As with many of the conveniences of the modern job site, petroleum products such as gasoline, diesel fuel, and oil are so familiar that we don’t give them a second thought. But that familiarity masks the inherent dangers associated with these products.
When thinking about the hazards associated with petroleum products, the potential for explosion and fire immediately comes to mind. However, those aren’t the only hazards. Contact with or ingesting fumes from petroleum products can be dangerous in many ways. In addition, the accidental release of these products into groundwater or waterways may create a significant environmental liability.
That’s why it makes sense to add working with petroleum products to the list of “familiar” hazards that safety professionals revisit periodically. Without reminders of the inherent dangers and a review of the steps that can be taken to mitigate the hazards, it’s all too easy for workers to become complacent and increase the chances of an incident. We provide a quick review of the hazards associated with petroleum products, preventive measures, and steps to be taken in the event of an incident to result in a safer work environment.
Fire and Explosion Hazards
The flammability of petroleum products is one of their primary hazards. Vapors given off by these products are particularly hazardous because they are heavier than air and tend to “pool” in low-lying places such as excavations, basements, and pits. Typically, those vapors will stay in those locations until there is sufficient ventilation to remove them.
That’s why it’s so important to store petroleum products in tightly sealed containers and to pour them only in areas with adequate ventilation. Tanks should display appropriate warning labels, and be kept at a safe distance from any ignition sources or other tanks containing flammable or reactive materials, and smoking should be prohibited in the immediate area.
When refueling vehicles or equipment, the worker must remain at the site to protect against overfilling or other potential hazards that could cause leakage. Engines and other potential ignition sources such as fans and power tools should be shut off completely during refueling, and nobody should be smoking within 25 feet of the refueling area.
Dangers to Human Health
Gasoline and other petroleum products can damage respiratory tissue and injure the skin and eyes. Both short-term and long-term exposures can lead to health problems, which can be compounded by additives used in the fuels.
Many of these products can remove the skin’s protective oils. In the short term, that can cause chapping and drying, but as those effects become more severe, they can lead to burns and infections (and, when using fuels with lead additives, lead poisoning). Clothing that becomes soaked with fuel will continuously expose any skin it touches to the fuel. That’s why it’s important to wash all exposed areas of the skin with soap and water after contact and to change clothes frequently (or wear disposable clothing). One of the best protective measures is to wear fuel-resistant gloves.
It’s very easy to transfer petroleum products to the eyes by inadvertently rubbing or wiping the eyes after coming in contact with petroleum. That’s another good reason to wash hands frequently while working with these materials. If fuel comes in contact with the eye, avoid rubbing. Instead, flush the eye using an eye bath or water bottle, and obtain medical attention.
If a worker swallows petroleum products, do not induce vomiting. Instead, transport the victim to a hospital or other medical facility immediately. Ingesting gasoline and other petroleum products can seriously impair the nervous system and cause pneumonia.
Environmental Impacts of Spills
You may think of oil spills in terms of what happens when a supertanker crashes or a drilling rig explodes, but even tiny spills can have huge consequences. Even a slow drip can send hundreds of gallons into the groundwater or a nearby stream, and a small amount of fuel can contaminate the drinking water used by an entire community. That’s why the federal Clean Water Act requires many building owners and others to develop plans for responding to spills of petroleum products.
Prevention is always the most effective approach, especially because most spills result from inattention or other forms of human error, or by the failure of mechanical systems. A key concept in prevention is regular inspection of storage tanks, valves, hoses, and piping to ensure that there isn’t any leakage or corrosion. Regularly tracking fuel deliveries and comparing them to usage can alert you to small leaks.
When oil spills occur, a rapid response using the correct procedures can protect property and water. The first step is to stop the spill by shutting valves, putting containers upright, and similar actions. Next, limit the spread of the spill by using absorbent materials or items specially designed to block the movement of the material. All spills should be reported to supervisors, who can determine whether first responders and government agencies must be notified. After the spill has been resolved, clean up the site using proper procedures. The used absorbents and other materials may need to be treated as hazardous waste.
How to Get Help for Safety Program
If you have a company that has crews who encounter petroleum products and possible spills, but don’t know if you comply with regulations regarding safety, then we have a solution to help you. Reach out and contact us today with any questions you may have regarding our safety consulting services and how we can implement a safety program to get your team up to speed.
