1. Liquid Fuels: Safe Handling and Storage

2. Homeowners Use Liquid Fuels For:  Vehicles  Equipment  Heating

3. Liquid Fuels Hazards:  Leaks and spills can pollute water, soil and air.  Contaminated water and soil can be costly to cleanup.

4.  Buy fuel in small quantities.  Store in original or UL approved containers.  Check containers and machinery often for leaks.  Store containers in a secure, well-ventilated, unattached garage or shed away from the house. Portable Fuel Containers

5.  Locate fuel storage tanks more than 150 feet from a well, spring, cistern, sinkhole or surface water.  Replace underground tanks that are more than 15 years old because they are at high risk for leaks.  Buy tanks that offer corrosion protection.  Test the tank frequently for “tightness” and account for fuel use monthly. Underground Fuel Tanks

6. Avoiding Spills Most spills are caused by overfilling. To avoid overfilling, you should: Always supervise fuel transfers.Always supervise fuel transfers. Use automatic shutoff devices if available.Use automatic shutoff devices if available. Install a fill level indicator or vent whistle.Install a fill level indicator or vent whistle. Construct a concrete containment dike.Construct a concrete containment dike.

7. Aboveground Tanks  Support tanks well. Place on a solid, stable base.Place on a solid, stable base. Construct footings of brick, cinder block or concrete.Construct footings of brick, cinder block or concrete.  Protect tanks from damage. Don’t store objects around, over or under a tank.Don’t store objects around, over or under a tank. Enclose in a structure or install posts or other barriers around the tank.Enclose in a structure or install posts or other barriers around the tank.

8. Abandoned Tanks  Consult a previous owner or neighbor if you’re not sure where the tank is located.  Remove unused tanks because: They may pose risks to health and the environment.They may pose risks to health and the environment. They can cost you money.They can cost you money.  Check for leaks after the tank is removed. is removed.