• Spill-proof spouts also lock in vapors to avoid vapor release while in storage. Do not overfill gas tanks on automobiles. • Store on a flat surface and transfer in areas with good ventilation or open areas. • 29 CFR § 1926.152(a)(1) states that “Only approved containers and portable tanks shall be used for storage and handling of flammable liquids. Approved safety cans or DOT-approved containers shall be used for the handling and use of flammable liquids in quantities of five gallons or less.” • Bonding of containers to eliminate static electricity both at the time of filling up the containers and when transferring from container to container should be undertaken. Keep containers on the ground when filling and not on the bed of the truck. Use grounding wire when necessary. Keep nozzle in contact with can during filling. Do not fill containers over 95% to allow for expansion. Spilled gasoline must evaporate before containers are put on the truck. • Transport vehicle must have a spill kit available to contain an accidental spill. Operator must be trained on containing, cleaning, and managing an accidental spill. • Ignition sources such as open flames, torches, running motors, electrical tools & equipment, etc. must be at least 20 feet (measured horizontally) from the flammable material, per 29 CFR § 1926.352(c). • One 5-B:C or two 4-B:C fire extinguishers are mandatory on the vehicle transporting gas. Plastic or Metal Studies at Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s Department of Fire Protection Engineering, as reported by NBC News in late 2013, have indicated that under certain conditions, plastic cans are vulnerable to fires with explosive force. The conditions that present the higher risk include having a very small amount of gasoline (a few teaspoons) inside the gas can, cool temperatures, tilting the can at 42 degrees (typical pour angle) and, of course, a spark! The employees should be trained to avoid these risky conditions and even buy metal cans in the future. (https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/ watch-gas-can-explode-lab-test-flna2d11691287) CA Air Resources Board (CARB) As of July 1, 2007, all Portable Fuel Containers (PFC) sold in California must be certified by the Air Resources Board as meeting low-emission standards and regulatory requirements. This regulation is applicable to manufacturers and retailers who place gas cans in the stream of commerce. Only containers of ten gallons or less are covered by this regulation, so the sale of a 25-gallon gas caddy for shop use is exempt from CARB regulations. The following table provides a listing of those CARBapproved containers certified for sale: http://www.arb.ca.gov/ consprod/fuel-containers/pfc/eo/eo.htm. Summary CA-based businesses have only CARB-approved containers available. Other states may use these CARB-approved containers with vapor locks that are spill-proof and emit negligible flammable vapors and hence, are safer. Training in hazardous materials, including information on risks associated with plastic cans, should be provided to employees. Following safety and operation instructions on the PFC is also mandatory. DISCLAIMER: The contents of this article are for informational purposes only and are not to be considered as legal advice. Employersmust consult their lawyer for legalmattersandEPA/OSHAconsultants formatters related to Environmental, Health& Safety. The articlewas authored by SamCelly of Celly Services, Inc., whohas beenhelpingautomobiledealers inArizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Texas, and Virginia comply with EPA andOSHA regulations for over 35 years. Sam is a Certified Safety Professional (No. 16515) certified by the National Board of Certified Safety Professionals. Samreceived his BE (1984) andMS (1986) inChemical Engineering, followed by a J.D. fromSouthwesternUniversity School of Law (1997). Sam is amember of the American Chemical Society (No. 31176063), American Industrial Hygiene Association (No. 124715), and National Association of Dealer Counsel (NADC). Sam also serves on the Board of Orange County American Industrial Hygiene Association and on CA Industrial Hygiene Council (CIHC). Your comments/questions are always welcome. Please send them to sam@cellyservices.com. Automobile dealers have resorted to gas dolly equipment where a small amount of gasoline can be added to each new automobile delivered to the dealership. PUB YR 10 2021-2022 | ISSUE 4 19
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