FUEL SAFETY Tips
By Perry Mack
Sometimes we don’t know the safety rules, and other times we know the rules but because we’ve never had an accident, nor has anyone we know, we get so relaxed about following the rules, we unintentionally become dangerous.
Here’s a quick overview to keep you sharp so your vacation has nothing but happy memories. Some of this seems like common sense and yet every year someone glosses over the basics and the result is tragedy. If you see someone fuelling incor- rectly, politely tell them what you’ve just read, odds are they’ll be happy you did.
Before you start fuelling, turn off all the electronics (including the radio or sound system), extinguish any open flames (cigars, cigarettes, romantic candles, mosquito coils) and send your passengers ashore. Close all ports, doors and hatches – gasoline fumes are heavier than air and therefore love to sink into cabin spaces and build up. Your cabin is loaded with ignition sources like light switches and appli- ances. You’ll be done fuelling and feel safe just before your world explodes – literally.
If you’re filling portable tanks, includ- ing the plastic variety, take them out of the boat and on to the dock. This will prevent the fumes from filling the boat and as the dock is grounded it will help prevent sparks. Nevertheless, keep the nozzle touching the canister to prevent a spark caused by static electricity – the same applies to your inboard. An absor- bent rag held under or wrapped around the nozzle will help catch any drips.
For some reason auto-stop nozzles aren’t always standard equipment in
16
marine applications – or they are but don’t work. Many are pumping faster than the land-based versions so they don’t stop in time. Don’t let your atten- tion wander (there are often distract- ing views on the dock) and slow down when you get close to full. Keep in mind that gasoline can wreck gel coat,
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24