gasoline storage

[Unregistered-Terri Mertz]

Is storing gasoline (in a proper container) a fire hazard if kept indorrs in the garage?

[MiniFoxx]

If you have it in the proper container, with a lid, away from combustable materials, oily rags, etc and heat sources, and of course out of the reach of children, then I would say you are alright. That’s how we handle ours and we have gasoline, diesel and kerosene.

Someone might be able to give you a more specific answer but I think it may be along the same lines as this. Just basically use common sense, you don’t want it to cause a fire, so avoid areas that contain things that COULD lead to this.

Hope this helps.

MiniFoxx
Formerly AJ-trucker’s wife

Some have better luck next time around,
some don’t, and some don’t even try.

[MiniFoxx]

Found this and thought I’d pass it along…
This can be found at http://www.rx7turbo.com/documents/Gasoline%20Storage%20Practices.doc

Recommended Storage Practices

This section presents storage recommendations of a general nature, followed by recommendations and comments for some specific uses or situations.

General Storage Recommendations

Three precautions will delay the deterioration of gasoline:
 Fill containers about 95% full.
 Cap containers tightly.
 Store containers out of direct sunlight in a location where the temperature stays below 80°F most of the time (a vehicle or piece of equipment with gasoline in the fuel tank may be stored in direct sunlight as long as the tank is shaded from the sun).

The first two actions reduce the evaporation of gasoline during storage and reduce the exposure of gasoline to air and water vapor. The 5% air space allows room for the liquid gasoline to expand if its temperature rises.

If weather or storage conditions will keep the gasoline warmer than 80°F much of the time, add a fuel stabilizer additive to the gasoline. Fuel stabilizer additives are available at auto supply stores and some service stations and convenience stores. Follow the label directions. The best mixing is achieved when the stabilizer is added to the container before it is filled with gasoline. The stabilizer will work only if it is added to fresh gasoline; it can’t fix gasoline that has started to deteriorate.

Federal and California reformulated gasolines will survive storage as well or better than conventional gasoline.

Adding oil to gasoline doesn’t change its stability. Gasoline-oil mixtures for two-stroke-cycle engines will survive storage as well as gasoline itself.

Note: The volatility of gasoline is tailored for the range of temperatures expected in the locality where it is sold. Engines fueled with “summer gasoline” may be more difficult to start in cold weather.

Storage Containers

Store gasoline only in a container clearly intended for the purpose.

One and two and five gallon containers should carry a sticker indicating they are approved for gasoline storage by the Underwriters Laboratories (UL). A plastic container has the advantage that it will not rust if the gasoline is contaminated with water or if the container is stored in a wet place.

A 60-gallon metal drum is the only container approved by the Uniform Fire Code for the storage of more than five gallons of gasoline.

The Uniform Fire Code limits the amount of gasoline in residential buildings to the amount “necessary for maintenance purposes and operation of equipment,” not to exceed a maximum of 25 gallons.

Note that local Fire Department regulations may supersede the Uniform Fire Code. When storing more that five gallons of gasoline it is best to check with your local Fire Department for local regulations.

Do not store a container of gasoline near an ignition source such as an appliance pilot light.

MiniFoxx
Formerly AJ-trucker’s wife

Some have better luck next time around,
some don’t, and some don’t even try.

[Author]

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