Handling Gasoline- Tool Box Talks

 Please use caution when handling. Gasoline is extremely dangerous, and here is why:

-Its vapors can ignite at the surface at a temperature of 45F.

-Its lower explosive limit is 1.4% volume of vapor in air.  Vapors can travel significant distances and collect in low places.

-Gasoline is only 75% as dense as water; therefore it will float on top of water. Water is useless as a fire fighting material because it will spread burning gasoline, not smother it.  Use a fire extinguisher to extinguish the fire.

-Other hazards often overlooked are health risks caused by inhaling the vapors or absorbing the liquid through the skin.  Inhaling gasoline vapors causes depression of the central nervous system, like alcohol intoxication.  Its solvent action on the skin can lead to contact dermatitis.

Gasoline Safety Tips

-Use gasoline only as a motor fuel.  It is too dangerous to use as a cleaning solvent or fire starter.

-Handle gasoline for refueling small equipment only in OSHA approved flammable liquid safety containers equipped with quick closing lids.

-Eliminate all sources a vapor ignition.  NO SMOKING!  Avoid static electricity buildup.  Keep any portable containers on the ground (not the back of a vehicle) when refueling.  Touch the dispensing hose to the fuel tank being filled before pouring or pumping gasoline.

-Do not refuel equipment while is it running.  Shut off the engine and allow hot metal surfaces to cool enough so that you can touch them.

-Make sure you do not overfill the tank.

Keep portable fire extinguishers near flammable liquid storage areas.  Do not breathe gasoline vapors unnecessarily.  Keep containers and fuel tanks at least arm’s length away.  If your clothing becomes saturated with gasoline, remove it immediately.  Contaminated clothing should be air dried before laundering.

This information was provided by:

Mark Horn LEED AP BD+C
A. Horn, Inc.
mason contractor

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