Liquid Fuels:Liquid Fuels: Safe Handling and Safe Handling and

StorageStorage

Homeowners Use Liquid Homeowners Use Liquid Fuels For:Fuels For:

VehiclesVehicles

EquipmentEquipment

HeatingHeating

Liquid Fuels Hazards:Liquid Fuels Hazards:

Leaks and spills can pollute water, Leaks and spills can pollute water, soil and air.soil and air.

Contaminated water and soil can Contaminated water and soil can be costly to cleanup.be costly to cleanup.

Buy fuel in small quantities.Buy fuel in small quantities.

Store in original or UL approved containers.Store in original or UL approved containers.

Check containers and machinery often for Check containers and machinery often for leaks.leaks.

Store containers in a secure, well-Store containers in a secure, well-ventilated, unattached garage or shed ventilated, unattached garage or shed away from the house.away from the house.

Portable Fuel Portable Fuel ContainersContainers

Locate fuel storage tanks more than 150 feet Locate fuel storage tanks more than 150 feet from a well, spring, cistern, sinkhole or surface from a well, spring, cistern, sinkhole or surface water.water.

Replace underground tanks that are more than Replace underground tanks that are more than 15 years old because they are at high risk for 15 years old because they are at high risk for leaks.leaks.

Buy tanks that offer corrosion protection.Buy tanks that offer corrosion protection.

Test the tank frequently for “tightness” and Test the tank frequently for “tightness” and account for fuel use monthly.account for fuel use monthly.

Underground Fuel Underground Fuel TanksTanks

Avoiding SpillsAvoiding Spills

Most spills are caused by overfilling. Most spills are caused by overfilling. To avoid overfilling, you should: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.

Aboveground TanksAboveground Tanks

Support tanks well.Support tanks well.• Place on a solid, stable base.Place on a solid, stable base.• Construct footings of brick, cinder block or Construct footings of brick, cinder block or

concrete.concrete.

Protect tanks from damage.Protect tanks from damage.• Don’t store objects around, over or under a Don’t store objects around, over or under a

tank.tank.• Enclose in a structure or install posts or other Enclose in a structure or install posts or other

barriers around the tank.barriers around the tank.

Abandoned TanksAbandoned Tanks

Consult a previous owner or neighbor if Consult a previous owner or neighbor if you’re not sure where the tank is located.you’re not sure where the tank is located.

Remove unused tanks because:Remove unused tanks because:• They may pose risks to health and the They may pose risks to health and the

environment.environment.• They can cost you money.They can cost you money.

Check for leaks after the tankCheck for leaks after the tank is removed.is removed.