Safe Fuel Handling Practices

WARNING: Use care to prevent combustion from fuel spillage. No smoking, open flames or any kind of arcing.

GASOLINE, METHANOL AND METHANOL BLENDS

Fire

- Report all fires to the appropriate authorities.

- Flames from methanol or methanol-gasoline blends may be invisible.

- Know the locations of portable fire extinguishers, fire blankets, fire alarms and eye/wash shower facilities. Learn how to use them.

- Use a B or AFFF (light water) type fire extinguisher to fight flammable liquid fires.

First Aid

If Swallowed:

- If gasoline has been swallowed, do not induce vomiting. Seek medical attention immediately!

- If methanol or a methanol/gasoline blend has been swallowed, induce vomiting under the direction of a physician or poison control center. Seek medical attention immediately!

When overcome by vapors, if safe, move victim to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration or (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) (CPR) as appropriate. Seek medical attention immediately!

If splashed in eyes, flush with large amounts of water for 15 minutes. Remove contact lenses, if worn. Seek medical attention.

If splashed on skin, remove contaminated clothing. Wash skin thoroughly with soap and water.

Health

- All fuels may be harmful or fatal if swallowed.

- Be aware, if swallowed, onset of serious health effects may be delayed 12 to 24 hours.

- Fuels and products containing methanol (e.g. windshield washer fluid) may cause blindness if swallowed.

- All fuel vapors may be harmful by inhalation.

- All fuels may be harmful by skin absorption.

- All fuels are irritating to the eyes and respiratory system.

- Fuels made with gasoline may contain benzene which is a cancer-causing agent.

Handling

- Use flammable liquid handling precautions.

- Wear chemical goggles and nitrile gloves (additional protective clothing and equipment may be necessary in some instances).

- Keep flammable liquids in approved, labeled, closed containers.

- Use in well-ventilated areas and control vapors. Be aware that vapors are not visible, are heavier than air, can travel along the floor, and will settle in lower areas.

- When transferring flammable liquids, bond the receiving container to the source and ground the source to the earth.

- Do not smoke or use heat or spark producing equipment near vapors.

- Do not eat, smoke or drink where these products are handled, processed or stored.

- Never siphon by mouth.

- Wash hands thoroughly after handling any fuel.

Spills

- Notify the proper authorities in the event of any spill you have not been trained to clean up.

- Stop, contain, and clean up small spills with an absorbent material.