How to store gasoline the right way?

Nowadays, most of the businesses and industries tend to store gasoline for a long term. Although a common practice especially among the industrial corporations, it can be absolutely dangerous if not handled properly or even in case of slightest carelessness.

Gasoline is highly volatile and capable of causing severe damage whereas improper handling and substandard storage practices may even bring death in worst case scenario. Since business liability for storing of gasoline in Dubai is greater, exercising safety and meeting compliance standards is a must.

The OSHA standards

The Occupational Safety and Health Association outline the appropriate standards and best practices for a safe working environment for both employees and employers. All are hereby required to comply with official OSHA gasoline storage regulations including certified metal containers with tight lids, include a proper screw or spring covers and equipped with spouts to prevent spilling. Containers must be properly labeled and free from leaks or any other unlikely damage.

OSHA also looks into proper ventilation of the gasoline storage containers through pressure-release valves that automatically close when unused. Keeping these in an environment with stable temperature would reduce the risk of damage whereas the storage facility and containers need proper inspection prior to use.

Protection from fire & flames

Three elements are critical in triggering fire namely fuel/gasoline, a heat source (cigarette or static electricity) and oxygen. Gasoline storage containers that are certified/approved carry a special design which minimises the fire risk through regulation of vapor emissions. It helps to prevent the flame from entering the storage containers and seal out the oxygen. When properly used, these vessels are at minimal risk of fire and therefore preferred over plastic containers for gasoline storage.

Air quality maintenance

Fire isn’t the only concern with gasoline storage as vapors evaporating from a substandard container can poison the air and seriously detrimental to health. These vapors are heavier than oxygen and therefore highly appropriate to lock the gasoline vapors and keep the leaks to a bare minimum. To avoid contamination of air through excess gasoline fumes, store the containers away from cramped and high-trafficked areas. Separate storage buildings and cabinets help in keeping the vapors from forming in closed space thereby reducing the likelihood of fire and other respiratory illnesses.

Types of safety containers

There exist two types of gasoline safety containers.

• Type I are comparably cheaper and need a detachable funnel for convenient and proper dispensing. They come with only a single opening used to fill and dispense content safely and waste-free. Although a little more prone to leakage at the seal site, high-grade and premium quality Type I containers come with reliable spouts.
• Type II containers have two openings for the purpose to fill and dispense appropriately. These are slightly more expensive but the user-friendly design and durability is worth the cost and makes them preferred choice among the many.

Conclusion

Storage containers for gasoline in Dubai come in different sizes, ranging from a gallon to approximately five gallons. OSHA, as well as other government authorities, recommend storing more or less 25 gallons at a time.