Loss Prevention: Avoiding Fire Losses While Servicing Gasoline Tanks

Service work on automotive gasoline tanks can result in significant property damage and employee injury, if proper procedures and equipment are not used. Don't let the following headlines happen to you!

"Dismantler dropped trouble light near dismantled gas tank"
Result: $60,000 in equipment and building damage incurred

"Employee siphoning gas: – Fumes ignited by pilot light from water heater"
Result: $118,000 Building beyond repair and torn down, new autos total loss

"Spilled fuel from gas tank ignited by pilot light on water heater"
Result: $404,522 Vehicles, building and contents destroyed

The vapors given off by gasoline are highly volatile and extreme care should be used when conducting work on gasoline tanks.

Following are our recommended guidelines when working on tanks:

Recommended Guidelines

• The work should only be performed by employees with sufficient skill and training to carry out the operation in a safe manner.
• Prior to the start of work on gasoline tanks, the contents should be drained from the tank.
• The preferred location for draining gasoline tanks is outside of the building. If this is not feasible, an Underwriters' Laboratory listed or Factory Mutual approved portable pump equipped with a storage tank should be used. Non-approved pumps should never be used. Siphoning by mouth should also be strictly prohibited.
• Gasoline drained from vehicle tanks should be stored in approved storage containers or returned to standard underground storage tanks.
• O.S.H.A. approved gas caddies are available from Western Manufacturing Corporation. Contact them at 800-247-7594 or fax at 575-752-1205.
• If gasoline is to be disposed of, it should be stored in drums or tanks suitable for such purpose. Keep the storage containers outside of the building until they are removed by a registered disposal company.
• Ignition source control in the vicinity of tank work should include:

  - "NO SMOKING" signs posted and enforced.
  - Ordinary or conventional trouble lights should be replaced with the enclosed fluorescent type.
  - Approved and operable multi-purpose fire extinguishers available in the immediate work area.
  - The prohibition of welding or other hot work within 20 feet of tank repair/service area.

• If hot work (welding or cutting) must be completed on a tank, proper containment or cleaning and testing procedures should be followed. Consult with tank manufacturers for proper procedure recommendations.

One supplier of Factory Mutual approved equipment for safely draining automotive gasoline tanks is Handy Industries. If you mention Universal Underwriters, you will receive a discount on the purchase. Handy Industries can be contacted by phone at 800-247-7594, by fax at 641-752-1205, or on the internet at www.handyindustries.com.

Significant employee injuries or property damage can have an impact on the overall profitability of a business. By implementing our recommended guidelines, you can reduce the potential for losses resulting from welding, cutting torches, or fuel-related parts. This will help ensure the safety of your employees, and safeguard your business.

For more information about how Universal Underwriters Group, Special Account Services can help meet the special needs of your automotive recycling business, call Universal at 1-800-840-8842, ext. 4845, visit the website at www.uuic.com and click on Automotive Recycling Business, or send an e-mail to uuis.specaccts@zurichna.com.