Refueling is an event at any jobsite and it happens so frequently that we don’t always stop to think of the dangers. When we are doing something as ordinary and simple as refueling we need to be especially mindful of the need to act safely.
Always remember that when you are refueling you’re dealing with flammable liquids which form vapors that can easily catch fire or explode. The golden rule is: NEVER Smoke Around Flammable Liquids, put all smoking materials out well in advance of any refueling and remind co-workers to do the same. The second rule to remember is to let that small engine cool off before you start the refueling. This is hard to do because the engine always seems to run out of fuel in the middle of what you are trying to get done, but a hot engine and flammables may cause a flash fire or explosion. A few minutes to let the engine cool down would prevent serious injury or even a fatality.
Keep portable fire extinguishers near flammable liquid storage areas. Do not breathe gasoline vapors unnecessarily. Keep containers and fuel tanks at least arm’s length away. If your clothing becomes saturated with gasoline, remove it immediately. Contaminated clothing should be air dried before laundering.