Helpful Resources
Fire Discharge Safety
Portable fuel containers are one of the leading causes of static-caused fires - gasoline fumes are volatile. Static electricity can create a spark that could cause a fire, if it’s near gasoline fumes.
Every time you pump gasoline, a charge of electricity builds up on gasoline as it flows through a pipe or hose and this charge takes anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes to dissipate after the gasoline has reached the tank or container.
Here is how to fill your vehicle, or portable fuel container, safely:
- Turn off your ignition.
- Do not smoke while fueling.
- Touch a metal body part of the vehicle before removing the gas cap.
- Do not re-enter your vehicle while fueling.
- If you do re-enter, touch a metal part of the vehicle once you are out of the vehicle.
- Keep the nozzle in contact with the fill neck at all times while fueling.
- Remove portable containers from the vehicle and place them on the ground a safe distance from the vehicle while filling them.
- Keep nozzle in contact with the container until finished fueling.
Placing a portable fuel container on the ground makes it easier for the electrical charge to escape.