The following warning came from our local fire department via a Montgomery owner. Since I recommended these I thought I should pass the warning on. Doug Kelch "Seas the Day"
-----Original Message----- From: MacKay, William D. Sent: Thursday, June 10, 2004 11:46 AM To: FIRE Subject: Spill Proof Fuel Containers
Recently the use of so-called Spill Proof fuel containers has seen a dramatic increase. In fact some county agencies have begun to completely do away with the old style containers in favor of these.
Home improvement stores, department stores, etc are selling these in our area and may be advertised as environmentally friendly. These containers are generally plastic and do not have any type of visible vent associated with them. They are designed to prevent spills and incorporate the "vent" into the fill neck or spout.
There have been at least 6 incidents in Fairfax County where the internal pressure developed inside the container has caused fuel to be spilled. In one of these cases fuel "shot" out of the container when opened and traveled in excess of 10 feet.
This situation presents a great hazard to not only the general public but also to us in the response community. It would not be unreasonable to experience container failure in situations where an external heat source may cause the internal pressure to rise to the point of failure. In some certain extreme conditions (container in direct sunlight), with high ambient temperature, containers have developed significant bulging and possible approach the failure point.
In the interest of safety I am sending this out in this format. In the future a more formal safety bulletin will be developed.
If any of you come across a container of this type that shows signs of significant internal pressure please approach with caution. These containers have been banned in a number of states and jurisdictions. The Fire Prevention Division is tracking these events and wishes to be notified of any events involving these containers. FM12 (Captain Hile) is responsible for this and is to be contacted.
William MacKay
Haz Mat Chief, Special Operations
Fairfax County Fire and Rescue
703-246-4388(O)
703-246-5437(F)
william.mackay@fairfaxcounty.gov
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