GASOLINE CHARACTERISTICS

HIGHLY FLAMMABLE LIQUID AND VAPOUR. Distant ignition and flashback are possible. Can accumulate static charge. Can float on water and spread fire.

CONFINED SPACE HAZARD. Can accumulate in hazardous amounts in low-lying areas especially inside confined spaces. May cause drowsiness and dizziness.

POTENTIAL CARCINOGEN. Suspected of causing cancer.

ASPIRATION hazard. May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways.

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS OF GASOLINE

Main Routes of Exposure

Inhalation: Can irritate the nose and throat. Can harm the nervous system. Symptoms may include headache, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness and confusion. A severe exposure can cause unconsciousness.

Skin Contact: May cause mild irritation. Repeated or prolonged exposure can irritate the skin. Not expected to be absorbed through the skin. Any skin contact will also involve significant inhalation exposure.

Eye Contact: Not irritating.

TIPS FOR THE SAFE USE, STORAGE, HANDLING AND CARE OF GASOLINE

• If you need to carry or store gasoline, use an approved container. Keep the container in a secure, upright position away from passenger areas, such as in a trunk or pick-up bed. Make sure that fill and vent openings are tightly closed.
• Store gas containers in a secure place, away from living areas. Use a locked shed or detached garage. Keep gas away from ignition sources like pilot lights.
• Keep gasoline away from heat, sparks and flames. A spark or lit cigarette is enough to light gas fumes that linger on clothing.
• Children aged 10 to 14 are more likely to get in trouble with gasoline and suffer burns as people of other ages.
• Stop, drop, cover and roll if you are on fire.
• Turn off your car when you get gas. Don’t leave fueling unattended. Don’t wait in the car. Do not stick the gas cap into the nozzle.
• To refill an approved gas container, put it on the ground. Next, insert the pump nozzle, and bring it into contact with the inside of the container.
• Do not use gasoline as an accelerant, a solvent, a cleaner, a degreaser, weed killer, etc.
• Use approved containers for gasoline.
• Do not use or store gasoline near ignition sources. The vapors of gasoline can travel to a source of ignition and ignite. Remember- it is the vapors of gasoline that ignite.
• Use proper PPE when refueling equipment. Chemical gloves, safety glasses, and flame retardant clothing are some examples to keep your skin and eyes safe when handling gasoline.
• If a fire starts while handling a gas container, set the container down and get away from it. Never try to hit the fire to extinguish it or throw the container away from you.

ADDITIONAL CAUTIONS WHEN HANDLING GAS

• If you get gasoline on your skin, wash with soapy water right away to avoid potential skin irritations.
• If you get gasoline on your vehicle, wipe it with a rag or paper towel. Do not smoke or light a match until you are sure all gasoline has been removed.
• Gasoline should only be used for its intended purpose – as a motor fuel. Never use gasoline in kerosene heaters or lamps.
• Do not mix gasoline with kerosene or diesel. Also, do not use gasoline in kerosene heaters or lamps.
• Gasoline is a flammable liquid and should be stored at room temperature, away from potential heat sources such as the sun, a hot water heater, space heater or a furnace, and a least 50 feet away from ignition sources, such as pilot lights. Gasoline vapors are heavier than air and can travel along the floor to ignition sources.
• Put gasoline in a small engine (like a lawnmower) only when the engine and attachments are cool.
• Store gasoline in a building separate from the house or place of occupancy, such as a shed or garage.
• For better ventilation, it is best to handle gasoline outdoors.
• Do not mix even a small amount of gasoline with kerosene or diesel. Do not use gasoline in kerosene heaters or lamps.
• Minor spills should be absorbed with sawdust, paper or rags. Larger spills may be contained and collected.
• Check with your local government or hazardous waste disposal center to determine the proper avenues for disposing of spilled gasoline.
• Place recovered gasoline and cleanup materials in approved, labeled containers for proper disposal.
• Never dispose of spilled gasoline or cleaning materials on the ground or into your garbage, drains, toilets or sewers.
• Only store the minimum amount of gasoline needed.
• Use only approved portable containers (e.g., CSA or ULC approved).
• Never siphon gasoline by mouth. It is harmful and may cause death if swallowed. If ingested, do not induce vomiting.
• Do not smoke.
• Avoid breathing in vapours or mists.
• Remove any clothing that is wet with fuel. Allow fuel to evaporate completely outdoors before washing. Thoroughly clean clothing before reuse.
• Never use gasoline as a cleaning agent.

FINAL WORD

Gasoline revolutionized the industrial matrix of the entire world. Those who respected its power and used it productively, flourished. Those who did not respect the dangerous characteristics of gasoline suffer the negative consequences.