Gasoline Safety
Tips on the safe use of gasoline to prevent fires and burns.
Gasoline is so much a part of our lives that we don’t think about how very dangerous and flammable this substance is.
Safety tips
- If you need to carry or store gasoline, use an approved container. Keep the container in a secure, upright position away from passenger areas, such as in a trunk or pick-up bed. Make sure that fill and vent openings are tightly closed.
- At home, store gas containers in a secure place, away from living areas, such as in a locked shed or detached garage, and away from ignition sources like pilot lights.
- Keep gasoline away from heat, sparks and flames. A spark or lit cigarette is enough to light gas fumes that linger on clothing.
- Keep gasoline away from children. Children between the ages of 10 and 14 were almost twice as likely to get in trouble with gasoline and suffer burns as people of other ages.
- Stop, drop, cover and roll if you are on fire.
- Turn off your car when you get gas. Don’t leave fueling unattended. Don’t wait in the car. Do not stick the gas cap into the nozzle. At self-service stations, remember to put the nozzle back and your gas cap on before leaving.
- When refilling an approved gas container, place it on the ground, insert the pump nozzle, and bring it into contact with the inside of the container. This will reduce the risk of static electricity igniting the vapors.
More information can be found here.
https://www.mass.gov/fire-safety-for-the-public
