Fuels can be highly flammable and, if handled incorrectly, these substances can make fueling equipment a dangerous task. Be aware of the hazards and follow proper prevention steps to avoid an accident.
- NO SMOKING! A burning cigarette can ignite flammable vapors that are produced from the liquid fuel, causing a flash fire or explosion. Ensure there are no other potential sources of ignition, such as open flames or spark-producing equipment operating in the area.
- Don’t use a cell phone or other electronic device use while fueling equipment.
- Turn off the equipment or vehicle’s engine when you’re fueling it.
- Only use DOT-approved safety cans for transporting and transferring fuels.
- Never dispense fuel into a can or other portable container while it is sitting in your vehicle, truck or truck bed. This allows hazardous static electricity to build up.
- Before dispensing fuel into your vehicle or equipment, physically touch a metal part away from the fuel tank on your vehicle or equipment to dissipate any static build-up on your body created when you slid out of your vehicle.
- To prevent hazardous static electricity building up, make contact between the fuel dispenser nozzle or hose to the fill tube on the fuel tank before you start to add fuel to the tank, and keep it in contact throughout the entire refueling process.
- Maintain a spill kit in your vehicle or near the fueling area.
- Maintain at least one portable fire extinguisher rated not less than 20-B units located not less than 25 feet and not more than 75 feet, from any flammable liquid storage area located outside.
- Regularly inspect hoses and pumps for deterioration or damage.
- Clean up spills immediately using a spill kit and remove any clothing that has absorbed the fuel.
- In the fueling area, maintain emergency response procedures and a list of company and local emergency contacts for prompt response in the event of an accident.
