Miami, Okla. – Pack away the heavy jackets and bring out the T-shirts … Spring weather has arrived. And, with our desire to get outdoors again, comes the knowledge that most homeowners need to fuel up for springtime activities and chores.
Gasoline, kerosene and diesel fuel are all required for outdoor tasks like removing fallen tree limbs, boating and power washing driveways. But before you get started, take some advice from experts at Scepter on how to properly use fuel outdoors.
Dispose Of Old Fuel
“The first thing people should do is safely dispose of any fuel they have left over in their containers from winter activities,” says Daniel Marshall, vice president of marketing and business development with Scepter. “Winter fuel is heavier and a unique blend. Fuel available in the spring and summer months is different and should be used for lawn care and sporting equipment.
“One way to safely get rid of a winter mix of gasoline is to put it in your car with a funnel. This way, that small amount of remaining fuel will mix in with gasoline in your larger tank.”
While carefully disposing of old fuel, Marshall recommends inspecting your existing fuel containers for cracks and leaks. If you find signs of aging, invest in new fuel containers, like the durable Scepter SmartControl containers. Available in one-, two- and five-gallon gas, kerosene and diesel sizes, the high-density polyethylene SmartControl containers have child safety features, for added protection at home.
Do’s And Don’ts Fuel Usage Tips
To help get you ready for fuel-related tasks around the home, Marshall suggests reviewing safety videos online for important tips.
“There are simple things people may not know about using fuel,” says Marshall. “For example, it’s necessary to let a hot motor, like a lawn mower or chainsaw, cool down before refueling. This eliminates the risk that fuel is accidentally spilled on a hot surface. If this happens, the fuel or fumes could ignite and potentially explode.”
Marshall recommends going over this entire “do’s and don’ts list” with all members of the family:
Do
- Use fuel outside only, in well ventilated areas where you will not breathe in the fumes.
- Remove fuel containers from vehicles before refilling.
- Place containers on the ground a safe distance from a vehicle when refilling.
- Touch the container with the gas dispenser nozzle before removing the container lid to ground the static electricity charge.
- Keep the nozzle in contact with the container when filling it to prevent build up of a static charge.
- Carefully wipe away any fuel spills, either during the filling of the container or when using the container.
- Put only the proper fuel in the proper container. Universally, red containers are for gasoline, blue containers are for kerosene and yellow containers are for diesel.
- Let a hot motor cool down before adding more fuel.
Do Not
- Siphon any type of fuel by mouth.
- Allow children near fuel containers.
- Store filled fuel containers in a vehicle or in living space, like a home or trailer.
- Bring fuel containers near any open flames, whether it be pilot lights or stoves.
- Bring, store or use fuel near any source of ignition.
- Smoke when using fuel or when near a fuel container.
- Remove or alter the flame mitigation device (FMD) inside the opening of the container.
- Pour fuel directly onto or near a flame, coals or embers. Fuel should never be used to start or accelerate a fire.
- Use any type of fuel to kill ant hills or beehives.
Safety First: Selecting A Smart Fuel Container
If you are ready to purchase a new fuel container, keep in mind that the innovative spout design of a SmartControl container makes it easier than ever to fuel equipment. The spout provides a clean, fast and hassle-free pour and helps save gas for where it’s needed by eliminating messy spills. The user-controlled flow valve and FMD make it effortless and safe to direct the amount of fuel being dispensed.
With a single motion, the user simply presses the lever up to unlock the child safety feature with the palm of the hand, and then squeezes the large button. This first squeeze is done when upright to vent the container. Then, place the nozzle over the tank and squeeze again to pour just the right amount of fuel.
Recognized by This Old House magazine as a “Top 20 Best New Product of 2019” in the Lawn & Garden category, SmartControl containers are also the recipient of the “Best in Class” Award at the 2018 National Hardware Show. Constructed in the U.S.A. of durable and safe high-density polyethylene, SmartControl containers can be found throughout the U.S. in The Home Depot, Walmart, Lowe’s, AutoZone, Pep Boys, Target and Northern Tool + Equipment stores.
Visit www.scepter.com for more information.