Below are the guidelines that are recommended for filling a gasoline container:
- Use only an approved portable container (1 to 5 gallons, metal or UL approved plastic, colored red). The container must be in good condition with a vapor-tight cap. Never store gasoline in glass or unapproved containers.
- When filling container, follow same rules as when fueling car: turn off engine; extinguish smoking materials, leave electronic devices in the vehicle.
- Place the portable fuel container on the ground during filling, and keep the metal nozzle spout in contact with the container to prevent build up and discharge of static electricity. Never fill a container in the bed of a pickup, in the back of a station wagon, or in the trunk of a car.
- Keep container five feet away from cars to prevent ignition of fumes by hot engines or mufflers. Ask others, particularly children, to stand back during filling.
- Manually control the nozzle valve throughout the filling process. Fill a portable container slowly to decrease the chance of static electricity buildup and minimize spilling or splattering.
- Back off on the trigger to slow fuel flow as the container becomes full. Fill container no more than 95 percent full to allow for expansion. When filling is complete, tightly cap container. Wipe off any gasoline that spilled on the outside of the container. Ask the station attendant to properly dispose of the material used to wipe off the gasoline.