Gas Containers - The Do's and Don'ts
by: Tom Tessin

If you’re like most Americans, you may find yourself going to the gas station every once in a while to fill up gas in a portable gas container.  Whether you fill it up for your lawnmower or ATV, make sure that you know the dos and don’ts when it comes to filling up your gas container.  It’s important that you follow these guidelines so that you’re not only safe with yourself but your surroundings as well.

Before you go to the gas station with your portable container, make sure that you check your local state guidelines.  Every state varies when it comes to how much you can carry in a portable container.  If you see a portable container in the store, chances are that it’s legal in your state.  If you want to make sure, check with the NFPA which stands for National Fire Protection Association.  The reason you’ll want to check with this organization is because of the gas flammability issues.

DO the following with gas containers –

Make sure that your store your gas containers in a safe spot.  The best safe spot in your house would probably be in your garage.  If you don’t have a garage, try a basement.  Make sure that when you do store this container in your house, it’s away from children’s reach.  Also, make sure it’s away from high traffic areas so that someone doesn’t knock it over or so that the fumes don’t spread.  If you don’t have a basement or garage, it’s best that don’t bring a container home.

When you use your gas container, make sure that you handle all of the gas procedures outside.  Gasoline can be very flammable and smelly if you spill it on your floors.  Getting the gas smell out of your floors can take weeks.   When you’re filling up your container, it’s best to fill up on a cement type area.  If you do spill gas outside, make sure you wash up this area immediately.

DON’T do this with gasoline containers –

Make sure that you never smoke around the containers.  As you know by now, gasoline is very flammable and any type of flammable object such as a cigarette can cause great damage to your surroundings.

Only use approved containers.  Don’t bring containers to the gas station that isn’t approved by the local authorities.  This is not only against the law but it also puts you and others around you in great danger.

Keep the gasoline away from your eyes and hands.  If you do come in contact with it, make sure you wash it away as it does cause rashes and skin irritations.

These are just a few of the precautions you should take when it comes to handling a gas container.  Make sure you use common sense when handling gas.  It’s always important to be safe around yourself and others, be aware of your surroundings and you’ll be just fine