Fuel Leaks - The Ignored Hazard

A leaking fuel tank can have a devastating impact to Ontario's farmers or homeowners. Leakage of just a few litres can seriously damage farmland and personal property, pollute groundwater and potentially cause an explosion.

We offer these tips to people who have aboveground or underground fuel storage tanks on their property.

• When fuel storage equipment is installed on your property, make sure it's product-tested and certified. Look for product safety labels from organizations like the Underwriter's Laboratories of Canada (ULC).
  
  
• Keep track of your fuel inventory on a regular basis; Compare what you buy and what you use to what you have left in storage, and make sure they balance out. Any differences could indicate a leakage problem.
  
  
• Make sure your fuel tank and equipment are installed in a safe place. Keep them out of areas where potential accidents could occur. For example, don't store tanks where they could be exposed to an open flame or be damaged by a vehicle.
  
  
• Ask your fuel supplier to review your tank installation and make sure it's in compliance with current fuels safety standards. Find out if anything needs to be repaired and don't wait to get it fixed.
  
  
• Secure your fuel. Lock your filler caps or shut off gas pumps after every use.

Questions
Please call TSSA's fuels safety program at 1-877-682-8772.