Safety Tips for Working With Fuel
Many Americans work with or handle different types of fuel every day, and it’s crucial to understand the inherent dangers of working with or handling combustible or flammable fuels. People who work in the oil and gas industry must meet rigorous safety standards and use acceptable, tested equipment always. However, Americans should know basic fuel safety too, for their homes and personal vehicles.
Safety Tips for Filling Up Your Car’s Tank
Visiting the gas station is a regular event for most Americans. When a driver visits the fuel pump, there are a few basic safety tips to keep in mind to prevent serious injuries and accidents. First, always follow the posted safety warnings around a gas pump. This includes shutting off your car’s engine before fueling and refraining from smoking near fuel pumps. Attempting to add fuel to a running vehicle and smoking near gas pumps are extremely dangerous actions that can cause catastrophic damage.
Most fueling stations have cleanup kits readily available in case of a spill, but you should do whatever you can to limit the risk of a spill while refueling. Fill your tank only to the point where the gas pump stops. Gas pumps have sensors that can detect when a fuel tank is full, so don’t attempt to top off your tank beyond this point. Fuel may seep out of your tank and create a serious fire hazard.
Working With Fuel
The oil and gas industries are crucial staples of the world economy, and United States fuel companies must meet strict regulations when it comes to employee safety. Most oil and gas workers receive extensive, job-specific training that includes safety protocols for spills, leaks, and fires. Most oil and gas workers must also wear special protective clothing that covers the skin, face, and eyes. It’s essential for employees in these industries to follow required safety protocols at all times to avoid serious accidents and injuries.
Other industries such as construction and manufacturing involve heavy equipment and machinery that require fuel. Storing fuel and refueling are standard operating procedures for these industries, and they must also meet required federal and state-level regulations. If you work with heavy machinery and refueling is part of your job duties, be sure to follow all your employer’s safety regulations and procedures. Report accidents or spills immediately and familiarize yourself with your workplace’s evacuation routes in case of emergency.
Storing Fuel at Home
Many Americans have lawnmowers and other equipment that run on gasoline, so they may keep fuel canisters in their homes. It’s essential to use only approved gas canisters. The government regulates fuel canisters and typically limits canister quantity to five gallons or less. Make sure to seal them tightly after every use and handle them carefully when you need to refuel something. It’s also wise to store gasoline and other fuel containers away from your home. A detached garage or shed is ideal. Additionally, check your local regulations for additional guidelines that may apply to fuel storage in your area to avoid fines or citations.
Safety for Spills
If you spill fuel on yourself, make sure to remove fuel-soaked clothing as quickly and safely as possible away from heat and flame sources. If fuel contacts your skin, wash the affected areas with soap and water as soon as possible. Avoid breathing in fumes or fuel vapors as this can cause severe illness or injury.
Handling fuel requires constant attention to your surroundings. If you notice a fuel-related hazard in your workplace, notify the people in the area and a supervisor immediately. If you believe a recent fuel-related injury at work or at home occurred due to another party’s negligence, contact a Birmingham personal injury attorney as soon as possible to discuss your options. Our skilled work injury lawyers in Birmingham can help you file a workers’ compensation claim if you sustained an injury on the job.