Most people are accustomed to pumping gas into their cars, lawnmowers, boats, and generators or storing it for later use. Gas is used for so many things that it is easy to take for granted. Many people also take proper gasoline storage and safety procedures for granted.
Gas is an incredibly flammable liquid that can catch fire with the slightest spark. This fuel is corrosive and can eventually leak its way out of most storage containers. Also, the fumes are dangerous to humans and animals alike. Gas fumes can overpower an individual and cause blackouts or brain damage. These combined qualities mean that it is vital for anyone handling gasoline to know the proper safety procedures associated with the storage of this fuel.
Handling gasoline
Gasoline, as stated above, is incredibly combustible. Be very careful when you are handling gas to avoid spills. If a spill does occur, clean it up immediately. You can use something that will absorb the fuel like cat litter or corn starch. Once the gasoline has soaked up, contact your local fire department. The fire department can instruct you on the proper safety procedures to dispose of the soaked up gas.
Handle gasoline only in well ventilated rooms or outdoors to avoid the negative effects of the fumes. If you do handle gas outdoors, make sure you lay down a tarp or do the work on concrete. This fuel can seep into the soil, which leaves it vulnerable to catching fire. If a large amount is spilled, it could even contaminate groundwater and sicken both you and nearby animals.
Safe gasoline storage containers
You may be tempted to use the same storage containers as you would for any other liquid to store your gasoline, but this is a mistake. Because of its dangerous qualities, storing gas in the wrong tank could cause a leak or even heat the gas and cause an explosion.
There are many different storage containers available, but gasoline requires specific protections. You should only use gas storage containers that have been reviewed by recognized testing authorities, like the Underwriters Laboratories. These containers are specially designed to hold gasoline.
Storing gas in underground storage tanks
The federal government regulates the storage of gasoline underground. People who use underground storage tanks must ensure that no overfilling occurs and that all refills are monitored. You, as the owner of the gas, must observe the refill to ensure that it complies with the law. If a spill does occur, owners of the underground tanks are responsible for reporting the spill and cleaning it up. Underground storage tanks are typically used by gas stations and other businesses, but certain rural homes may find this method of storage advantageous. Storing gas underground puts it out of the way and is relatively safe, if proper safety procedures are followed.
Safe gasoline storage locations
If you are using a standard above-ground container, then there are some restrictions on where you can store that gas container. For example, you must keep the containers out of direct sunlight and away from objects that can heat up. You should also keep gasoline storage containers away from furnaces, heaters, ovens, and other objects that generate heat. Don’t forget to pay attention to heat lamps and other unconventional heat sources.
You should store gasoline containers in a dry space that is well-ventilated. Even the best fuel containers will leak fumes. These fumes are harmful to humans and animals, so ventilation is critical to ensuring that they do not gather at dangerous levels.
Finally, try not to store more than 10 gallons of gasoline at once in the same storage container. The more fuel you store, the larger the issue should something go wrong. Limiting the amount of gas you keep around is a good way to minimize potential damage.
It is important that if you ever decide to store gasoline you follow strict safety procedures. Create a regular schedule to inspect your storage container. The schedule does not need to be extensive. Take a few minutes every week to look for leaks or spills. Regular checks could mean the difference between safe gasoline storage and catastrophe.
It is important for everyone who handles gasoline to understand proper handling and storage procedures, especially if you store gasoline for a large operation. If you would like to learn more about proper storage procedures for wholesale fuel, contact the professionals at Kendrick Oil today. You can call us (800) 299-3991 or Contact Us by email for more information about our products and services. We have locations in Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, and Louisiana.
