Stop Gas Fires
Gasoline is the major fuel source used to power cars, lawnmowers, boats, motorcycles, snow blowers, some tractors, and some light planes. It is so much a part of our everyday living that we forget how dangerous it can be if not properly handled or stored. The number one hazard of gasoline is fire or explosion. Liquid gasoline does not burn, but gasoline vapors do. Since the vapors are heavier than air, they move along close to the ground and can collect in low areas. Any ignition source (cigarette, match, hot exhaust pipe or any spark) can ignite gasoline vapors. When gasoline vapors ignite, one gallon of gasoline can explode with the same force as 14 sticks of dynamite.
Gasoline can also cause adverse health effects. Contact with the skin causes the skin to dry and crack. Prolonged breathing of gasoline vapors can cause dizziness, nausea, or vomiting. Siphoning gasoline by mouth may cause you to swallow gasoline, which can cause vomiting. Gasoline may then enter your lungs causing chemical pneumonia. Chemical pneumonia can be fatal. Gasoline contains a toxic chemical called Benzene. Benzene is a known carcinogen; therefore avoid breathing gasoline vapors or taking gasoline into your mouth.
Contact your local fire department or local government to familiarize yourself with your local fire and building codes regarding storage of gasoline. You may also request a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) covering the potential fire, health and safety hazards of gasoline, from your fuel supplier or service station dealer. If you have further questions, you may want to contact the National Safety Council or the National Fire Protection Association. The National Safety Council is a clearinghouse for information on storage and handling of flammable and/or combustible liquids (including gasoline). The National Fire Protection Association develops codes and standards as well as research and education for fire and related safety issues.
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Midwest Can is proud to introduce “Fireman Jarrett” as our new Fire Safety Advisor. Jarrett is a professional firefighter and we are excited to have him on our team to help inform us, our customers and the public on the critically important subject of Fire Safety. Fire Safety is a priority for Midwest Can as demonstrated by our introduction in 2019 of the Flame Shield Safety System for our products. But we appreciate that fire safety extends far beyond product design so we plan to have Fireman Jarrett help communicate fire safety strategies and tips: everything from the proper use and handling of our products to things that have nothing to do with portable fuel containers - things you can do around your home and elsewhere to help keep you and your family safe. Follow Midwest Can on Facebook and YouTube to learn more about Fire Safety from Fireman Jarrett as we move through 2020.
Shriners Hospital for Children - Be Burn Aware
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Midwest Can Company
1-800-548-7513 | 708-615-1400
10800 W. Belmont Ave.
Franklin Park, IL 60131 US
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