GASOLINE SAFETY

• Never use gasoline around a flame source. Be particularly aware of sources such as matches, lighters, cigarettes and pilot lights on stoves and water heaters.
• Only use gasoline outdoors or in well-ventilated areas
• Start charcoal grills with fuels labeled as charcoal starter fluid –never use gasoline.
• Running engines on gasoline-powered equipment such as mowers can spark and cause ignition of the gasoline. Fill the tanks prior to use. Refuel with the engine turned off and cool.
• If you are transporting gasoline in a car, keep the container in the trunk and keep the trunk lid ajar for ventilation.
• Never siphon gasoline by mouth. It can be fatal if swallowed.
• If gasoline is spilled on your clothes, remove them immediately. Place clothing outdoors for several days before washing and drying so that gasoline vapors can evaporate.

• Always keep the minimum amount of gas required (generally no more than a gallon)
• If gasoline is swallowed, do not induce vomiting. Seek medical attention immediately.

Gasoline Storage

• Always store gasoline containers in a cool, well-ventilated area. Keep them away from any source of heat or sparks, such as a water heater, electric motor or car engine.
• If you must store gasoline, do so only in well-ventilated areas away from the house (e.g., a garage or shed). Never store gasoline in the house.
• Always store gas in approved safety containers.
• Gasoline should always be tightly sealed. Seal both the spouts on the container and the vent.
• Never use glass or plastic bottles for gasoline storage.
• Keep gasoline locked up when not in use. Always keep gasoline out of the reach of children.

When Should You Seek Medical Attention?

• All burns on the face, hands, feet, major joints or genital area should be considered serious and need to be evaluated by a physician.
• All chemical and electrical burns should be seen by a physician-damage might not be immediately obvious.
• Burns occurring in an enclosed space, such as a house or car, should be evaluated because there may have been smoke inhalation.
• Burns that are white, gray, leathery, or painless should be considered serious.
• Burns bigger than the person’s palm should be evaluated by a physician.

First Aid for Exposure to Gasoline

• What if someone becomes ill from breathing gasoline?
• The product is flammable. Take proper precautions to ensure your own safety before attempting a rescue. Remove the source of contamination or move the victim to fresh air. Perform CPR as necessary and immediately transport the victim to an emergency facility.

What if gasoline gets on someone’s skin?

• Avoid direct contact. Wear gloves and chemical protective clothing if necessary. Quickly and gently blot or brush away excess chemical residue. Flush with running water for a minimum of 20-30 minutes. Under running water, remove contaminated clothing and shoes. If irritation persists, repeat flushing. Obtain medical advice immediately. Completely decontaminate clothing and shoes before wearing again – or discard them.

What if someone gets gasoline in their eyes?

• While holding the eye(s) open, flush the contaminated eye(s) with lukewarm, gently flowing water for 20-30 minutes. Avoid direct contact. Obtain medical advice.

What if someone swallows gasoline?

• Never given anything by mouth if the victim  is rapidly losing consciousness or is unconscious or convulsing. Have the victim rinse his or her mouth thoroughly with water. Have the victim drink 8-10 oz. Of water. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING! If vomiting occurs naturally, have the victim lean forward to reduce the risk of aspiration. Repeat administration of water. Perform CPR as necessary and immediately transport the victim to an emergency care facility.