Gasoline Safety Toolbox Talk

Gasoline Safety Talk

Gasoline is a common thing to be kept in work sheds, garages, or other places in your home. The same goes for various reasons at different places of work, depending on what they do. The way that it is stored and used is very important to be taken seriously.

There have been many instances where fires have occurred due to accidents and improper storage. The National Fire Protection Association have recorded some statistics on gasoline instances that have occurred over the years:

• $450M+ Property Damage

• Several Thousand Injuries Requiring Hospital Visits

• 500 Fire Deaths

• 6,000+ Home Fires

Characteristics Of Gasoline

It is important to have canisters of gasoline properly marked so they are not mistaken for anything else. Most of the time it can be distinctly identified by smelling it, but it is better to be safe than sorry. The look of it can be deceiving and mistaken very easily, it is clear with an iridescent look.

Gasoline is not something that should ever be played around with or not used with extreme caution. It is extremely flammable and its vapors can travel, and a fire can be ignited in the blink of an eye. Gasoline is a volatile substance and its vapors are much denser than air.

Safety Tips For Gasoline

When you are handling gasoline in the workplace or at your home, you should always handle it with responsibility and caution. There are safety measures put into place for a reason and they should always be followed. The safety of yourself is at risk as well as those around you. Some safety tips that you should keep in mind are:

Never Throw A Gas Container That's On Fire

If you happen to be holding a container of gas and it ignites, you should ever throw the can or swat at it with your hand. The whole process should remain calm, as much as possible. When people get nervous, they tend to not think clearly and make the best decisions.

Calming set the container of gasoline down and back away. If you cannot put out the fire yourself safely, or if it is growing too quickly for you to handle it, contact emergency personnel immediately. If you can remain calm, you’re more likely to avoid injuries to yourself or those around you.

Use Correctly

Incorrect usage of gasoline can result in injuries to either yourself or those around you. It is not a good idea to use gasoline for things other than what it is intended to do. Be responsible when handling dangerous substances and think about those around you. Never use gasoline for things like:

• Solvents

• Cleaners

• Accelerants

• Degreasers

• Weed killer

Gasoline is used as a liquid to make things run, such as:

• Cars

• Lawn mowers

• Motorcycles

• Work equipment

• Golf carts

• Weed eaters

Always Store Away From Ignition Sources

The usage of gasoline near areas that have the potential for starting a fire is not safe. As mentioned above, the vapors of gasoline are denser than air and can travel. If you are near an open fire and pouring gasoline into a container, you are at high risk of starting a dangerous situation. Always use caution and be aware of your surroundings.

Use Approved and Labeled Containers

When you are storing gasoline at work or at your home, there is no reason to have large quantities of it at all times. At home, you are normally only using it for lawnmowers, weed eaters, and maybe your kids’ go-kart. It is okay to keep a few canisters of it for use in approved containers and properly labeled.

When you are at work, storing gasoline should always be in approved containers and labeled. If a work environment is storing gasoline, most likely it is needed regularly, so you may keep larger quantities at one time. Only keep on hand what is needed, you can avoid major problems this way.

Use Proper PPE

When you are handling gasoline and having to transfer it or fill containers, you should always use the proper PPE. Again, gasoline is a very volatile substance and should be handled with extreme care. The proper PPE that should be worn is:

• Chemical gloves

• Flame retardant clothing

• Safety glasses

Be Aware of Improper Storage

Being responsible in the workplace is very important. That is not only for your health and safety but for those around you as well. If you notice that gasoline is being improperly stored or in a container that isn’t labeled, notify the upper hand.

It could be a mistake that was made or something that was just innocently missed. Making sure that your work environment is always safe and following the regulations put into place is very important. Workplace accidents and injuries can be avoided if proper attention is paid to safety regulations.

Safety Hazards Of Gasoline

When you work in a place that has hazardous substances on-site, it makes it that much more important to always follow the safety guidelines that have been put into place. There is a reason that all rules are made and why they should be followed. Here are some of the safety concerns with gasoline and the contents of BTEX:

• Irritation to nose and throat from smelling fumes

• Nauseous and vomiting

• Dizziness and headache

• Trouble breathing and loss of consciousness

If anyone in the workplace is experiencing any of these symptoms, immediate help should be given. When you are feeling these symptoms the best thing to do is notify your supervisor and visit medical services if you have that service on-site. If not, then seek emergency services.