Is It Safe to Store Gasoline in Iron Drums During Summer?
2 Answers
It is not safe. Below are precautions for storing gasoline: 1. It is best to use metal containers for gasoline storage: The lid must be tightly screwed to prevent gasoline molecules from escaping. The gasoline drum should be placed in a cool, well-ventilated area away from fire, electricity, and heat sources, and where it is not easily knocked over. Never place it in living rooms, kitchens, corridors, or wooden staircases. 2. If you suddenly smell gasoline at home: Conduct an inspection immediately, but never use an open flame for illumination. If you find a gasoline storage container is cracked or leaking, replace it promptly. Welding is strictly prohibited as it can easily cause an explosion. 3. If a gasoline storage container is knocked over: If a large amount of gasoline spills indoors, evacuate all household members quickly and immediately extinguish all ignition sources indoors and outdoors. Do not turn on lights or operate electrical switches, as the resulting sparks can cause gasoline to ignite. Also, open windows and doors for ventilation. 4. Gasoline storage containers: Do not fill them completely; leave at least 5% of the container's volume empty to allow gasoline molecules room to "move," as gasoline expands when heated, which can force the container to "bulge" or even rupture. 5. When using iron or fiberglass containers for storage: Ensure they are tightly sealed. Avoid plastic containers, as they can generate static electricity. Store in a cool place, and do not store too much gasoline for too long, as it can deteriorate. Keeping gasoline fresh is beneficial for the engine. 6. Empty gasoline drums: If they are no longer used for gasoline, they must be processed. Residual gasoline in the drum can easily volatilize and explode if exposed to fire. Therefore, before any heat processing, fill the drum with water and empty it repeatedly to wash away the gasoline.
I used to help out at an auto repair shop and have seen many accident cases. Steel drums filled with gasoline are particularly unsafe in summer. Gasoline evaporates quickly at high temperatures, producing a large amount of vapor. Once the concentration becomes too high and encounters an open flame or static spark, it can easily explode. Moreover, steel drums have poor sealing, and when exposed to direct sunlight, the internal pressure increases, making them prone to leaks or deformation. If they come into contact with metal friction, they become a moving bomb. Once, we received a distress call where a steel drum of gasoline in a car's trunk spontaneously combusted due to high temperatures, nearly burning the car to a total loss. I recommend switching to dedicated plastic gasoline containers, storing them in cool, well-ventilated areas away from direct sunlight and high-temperature environments, and regularly checking the seals for a safer approach.
