Does anyone have their shop in a car garage? I do. I just started storing a couple gas cans in it. I was wondering if it might be hazardous? The whole anti-static issue with the Festool hoses make me wonder if static is creating in other places by our tools and could possibly light a tank of gas on fire? The thought entered my mind and I really think it is a dangerous issue. Has anyone else ever thought about this?
Storing Gas
- Thread starter ForumMFG
- Start date
The static charge associated with woodworking is predominately created by the friction of the dust and chips moving through the hose/piping of the collection system. The tools themselves don't create a significant amount of static electricity. As Joe mentioned, the environmental conditions play a huge role in the buildup of a static potential.
Keep in mind that it is not the static buildup that causes the problem, it is the arc created by the discharge the would potentially ignite the vapors. All you need is a spark or flame from any source. A pilot light, an electric motor, or light switch could also ignite vapors.
It is probably wise to ensure that your shop is properly ventilated to ensure that vapors don't build up. You can purchase cabinets designed to store materials that can potentially cause issues. While gasoline is a little more volatile, the vapors from finishing products (paints, stains, etc) can be just as dangerous.
While the probability of a fire or explosion is pretty remote, it doesn't hurt to take the steps necessary to minimize the risks.
Keep in mind that it is not the static buildup that causes the problem, it is the arc created by the discharge the would potentially ignite the vapors. All you need is a spark or flame from any source. A pilot light, an electric motor, or light switch could also ignite vapors.
It is probably wise to ensure that your shop is properly ventilated to ensure that vapors don't build up. You can purchase cabinets designed to store materials that can potentially cause issues. While gasoline is a little more volatile, the vapors from finishing products (paints, stains, etc) can be just as dangerous.
While the probability of a fire or explosion is pretty remote, it doesn't hurt to take the steps necessary to minimize the risks.
Wonderwino
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If I remember correctly from my firefighter training, the combustable vapor must be between 4-7% concentration to explode. A proper container that is sealed should not allow enough VOC into the air to risk explosion. Still, I would store it away from any potential source of spark.
Wino,
Nice to know you are a firefighter.. I bought these gas tanks brand new a couple months ago and I don't like them because I think there is something wrong with them but you tell me. They are 5 gallon cans that have a spout on them that is designed to let air in while the gas is being poured. Most gas tanks have a plug on the back that you would open so air can enter the tank making it easier to pour out the gas and etc.. Well, I think because of this, and after I fill one up to the correct amount, my cans look like they are going to explode in a couple days after they are filled. The gas might be expanding or "gases" are being produced causing the sides of the tank to belly out. To get rid of this I just open the spout to release the gases and the tank returns to it's normal shape. Is this normal or is there anything I should be worried about and do I really have to release the gases every so often?
-Dave
Nice to know you are a firefighter.. I bought these gas tanks brand new a couple months ago and I don't like them because I think there is something wrong with them but you tell me. They are 5 gallon cans that have a spout on them that is designed to let air in while the gas is being poured. Most gas tanks have a plug on the back that you would open so air can enter the tank making it easier to pour out the gas and etc.. Well, I think because of this, and after I fill one up to the correct amount, my cans look like they are going to explode in a couple days after they are filled. The gas might be expanding or "gases" are being produced causing the sides of the tank to belly out. To get rid of this I just open the spout to release the gases and the tank returns to it's normal shape. Is this normal or is there anything I should be worried about and do I really have to release the gases every so often?
-Dave
Wonderwino
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- Joined
- Apr 5, 2008
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- 800
Sounds like plastic cans, which will do this, especially if stored in a warm area. I would take them outside to relieve the pressure. I had on actually blow the cap off in the back of a covered pickup on a hot day. No fire, but a dangerous situation nonetheless. It's a good thing I don't smoke.
Another thing to keep in mind: An empty can is potentially more dangerous than a full one. There is far more vapor in an empty can. Venting them outside is very good advice even if there are no recognized sources for ignition.
You are being wise to consider these things. One of my sons had an argument with his mother when he was a still a rebellious teenager. He went out to his stepdad's workshop to stew about it and had a smoke. He was still pissed and kicked a gas can out of frustration. He felt coolness on his leg he reached down with his hand to see what it was and set his leg on fire. When he kicked the can, gas had come squirting out the vent hole and onto his leg. The cigarette ignited the fumes around his leg, and the can, but the can did not blow up because it was full. His stepdad heard the explosion and ran into the shop looking for him and didn't come out until he needed air. They had passed each other in the smoke. Only then did he open the garage door and push the can out with a shovel while Nate snuffed out the fire on his leg and peeled off the sneaker that was melted to his foot. His brush with a Darwin Award cost him a month in the burn ward but he had great medical care and he healed very well. There was barely any residual evidence of the gas burning on the shop floor. If that can had been one-quarter full Nate probably would have died.
One unintended consequence to the whole thing was that I discarded all unresolved angst from previous issues I had with the stepdad, and there had been plenty. Nathan's leg wasn't the only thing that healed.
You are being wise to consider these things. One of my sons had an argument with his mother when he was a still a rebellious teenager. He went out to his stepdad's workshop to stew about it and had a smoke. He was still pissed and kicked a gas can out of frustration. He felt coolness on his leg he reached down with his hand to see what it was and set his leg on fire. When he kicked the can, gas had come squirting out the vent hole and onto his leg. The cigarette ignited the fumes around his leg, and the can, but the can did not blow up because it was full. His stepdad heard the explosion and ran into the shop looking for him and didn't come out until he needed air. They had passed each other in the smoke. Only then did he open the garage door and push the can out with a shovel while Nate snuffed out the fire on his leg and peeled off the sneaker that was melted to his foot. His brush with a Darwin Award cost him a month in the burn ward but he had great medical care and he healed very well. There was barely any residual evidence of the gas burning on the shop floor. If that can had been one-quarter full Nate probably would have died.
One unintended consequence to the whole thing was that I discarded all unresolved angst from previous issues I had with the stepdad, and there had been plenty. Nathan's leg wasn't the only thing that healed.
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