The Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay Fire Department and the Department of Justice & Public Safety, Fire Services Division, reminds the public that there are essential safety practices related to the safe storage of fuels such as gasoline on your property.

As residents know, gasoline prices have the potential to rise and fall drastically (prices currently frozen in our area), which can result in residents potentially storing extra amounts of gasoline on their property.

Please see the below Code Requirements provided by the Provincial Department of Justice & Public Safety, Fire Services Division:

 Code requirements and safety precautions at the gas station

• Only put gasoline in a container that is specifically approved and sold for the purpose of gasoline storage. (NFCC – CSA B376-M and CSA B306-M)
• These approved portable containers must be placed on the ground to avoid a possible static electricity ignition of fuel vapors. Containers should never be filled while inside a vehicle or its trunk, the bed of a pickup truck or the floor of a trailer.
• Never smoke anywhere near where these fuels are handled, especially at the pump.
• Turn off your engine when filling your tank
• Don’t use your mobile phone
• Never jam the refueling nozzle open.

Code requirements and guidelines for safe storage

• Where possible, always store gasoline in a detached shed or garage in small quantities.
• Gasoline shall not be stored on exterior balconies. (NFCC)
• Not more than 10L of gasoline shall be stored in each dwelling unit. (NFCC)
• Not more than 30L of gasoline shall be stored in a garage or shed attached to a dwelling unit. (NFCC)
• Not more than 30L of gasoline be stored in an unrated building, detached garage or shed, unless it is stored in an approved fire cabinet which also has quantity limits. (NFCC)
• Gasoline must be stored in an approved fuel can or tank – usually 20 litres or less. Be sure to leave some room in the container to allow for some expansion
• Keep gasoline containers tightly sealed and handle them gently to avoid spills
• Store gasoline at room temperature, away from potential heat sources such as the sun, a space heater or a furnace
• Keep in mind gasoline vapors are heavier than air and can travel along the floor to ignition sources
• Be sure to check with your local authorities for any additional regulations regarding fuel storage