Whether it's on a job site or in your shed at home, gasoline and oil need to be stored properly to avoid costly leaks or harmful explosions. Petrochemical plastics in particular are effective at keeping volatile chemicals like gasoline safely contained. But before getting into the advantages of using oil plastics for gas and oil storage, it's essential to understand that storage regulations must be followed at all times. Not following them could cause a serious, or even life-threatening, accident.
Gas & Oil Storage Regulations
Since gasoline is more commonly stored in households than oil, it has several more regulations. As for oil, the most important thing is to make sure it's stored in a container that won't leak — oil cleanup must be performed by a licensed professional, and the fees can be quite steep. For gasoline, follow these regulations:
- Store it at least 50 feet away from any sort of ignition source, like pilot lights or anything that may produce heat, sparks or flames.
- Store gasoline in an approved 5 gallon can or tank. Do not fill the container completely because you’ll need to allow room for expansion. Seal the container tightly and handle with care.
- DO NOT store gasoline inside your home or vehicle. Instead, store it in a well-ventilated detached garage or shed, on the floor and away from children. If the floor is concrete, lay down a piece of plywood and place the can on that.
- Store at room temperature away from space heaters, furnaces and direct sunlight.
- If storing long-term (six months to a year), add a fuel stabilizer.
- Check with local authorities to see if there are any area-specific regulations to consider.
Benefits Of Petrochemical Plastics For Gas & Oil Storage
One of the biggest concerns and risk factors associated with gasoline storage is the vapors produced by the gas, which is highly flammable. For oil, the biggest risk is a leak. Petrochemical and oil plastics help alleviate these major concerns. A sturdy plastic like high-density polyethylene (HDPE) is commonly used to make plastic gas cans and barrels because it insulates its contents, and shields gas from the heat of its environment. It's also antibacterial to prevent contamination and is rust-resistant, meaning nothing will leak out of rusted sections.
Many modern oil and gas barrels combine plastic and steel in "double-wall" construction. Petrochemical plastics make up the inside layer to keep it liquid-tight and well insulated while steel makes up the outer layer to prevent theft and help maintain internal pressure. Together, they help keep your gasoline and oil safe for use and ready when you need it.
Learn More About Gas & Oil Plastics With A&C Plastics
If you're interested in learning more about gas and oil plastics, your curiosity doesn't have to stop here! The A&C Plastics information center contains a wealth of plastics knowledge that can help you find the perfect product for your project's needs. Keep exploring today.
