Gasoline Containers

ALWAYS remove gasoline containers from vehicles and place them on the ground at a safe distance from the vehicle before filling them– touch the container with the gas dispenser nozzle before removing the container lid and keep the nozzle in contact with the container inlet when filling.  Following these guidelines will help minimize the risk of fires and explosions by providing a safe path to ground for the static electricity that can be generated as gasoline flows into the containers.

State safety standards require that metal, rather than plastic, containers of up to 5 gallons in size must be used for gasoline and other Class 1B liquids; 5 gallon containers must be UL listed safety cans and no portable containers may be used that are larger than 5 gallons, regardless of contents. 

Cleaning and other maintenance products classified as Class 1A flammable liquids are restricted to 2 gallons if contained in a U.L. listed safety can or 1 gallon or less when contained in other approved metal containers. 

For additional information on this topic or other fire safety issues, please contact Environmental Health and Safety, 885-6524.