(StatePoint) Whether you’re camping, boating, or doing yard work, these are all summer activities that need fuel. During July, which is Fuel Safety Month, advocates are reminding everyone to stay safe while pumping and using fuel.
said Dan Marshall, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development for Scepter, a leading manufacturer of containerized fuels. “It is important to follow basic fuel safety practices, at the pump, at home and on weekend adventures.”
To help people stay safe around fuel, Scepter offers some basic tips:
• Never use gas to start grills, start a fire, kill pests, or as a cleaning agent.
• Do not smoke near or place a fuel container near an open flame, even if it is empty. Gas fumes are invisible and still dangerous. A single spark can cause gasoline fumes to ignite.
• Keep children and pets away from fuel pumps, fuel containers and operating equipment.
• Use the correct container: red for gasoline, blue for kerosene, and yellow for diesel.
• Do not remove or change the flame mitigating device (FMD) inside the fuel container opening in any way.
• Check fuel containers for leaks or cracks before each filling. If there are any signs of ageing, dispose of the container carefully and buy a new one with basic safety features. For example, Scepter SmartControl rugged fuel containers for gasoline, kerosene, and diesel fuel have controlled flow and child safety features, and are designed to greatly exceed ASTM and CPSC minimum standards. In addition, all Scepter portable fuel containers in the United States already contain FMDs approved under ASTM F3326.
• Place fuel containers on the floor while filling to avoid sparks from static electricity and spillage into the vehicle.
• Only fill containers to the ‘fill line’ to allow expansion as temperatures change.
• Before pouring from a fuel canister that has expanded in the summer heat, aim the canister away and vent it by activating the upright release button. Modern containers are designed to remain closed to protect the environment from emissions and keep fuel fresher for longer.
• Wipe up any spills immediately.
• When filling equipment, do so outside to avoid inhaling fumes.
• Never fill an engine that is running or is still hot from recent use.
• Store fuel containers in a dry, well-ventilated place, outside of your home’s living space and away from ovens, water heaters, direct sunlight, and other heat sources.
For additional fuel safety tips and information, visit scepter.com/safety.
“We want everyone to have a safe summer, and that starts with raising awareness of best fuel safety practices,” says Marshall. “Taking the time to understand these precautions can help keep people, pets, and property safe.”