Millions of people around the world are handling flammable liquids like gasoline every single day. That means we all have a responsibility to follow safety protocols in order to prevent fires and explosions on a daily basis. This is especially true when it comes to using gas cans. Anyone can buy one, but that doesn’t mean we all know how to use it properly. Continue reading on as EZ-POUR® shares several tips relating to gas can safety.
Identifying Gas Cans by Color
One of the easiest ways to identify the purpose of a gas can is by looking at its color. Selecting the wrong type of fuel for a job can be dangerous and even damage equipment. It’s critical to know which fuel you’re handling at all times. Red containers hold gasoline, blue hold kerosene, yellow hold diesel, and green hold oil.
Transporting Gas Cans
When it’s time to fuel up, make sure to start by screwing on the cap and closing the vent. This prevents dangerous vapors and gasoline from leaking out. Next, secure the can upright in your trunk or truck bed by strapping it down with bungee cords or ratchet straps. You don’t want it to tip over while you’re on the road. Lastly, do not leave a full can of gasoline in your vehicle for an extended period of time. Take it out as soon as you return to your home or place of business.
Fueling Up at the Gas Pump
According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), fires can occur when gas cans are filled inside a vehicle or in the bed of a truck. This is due to static electricity, from the carpet or plastic liners, causing a spark that can ignite the gasoline. The safest way to fuel up a metal or plastic can is to:
- Remove the gas can from the vehicle – Fires are significant deterrents but the potential for a spill is also one.
- Place the can on the ground – Grounding the gas can removes any buildup of static electricity that resulted from your vehicle or body. Place it directly on the pavement at a safe distance away from your vehicle.
- Touch the nozzle to the can – As an extra precaution, touching the metal nozzle to the gas can will also discharge any static electricity that still remains.
- Keep the nozzle in contact with the can and fuel to 95% full – This will prevent further buildup of static electricity and leave room for the expansion and contraction of gasoline.
EZ-POUR® Spouts Make Gas Cans Safe Again
Gas cans manufactured prior to January 1, 2009 can be made safe and fully operational once again with an EZ-POUR® spout. Each kit comes with a spout and cap, ½” replacement push-in vent, flame arrester, and yellow and black base caps. These features work together to prevent fires, spills, and vapor leaks.
Buy yours online at ezpourspout.com.