PACIF has developed Safety Briefs to help municipal highway supervisors maintain a high level of safety and hazard awareness among employees. We recommend using these short “tailgate trainings” on a regular basis – but no less once a month. If you need a particular safety topic, please contact us at losscontrol@vlct.org.
Information for Supervisors
Overfills, spills, and leaks that occur during container and equipment re-fueling, vehicle maintenance, etc. can result in the release of these chemicals into the environment. They get into storm water runoff and flow into sewers and surface water. In addition, spills of these products can increase the potential for fire, physical injury (slips/falls), and airborne exposure. Don’t assume that everyone knows or follows “best practices” when it comes to refueling. Make it a point to discuss these refueling reminders with employees so that you can reduce the likelihood of an undesirable event such as a property loss, environmental spill or employee injury within your operations.
Talking for Points for Training
Review the following best practices with your employees:
Filling Portable Containers
- Use only approved safety cans or DOT approved containers (5 gallons or less).
- Place the container on the ground when refueling. Never fill it on the bed of the work vehicle as this can interfere with the discharge of static electricity to ground and result in a “spark” which can ignite the flammable liquid.
- Keep the nozzle in contact with the fuel tank’s inlet tube. Use care to eliminate spills.
- Do not refuel in areas with heavy vehicle or foot traffic or where there are sources of ignition. Refueling Portable Equipment • Turn off the engine, place equipment on a firm and level surface, and allow it to cool prior to refueling. • Stand by the tank so you can act quickly if something goes wrong.
- Do not refuel near any open flames or other sources of ignition.
- Do not overfill the fuel tank. 95 percent full is a good guideline for any type of tank or container. On hot days, it is particularly important to allow room in the tank for the fuel to expand.
Operational Considerations
- Make sure that all fuel pumps have nozzles that automatically shut off and that hoses are equipped with breakaway couplings.
- Never smoke when refueling anything. Plain and simple. Following these simply rules will reduce fire potential and keep these materials out the environments, which benefits everyone.