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Toolbox Talks

Refueling mowers, saws, and blowers

Refueling mowers, saws, and blowers

Fire and hot work 5 min 29 CFR 1926.302 · 29 CFR 1926.152

Landscaping

Why it matters

Landscape crews refuel engines many times a day, often in a hurry and right off a hot machine. Gasoline vapor lights from a spark, a cigarette, or a hot muffler. A fuel fire on a trailer can burn a worker badly and take the whole rig with it.

The talk

Gasoline is not dangerous because it is wet. It is dangerous because it makes vapor you cannot see, and that vapor spreads along the ground and catches fire easily. That is why the rule says to stop any fuel-powered tool before you refuel it, service it, or work on it. Shut off the mower, trimmer, blower, or saw, and let it cool for a few minutes. A hot muffler or engine can light spilled fuel. Never refuel a running machine to save a minute. Never smoke while fueling, and keep lighters, open flames, and sparks far from the fueling spot. Put up a no smoking sign on the trailer.

Carry and pour gas in the right container. For 5 gallons or less, that means an approved safety can or a DOT-approved gas can, not a water jug, drink bottle, or open bucket. Keep caps on and closed when you are not pouring. Fuel on the ground, not in the truck bed. Plastic bed liners and carpet can build up static, and a spark can jump when you fill a can sitting on them. Set the can on the ground, keep the nozzle touching the can or tank, and fill slowly. Do not fill to the very top. Leave room for fuel to expand in the heat. Mixed fuel for two-stroke tools goes in its own labeled can.

Clean up spills right away. Wipe the machine, move it away from the spill before starting it, and let the spill dry off before anyone starts an engine nearby. Throw fuel-soaked rags in a covered metal can, not the truck cab. Wash gas off your skin and change clothes that got soaked, since they will burn. Keep a charged fire extinguisher on the trailer and know where it is. Store cans in a vented spot out of direct sun, strapped so they do not tip. If gas catches fire, do not try to carry the burning can away. Get people back, use the extinguisher if the fire is small, and call 911 if it is not.

Key points

  1. Stop the engine before refueling, servicing, or repairs.
  2. Let hot engines cool before you pour fuel.
  3. Use approved safety cans or DOT-approved containers.
  4. Fill cans on the ground, not in the truck bed.
  5. No smoking or flames near fueling.
  6. Clean up spills right away and move the machine before starting.
  7. Keep a charged extinguisher on the trailer.

Do this

  • Keep the nozzle in contact with the can or tank while filling.
  • Leave room at the top of the tank for expansion.
  • Label mixed fuel cans clearly.
  • Strap cans upright in a shaded, vented spot.
  • Put fuel rags in a covered metal can.

Do not do this

  • Do not refuel a running or hot engine.
  • Do not carry gas in water jugs or drink bottles.
  • Do not fill cans sitting on a bed liner.
  • Do not start an engine on top of a spill.
  • Do not carry a burning can.

Talk about it

  1. Where on our trailer do we fuel, and is it away from hot equipment and smokers?
  2. Are all our gas cans approved and labeled?
  3. Where is the extinguisher on our rig, and is it charged?

This is a short crew briefing. It does not replace a competent person, training, or the law.

Training aid only. This talk is not legal advice. It does not replace your company's safety program, a competent person, the equipment maker's instructions, or the OSHA standard itself.

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