Alexei Volkov
Filling up a plastic gas container can be a tricky task. There are several things to keep in mind to ensure the process is safe and efficient. Firstly, it is important to choose the right container, preferably a red jerry can with a UL or ASTM stamp for quality assurance. When filling up, always place the container on the ground to prevent static discharge and avoid spills. It is also crucial not to fill the container to the brim, as fuel expands with an increase in temperature, and leaving some airspace prevents spillage. Additionally, be cautious of the nozzle position to prevent the pump from shutting off prematurely. With the right precautions and techniques, filling a plastic gas container can be done securely and effectively.
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What You'll Learn
Place the container on the ground
When filling a plastic gas container, it is important to place the container on the ground. This is a safety precaution that helps to prevent static discharge. By placing the container on the ground, you ensure that it is grounded, reducing the risk of static electricity buildup, which could potentially lead to a spark and cause an explosion or fire. It is also important to keep the container on a stable, level surface to avoid any accidental spills or tip-overs during the filling process.
When placing the container on the ground, make sure it is on a flat, even surface, away from any potential hazards. Avoid placing it on an elevated surface, such as a carpeted floorboard or a truck bed, as this could increase the risk of spills and make it more difficult to control the filling process.
Additionally, when the container is on the ground, you can more easily monitor the filling level. If the nozzle or fuel pump obstructs your view, you can stop filling when the container is about 50% full and then proceed with caution. This helps to prevent overfilling and reduces the risk of gasoline spillage.
It is also important to keep the container on the ground while securing the lid or cap. Once you have finished filling the container, ensure that the cap is tightly secured while the container remains on the ground. This helps to minimize spillage and reduces the risk of gasoline vapors escaping.
By following these precautions and keeping the container on the ground during the filling process, you can help ensure a safer and more controlled transfer of gasoline into your plastic gas container.
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Prevent static discharge
Flowing gas entering a plastic gas container creates static electricity. To prevent static discharge, it is important to ensure that the container is grounded. This means placing the container on the ground, about five feet from your vehicle, before filling it up. Gas vapour is heavier than air, so a hot exhaust manifold or catalytic converter can ignite the vapours.
Before filling your gas container, always touch the metal on your vehicle to discharge any static electricity on your body. Keep the gas nozzle in contact with the gas container and fill slowly to minimise static electricity. Only fill your container 95% full to allow room for expansion.
If you are refuelling from a plastic container, it is important to discharge any static buildup before opening the container. One way to do this is to place your left hand on the metal body of the pump and run your right hand over the surface of the container. If there is a charge, you will feel it, especially on the hairs on the back of your hand. Then, open the container, fill it, and reseal it before placing it back in your car.
Another way to prevent static discharge is to use a grounding bolt. You can put a grounding bolt from the inside out through the plastic wall near the top of a plastic container with a fuel-proof rubber washer and exterior nut to prevent leakage. When pouring, the fuel and container will be in contact with the grounding stud, which can be clipped to an airframe by a copper line and continued to earth ground via terminal attachment to a short copper step-in stake.
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Avoid overfilling
Filling a plastic gas container can be dangerous, and it is important to take precautions to avoid overfilling. Gasoline tends to carry a static electric charge, and when pouring gasoline into a can, this charge can build up. If the can is sitting on concrete or the ground, the static charge can safely flow away. However, if the can is sitting on plastic, such as a plastic bed liner in a truck, the static charge cannot escape because plastic is an insulator. This means that a spark can occur between the can and the fuel nozzle, igniting the gasoline. Therefore, it is important to always place the gas can on the ground when filling it and to keep the nozzle in contact with the can.
Additionally, it is recommended to only fill the gas can to 95% capacity to allow room for expansion. Gasoline expands as temperatures rise, so leaving a little empty space at the top of the can helps to prevent overflow. It is also important to stay near the gas can while it is filling to monitor the fill level and ensure it does not overflow.
Some gas pumps have a latch on the nozzle that holds the trigger down, but this should be avoided as it can easily cause the container to overfill and spill. Instead, slowly squeeze the trigger on the pump nozzle to fill the container, and let go of the trigger when the can is about 95% full.
Finally, it is important to secure the cap and spout back onto the gas can tightly to prevent spills during transportation. Place the gas can upright in the trunk or truck bed of your vehicle, and use a rope or bungee cord to prevent it from falling over. Keep the gas can away from direct sunlight or heat sources, as this is a fire risk.
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Secure the cap
Once you have finished filling the gas container, it is important to secure the cap to prevent spillage and reduce the risk of fire. The cap should be put back on tightly when the container is still on the ground. This is because people often fill the gas container on the ground and then pick it up without securing the cap, which can lead to spillage.
To secure the cap, place your hand on top of the container and push down firmly. At the same time, twist the cap clockwise to tighten it. Make sure that the cap is on straight and aligned correctly with the threads on the container. You may need to use both hands to get a tight seal.
If your gas container has a black plastic sleeve or collar, you will need to pull it back before trying to squeeze the dispense lever. This sleeve needs to be retracted for the gas to flow properly. Use one hand to pull back the sleeve and the other hand to dispense the gas.
After securing the cap, place the container upright in the trunk or truck bed. Make sure it is secured and will not slide around while the vehicle is in motion. It is important to place the container in an area that is not exposed to direct sunlight, as this can cause the gasoline inside to catch fire.
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Store in a cool, shaded place
Once you've filled up your gas container, it's important to store it in a cool, shaded place. Gasoline is a highly flammable liquid and should be stored at room temperature, away from potential heat sources. Keep it out of direct sunlight and at least 50 feet away from pilot lights and ignition sources, such as the heat, sparks, and flames from a water heater, space heater, or furnace.
The safest place to store gasoline is in a detached garage or shed. If you don't have access to a detached garage or shed, you can store it in an attached garage, as long as you keep it away from any source of electricity and out of the reach of children and pets. Make sure to put a piece of plywood between the gas containers and the garage floor to prevent condensation and rust.
It's also important to note that gasoline should only be stored in approved containers, such as consumer-grade gas cans made from metal or plastic, or UL-listed containers for commercial or construction sites. These containers should be tightly closed and handled gently to avoid spills.
By following these guidelines and storing your gas container in a cool, shaded place, you can help ensure the safe storage of gasoline.
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Frequently asked questions
Place the empty container on the ground and insert the fuel pump nozzle into the gas container. Do not fill the container to the brim to avoid spillage—instead, fill it to about 95% of its volume to leave space for fuel expansion.
The pump is designed to shut off when the little holes at the narrow end of the nozzle are covered by gas. To prevent this, place the nozzle halfway into the container and raise it as the container fills.
If your container doesn't have a deep enough neck, pull back the black sleeve on the nozzle with one hand while you refuel with the other.
Ensure the filler nozzle touches the rim of the opening to help dissipate static electricity. Keep the lid or cap on during transportation to prevent spillage. Do not fill the container to the brim, and avoid placing it in direct sunlight.
Yes, using a funnel can help you fill the container more easily. Place the funnel into the filler neck sleeve and hold it in place to dispense the gasoline into the container.
