Flammables and Explosives Safety Tips

Storing Gasoline and Other Flammables-University of Tennessee

Timothy G. Prather

Many of us must store some gasoline around our homes to operate lawnmowers, tillers, chainsaws and so on. But if stored improperly, a fire or explosion could result, destroying the house and causing injury or death. Gasoline is a product designed to fuel internal combustion engines. It is a highly volatile liquid, and its vapors can be ignited easily by a spark, flame or other hot object. When mixed with air in the right proportions, the vapor of one cup of gasoline has the explosive power of about five pounds of dynamite, enough destructive force to destroy any house or car.

Of course there are other dangers which can be presented by the improper handling and storage of gasoline and other flammable materials, such as using these materials in the wrong engine or appliance and poisoning. Let's look into some safe ways to handle and store gasoline.

PROPER CONTAINERS

How many times have you seen people pumping gasoline into milk jugs and the like and then putting it in the trunk of the car or the back of the truck to haul it home? Have you ever wondered how they make it home without setting the vehicle on fire, or how they keep the house from burning days later when the fuel expands, possibly rupturing the jug or blowing the top off? Milk jugs, anti-freeze jugs, glass containers and many 'gas cans' are not suitable for carrying or storing gasoline. 

Fuel Storage - Annual Permit

Unless otherwise exempt by CMR 527 (Board of Fire Prevention Regulations), a permit is required by any owner, tenant, lesee, or business to store and use flammable liquids and gases. If the quantities exceed the permitted amounts set forth in CMR 527, then a license is required to be obtained by the owner of the property where the flammables are stored or used (MGL 148 Section 13).

Hazardous Materials

Hazardous materials are any substances that, because of quantity, concentration, physical or chemical characteristics, pose a significant present or potential hazard to human health and safety or to the environment if released. Hazardous materials also include hazardous waste.

Hazardous materials that exhibit physical hazards include:

* Blasting agents

* Explosives

* Combustibles and flammables (gases, liquids, and solids)

* Compressed gases

* Cryogenic fluids

* Oxidizers

* Pyrophoric substances

* Reactive substances

* Water-reactive substances

Household Hazardous Waste

The purpose of this Web page is to provide guidance and information concerning proper waste management practices for household products that contain hazardous chemicals.

Safety Programs:

Flammables and Explosives Safety Training