Here are consumer refueling and fuel safety guidelines that
will help keep you and your family safe when refueling your
vehicle or filling up gasoline storage containers:
- Turn off your vehicle engine while refueling. Put your
vehicle in park and/or set the emergency brake. Disable or
turn off any auxiliary sources of ignition such as a
camper or tr
ailer heater, cooking units, or pilot lights.
- Do not smoke, light matches or lighters while refueling
at the pump or wh
en using gasoline anywhere else.
- Use only the refueling latch provided on the gasoline
dispenser nozzle, ? never jam the refueling latch on the
nozzle open.
- Do not re-enter your vehicle during refueling.
- In the unlikely event a static-caused fire occurs when
refueling, leave the nozzle in the fill pipe and back away
from the vehicle. Notify the station attendant
immediately.
- Do not over-fill or top-off your vehicle tank, which can
cause gasoline spillage.
- Avoid prolonged breathing of gasoline vapors. Use
gasoline only in open areas that get plenty of fresh air.
Keep your face away from the nozzle or container opening.
- When dispensing gasoline into a container, use only an
approved portable container and place it on the ground
when refueling to avoid a possible static electricity
ignition of fuel vapo
rs. Containers should never be filled
while inside a vehicle or its trunk, the bed of a pickup
truck or the floor of a trailer.
- Only store gasoline in approved containers as required
by federal or state authorities. Never store gasoline in
glass or any other unapproved containers.
- When filling a portable container, manually control the
nozzle valve throughout the filling process. Fill a
portable container slowly to decrease the chance of static
electricity buildup and minimize spilling or splattering.
- Fill container no more than 95 percent full to allow for
expansion.
- Place cap tightly on the container after filling - do
not use containers that do not seal properly.
- If gasoline spills on the container, make sure that it
has evaporated before you place the container in your
vehicle. Report spills to the attendant.
- When transporting gasoline in a portable container make
sure it is secured against tipping and slid
ing, and never
leave it in direct sunlight or in the trunk of a car.
- Never siphon gasoline by mouth nor put gasoline in your
mouth for any reason. Gasoline can be harmful or fatal if
swallowed. If someone swallows gasoline, do not induce
vomiting. Contact a doctor immediately.
- Keep gasoline away from your eyes and skin; it may cause
irritation. Remove gasoline-soaked clothing immediately.
- Use gasoline as a motor fuel only. Never use gasoline to
wash your hands or as a cleaning solvent.
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