Flammable Liquid Transfer Safety

Workers are sometimes required to siphon or drain and refill vehicles with fuel. Transfer of these fuels requires an approved system, including approved safety equipment.

Several factors must be considered when transferring flammable liquids. Static electricity may be generated through friction, including flowing liquids and gases, as in the case of transferring flammable liquids. Accumulated static electricity may discharge, producing an electric arc, and provide an ignition source.

Safety equipment such as portable fuel transfer tanks are designed to transfer flammable liquids from vehicle and equipment tanks into a self-contained approved storage tank by means of a pump. They reduce the amount of vapour and splashing or spilling of fuel and have provisions for proper bonding and grounding to eliminate accumulations of static electricity.

These units have various capacities and also eliminate the use of open unapproved containers. Only equipment tested and approved by recognized agencies such as Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL, ULC), Factory Mutual Engineering Corporation (FM) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) shall be used to transfer N.F.P.A. Class 1 flammable liquids to or from vehicle or equipment tanks.

Work activities also often require the use of Portable lights or Trouble lights. Blub surface temperatures may approach 500 degrees F. (260 C.) and may provide an ignition source when these lights are positioned near a fuel source where splashing or explosive atmospheres occur. It is also possible that any of the trouble light components, connections, switches, frayed electrical cords etc. may result in electrical arcs and provide a potential ignition source.

Portable lighting should be designed to eliminate ignition sources in the presence of flammable liquids or explosive atmospheres. Only lights tested and approved by recognized agencies such as UL, ULC, FM, NFPA, and Canadian Standards Association (CSA), shall be used with Class 1 Flammable liquids.

All safety equipment must be used and maintained according to manufacturers’ specifications, and a no smoking policy must be in place.

*Grounding: connection of the container to an already grounded object that will conduct electricity to “chain” off any static charge.

**Bonding: making an electrical connection between two containers so there is no difference in electrical potential to protect from sparks/electric shock.

Employers or contractors must ensure safe work procedures (SWPs) are developed and implemented to prevent the ignition of flammable liquids, or explosive atmospheres that exist or are likely to exist at the worksite. SWPs should include procedures to safely extinguishing fires, install electrical or fuel fired equipment, store flammables, control spills, and perform welding operations.

Auto and Truck manufacturer specifications and procedures must also be followed for the safe removal of fuel systems, including fuel pump, sending unit, fuel lines and tanks. Refer to the manufacturers’ operations manual.