gasoline storage--HELP!

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My husband built a garden shed in our yard. We had planned on storing gasoline in large 55 gal. plastic containers. He has them vented out. I am so worried about this, I am going to order a gasoline tank from a company listed on the "Juice Man's" website. But I still have questions, even with a UL listed gasoline tank. Do you still have to vent these tanks? Do they have to be grounded? Ours would sit on a wooden floor. Can you fill the tank from 5 gallon gas cans? The tank I am considering is a vertical one. Would our 40 below zero weather affect the gasoline? We live "in town" and cannot have a dealer fill it for us. I sure would appreciate any help I can get.

-- Karen (barbinst@wcta.net), July 13, 1999

Answers

If you order a regular commercial tank, it will be vented already. Never have really heard of a tank (at least "private") being grounded, but easy to do if you're so inclined.

Sure you can fill the tank from 5 gallon cans, I would use a plastic funnel though, especially if you cans are metal. Your weather sounds like mine (Northern WI) --- so no, the gas wont freeze, but realize how cold it really is and act accordingly.

-- Jon Johnson (narnia4@usa.net), July 13, 1999.


In a suburban neighborhood, I wouldn't store gasoline anywhere near buildings, kids.. people or anything. It is FAR MORE explosive than most people understand. The vapors alone can drift and cause explosions.

What I've decided to do is to fill both tanks on my F150 (25 gals). Fill up our minivan and car (another 25 gallons) and I purchased a siphon kit to get out five gallons at a time.

I believe that this is A LOT safer. (though I'm no expert)..

Bryce

-- Bryce (Bryce@seanet.com), July 15, 1999.


A full tank is safer than an empty tank, but leave enough room for the gas to expand as it gets warmer.

Be sure to add a fuel stabilizer for storage.

I am not sure about using plastic cans for long term storage. Metal would probably be better. And grounding the tank does seem a good idea to me. Also, when filling it, keep the container you are pouring from in contact with the tank.

You could use a 55 gallon steel oil drum, and just seal it up. Perhaps adding a pressure relief valve in case the temps get higher than expected. Be sure to have plenty of ventilation in your building, and make sure no electrical devices or motors could start up and ignite any vapors.

Having a fire extinguisher handy would probably be a good idea also.

good luck.

gene

-- gene (ekbaker@essex1.com), July 17, 1999.


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