Kerosene is a fuel used for heating, cooking, and powering vehicles. It is typically stored in a container outside the home, but some people may be wondering if they can store it in their garage.
This blog post will discuss the dangers of storing kerosene in your garage and offer tips on how to safely store it.
How to properly store kerosene
Remove kerosene from the heater
Allow the kerosene heater to cool completely before removing the fuel tank. If possible, pour the kerosene into a container outside to avoid spillage. Removing and sealing kerosene from an old heater is difficult.
Store kerosene in a well-ventilated area
Once you have removed the kerosene from your heater, you need to find a cool, dry place to store it. The best place to store kerosene is in a shed or garage. Kerosene should be stored in a cool, well-ventilated area. The safest place to store kerosene is in a metal or glass container with a tightly sealed lid. Do not store kerosene near any heat source, such as a water heater, furnace, or stove.
Containers
The proper way to store kerosene is in an approved metal or plastic container that is kept outside the home.
The container should be clearly labeled “Kerosene” and have a tight-fitting lid to prevent spills. It is also important to keep the container away from ignition sources, such as heaters, stoves, and pilot lights. If you must store kerosene in your garage, ensure it is in a well-ventilated area away from any potential ignition sources.
Use additives
You should not mix kerosene with any other substance, such as gasoline, oil, or water. If you must add an additive to kerosene, only use a specifically designed additive for kerosene heaters.
Keep away from animals and children
Kerosene should be kept out of the reach of children and animals. Children should be taught not to play with or drink kerosene. Animals should not have access to kerosene, as it can be toxic if ingested.
Inspect kerosene containers regularly
Check kerosene containers regularly for leaks and damage. If you find a leak, immediately remove the kerosene from the container and clean up the spill. Also, be sure to properly dispose of any rags or other materials that come into contact with kerosene.
Disposal
Kerosene should not be poured down the drain, into the sewer, or on the ground. If you must dispose of kerosene, contact your local fire department or hazardous waste disposal facility to find out the best way to do so.
The dangers of storing kerosene in your garage
Garages are often used to store flammable liquids, such as gasoline and kerosene. However, these liquids can pose a serious fire hazard if they are not stored properly.
One of the biggest dangers of storing kerosene in your garage is that it can easily catch fire if it comes into contact with any heat source.
You should also avoid using any electrical devices in the garage, as they could create a spark that ignites the vapors.
Additionally, kerosene fumes can be explosive, so it is important to ensure that the area where you are storing kerosene is well ventilated.
Finally, if you have children or pets, it is important to keep kerosene out of their reach, as ingestion can be fatal.
Benefits of storing kerosene instead of gasoline
While kerosene does pose some risks if it is not stored properly, there are also some benefits to using kerosene instead of gasoline.
First, kerosene is less flammable than gasoline, so it is less likely to catch fire if it comes into contact with a heat source.
Second, kerosene vapors are not as explosive as gasoline vapors, so there is less risk of an explosion if the area is not well ventilated.
Finally, kerosene is less toxic than gasoline, which is less harmful if ingested.
Despite these benefits, it is still important to take precautions when storing kerosene in your garage.
How long can you store kerosene?
You can store kerosene for many years if it is stored properly. The key to storing kerosene long-term is to keep it in a cool, dry place away from any potential ignition sources.
If you must store kerosene in your garage, make sure to keep it in a well-ventilated area and inspect it regularly for leaks and damage.
Never mix kerosene with any other substance, and only use an additive that is specifically designed for kerosene heaters. If you take these precautions, you can safely store kerosene for many years.
