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Garages - Fuel Safety

What should I do when receiving fuel from the delivery truck? Do not allow smoking, flames, sparks or other sources of ignition near the fuel storage and handling areas.

What should I do when receiving fuel from the delivery truck?

context Do not allow smoking, flames, sparks or other sources of ignition near the fuel storage and handling areas. Gas vapours are heavier than air and will drift to lower areas, away from the source. It is the vapour, not the liquid, which burns.
context Follow the safety recommendations of your fuel supplier and the equipment manufacturer during a fuel delivery.
context Report fuel spills according to environmental, and health and safety regulations.
context Use absorbent materials to clean up and prevent the spill from spreading.
context Position the fuel delivery truck so that it does not interfere with the movement of other vehicles.
context Make sure that fuels are delivered into the correct tank.
context Check the levels in the tank to determine the quantity needed before receiving commercial delivery.
context Check the area around the vents of the receiving tanks for possible ignition sources.
context Connect grounding and bonding cables as needed to reduce the build-up of static electricity.
context Observe the vents during delivery for proper operation. Stop delivery if fuel is being ejected.
context Have the driver stay near the truck flow valve while the fuel flows into the storage tank in case there is a need for an emergency shut-off.
context Reinstall the fill and gauge caps.
context Mark gauge and fill caps clearly to indicate the fuel type.
context Open caps only during filling and gauging to minimize the release of fuel vapours.
context If a fire starts, do not remove the hoses or nozzles. Leave the area immediately. Alert others to do the same. Call the fire department.

What are some safety tips for handling fuel?

Remember, gasoline vapours are flammable, are heavier than air, and can travel long distances to an ignition source.

requirement Only store the minimum amount of gasoline needed.
requirement Use only approved portable containers (e.g., CSA or ULC approved).
requirement Store containers at room temperature, away from sources of heat or ignition (e.g., sun, furnace, hot water tank, portable heaters, sparks, flames, etc.), and in a well-ventilated area.
requirement Ground and bond containers or tanks as needed.
requirement Never siphon gasoline by mouth. It is harmful and may cause death if swallowed. If ingested, do not induce vomiting. Get medical help immediately.
requirement Do not smoke or allow sources of ignition.
requirement Avoid prolonged or repeated skin contact with fuel. Wash skin thoroughly with soap and water in case of contact.
requirement Avoid breathing in vapours or mists.
requirement Remove any clothing that is wet with fuel. Allow fuel to evaporate completely outdoors before washing. Thoroughly clean clothing before reuse.
requirement Never use gasoline as a cleaning agent.

What should I do when fueling vehicles?

context Refer to the vehicle's operating manual for special instructions.
context Identify and know how to operate emergency fuel cut-offs.
context Know the location of and how to operate fire extinguishers.
context Always shut off an engine while fueling.
context Remove twists and small loops in the fuel delivery hose. These kinks can cause the hose to fail or catch on bumpers as vehicles move around the pump islands.
context Insert the delivery hose nozzle firmly into the fill pipe of the vehicle. Maintain contact with the tank until the delivery is complete to reduce the possibility of static electricity sparking.
context Avoid spills by not over-filling the tank.
context Reinstall the cap on the fill pipe when delivery is complete. Hang the hose in place on the pump.
context Fill motorcycles slowly to prevent fuel from spilling and making contact with the hot engine.
context Do not use the gas cap or other objects to hold the fuel delivery nozzle open.

How do I fill a portable gas container?

context Turn off all sources of ignition (engine, lawn mower, etc.).
context Use only approved portable containers (e.g., CSA or ULC approved).
context Place the container on the ground.
context Keep the fuel nozzle in contact with the container to avoid static electricity.
context Avoid breathing vapours while filling.
context Fill the container slowly.
context Do not over-fill a container. Leave 5% extra space to allow for expansion.

Before work is done on a fuel tank, what should I do?

Clean and test the tank to make sure that it is free of any flammable fuel or vapours before doing hot work on the tank. Verify with air testing. When possible, replace the fuel tank rather than repair it. Repair tanks only in specialized shops by qualified personnel. If the vehicle tank leaks:

context Disconnect the battery and remove or turn off ignition sources before draining the tank.
context Drain tanks only in well-ventilated areas, preferably outdoors.
context Drain the fuel into containers that are approved for use with flammable liquids.
context Do not drain gasoline tanks over or near inspection pits.
context Use approved siphoning equipment to remove fuel. Do not use a hose.
context If the fuel tank is removed from the vehicle or if welding will be carried out near the fuel lines, make sure that the lines are drained and the vapours are purged from the lines before the welding activities are started.
context Keep vehicle outdoors.
context Ground and bond the vehicle to a proper siphon tank.
context Pump out the remaining fuel into an approved container.
context Contain and clean up the spill.