline in cans that might be confused with other fuel containers.
12. Don’t refuel your lawn mower, snowblower, or any gasoline-powered device while the motor is hot.  Always shut off the motor and let it cool before refueling.  Fill fuel tanks outside so vapor won’t build up inside a building or shed.  Tanks should be emptied if gasoline-powered vehicles or tools will be stored for any lengthy period of time.