Fuel Handling Precautions

General

The following information provides basic precautions which must be observed if petrol (gasoline) is to be handled safely. It also outlines other areas of risk which must not be ignored. This information is issued for basic guidance only and, if in doubt, appropriate enquiries should be made to your local Fire Officer.

Petrol – Gasoline

When petrol (gasoline) evaporates it produces 150 times its own volume in vapour which when diluted with air becomes a readily ignitable mixture. The vapour is heavier than air and will always fall to the lowest level. It can readily be distributed throughout any indoor environment by air currents, consequently, even a small spillage of petrol (gasoline) is potentially very dangerous.

Warning Petrol Handling

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Petrol (gasoline) is highly flammable and can be explosive under certain conditions. When opening the fuel tank cap always observe all the following items:- Turn the motorcycle ignition switch OFF. - Do not smoke. - Always have a suitable fire extinguisher close at hand when handling or draining fuel or fuel systems. Fire extinguishers must also be present in areas where fuel is stored.- Always disconnect the vehicle battery, negative (black) lead first, before carrying out, dismantling or draining work on a fuel system.- Whenever petrol (gasoline) is being handled, drained, stored or when fuel systems are being dismantled, make sure the area is well ventilated. All potential forms of ignition must be extinguished or removed (this includes any appliance with a pilot light). Any lead-lamps must be flame-proof and kept clear of any fuel spillage.- Warning notices must be posted at a safe distance from the site of the work to warn others that petrol (gasoline) is being openly handled. The notice must instruct the reader of the precautions which must be taken.Failure to follow the advice above could lead to a fire hazard which could result in serious injury, or death.

Warninig petrol related components

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No one should be permitted to repair components associated with petrol (gasoline) without first having specialist training on the fire hazards which may be created by incorrect installation and repair of items associated with petrol (gasoline).Inspections and repairs must be completed by a competent person with the specialist knowledge and technical understanding of closed-course competition motorcycles, such as an authorised Triumph motocross and enduro centre.Repairs carried out by untrained personnel could bring about a safety hazard leading to a risk of serious injury or death.

Warning Fuel Draining/Refill

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Draining or extraction of petrol (gasoline) from a vehicle fuel tank must be carried out in a well ventilated area.The receptacle used to contain the petrol (gasoline) must be more than adequate for the full amount of fuel to be extracted or drained. The receptacle should be clearly marked with its contents, and placed in a safe storage area which meets the requirements of local authority regulations.When petrol (gasoline) has been extracted or drained from a fuel tank, the precautions governing naked lights and ignition sources should be maintained.Failure to follow the advice above could lead to a fire hazard which could result in serious injury or death.

Fuel Tank Removal

Fuel tanks should have a PETROL (GASOLINE) VAPOUR warning label attached to them as soon as they are removed from the vehicle. In all cases, they must be stored in a secured, marked area.

Chassis Repairs

Warning Motorcycle involved in an accident

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If the motorcycle is involved in an accident, collision or fall, it must be taken for inspection and repair.Inspections and repairs must be completed by a competent person with the specialist knowledge and technical understanding of closed-course competition motorcycles, such as an authorised Triumph motocross and enduro centre.Any accident can cause damage to the motorcycle that, if not correctly repaired, may cause a second accident which could result in serious injury or death.