Safely refueling your
vehicle
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 trailer heater, cooking units, or pilot
lights.
- Do not smoke, light matches or lighters while refueling at the pump or when 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 vapors. 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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