Improper handling and storing of petroleum products can lead to serious disasters—fires, explosions, toxic leaks, and lasting environmental damage.

In Canada, petroleum fuels are used across homes, farms, and industries, making safe practices essential everywhere. A single mishap with fuel or oil can put lives at risk, contaminate local soil and water, and result in heavy fines or shutdowns. 

According to the Transportation Safety Board of Canada, petroleum-related incidents are among the top reported hazardous material accidents each year, with over 250 occurrences noted in 2023 alone.

Whether you're working in construction, agriculture, or simply storing fuel at a remote cabin, knowing how to properly manage petroleum-based products isn’t optional—it’s a safety requirement.

These products are highly flammable and can release harmful vapours that affect both health and the environment. Even a small spill, if not handled correctly, can spread quickly and lead to major cleanup efforts.

This blog shares practical, easy-to-follow tips for safely handling and storing petroleum products in Canadian workplaces and homes. We will walk you through smart storage solutions, spill response steps, fire safety precautions, and regulatory guidelines that every fuel user should know. 

Why Proper Handling and Storage of Petroleum Products Matters

Petroleum products like gasoline, diesel, and oil are classified as hazardous materials because they are highly flammable, toxic, and can pose serious risks when not managed correctly. 

Their chemical composition allows them to ignite easily, even at low temperatures, and release dangerous fumes that can harm both people and the environment.

Improper handling can lead to serious health problems. Breathing in fumes from petroleum products—especially in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas—can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, or long-term respiratory damage. 

Direct contact with the skin may result in chemical burns, rashes, or eye irritation. In more severe cases, accidental ignition can cause fires and explosions, leading to life-threatening injuries and extensive property damage.

There’s also a significant environmental impact. A spill or leak can contaminate soil and nearby water sources, harming wildlife and disrupting ecosystems. 

Cleaning up such contamination can be costly and time-consuming. According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, even small spills can take years to fully recover from, especially in remote or sensitive areas.

By following proper handling and storage practices—like using approved containers, maintaining safe distances from ignition sources, and regularly checking for leaks—you can reduce these risks dramatically. 

Responsible management not only protects health and property but also ensures compliance with Canadian safety regulations.

11 Tips for Handling and Storing Petroleum Products

Storing and handling petroleum products safely is not just good practice—it’s critical for preventing fires, protecting health, and avoiding environmental harm. 

In Canada, there are strict regulations in place to manage these risks, but day-to-day safety starts with personal responsibility. Whether you're storing gasoline at home, diesel at a job site, or lubricants in a warehouse, following best practices can significantly reduce the chances of accidents or violations. 

Below are 11 essential tips to help you handle and store petroleum products safely and responsibly.

1. Always Use Approved Storage Containers

Never store petroleum products in makeshift or household containers like water jugs or soda bottles. These items are not designed to handle flammable liquids and may leak, break, or react with the fuel.

 Always use containers that are specifically built and certified for storing flammable liquids.

In Canada, look for CSA-approved (Canadian Standards Association) or UL-listed (Underwriters Laboratories) containers. These fuel cans are designed with flame arresters, tight-sealing lids, and clear labelling to reduce the risk of spills, evaporation, or ignition.

Using the right container also ensures compliance with workplace safety standards, especially under WHMIS or provincial regulations.

2. Store Petroleum Products Away from Living Areas

Petroleum vapours can be harmful even in small amounts, and their flammability makes them extremely dangerous near homes or offices. 

Always store fuel in a well-ventilated, secure, and isolated location—such as a detached shed or outdoor fuel cabinet.

Avoid placing containers in basements, garages attached to homes, or areas near open flames, heaters, or electrical equipment. In case of a spill or fire, proximity to living areas could make evacuation difficult and increase damage. 

Outdoor storage areas should also be shaded, protected from extreme temperatures, and located away from drains to prevent environmental contamination. Proper placement of storage helps reduce health risks, fire hazards, and potential fines.

3. Maintain Proper Ventilation in Storage Areas

Petroleum products release flammable vapours that can build up quickly in closed or poorly ventilated areas. If these vapours come into contact with a spark, open flame, or even static electricity, they can ignite and cause fires or explosions. 

This is especially dangerous in enclosed spaces like garages, storage closets, or underground storage rooms.

To prevent this, always store fuels in areas with good airflow. A ventilated outdoor shed or a designated fuel storage area with cross-ventilation helps disperse vapours safely. In workplaces, mechanical ventilation systems may be required by provincial safety codes.

Keeping air moving reduces the risk of buildup and ensures a safer environment for people nearby.

4. Label All Storage Containers Clearly

Every container used for storing petroleum products should be clearly and permanently labelled. Labels must identify the exact contents (e.g., gasoline, diesel, motor oil) and include hazard warnings such as “Flammable” or “Keep Away from Heat.”

Unlabelled or poorly labelled containers can lead to dangerous mix-ups, accidental misuse, and difficulty during emergency response. For example, pouring gasoline into a diesel engine or storing fuel near incompatible chemicals could result in serious damage or injury.

In workplaces, improper labelling also violates WHMIS and provincial regulations, which could result in fines or shutdowns.

5. Never Store Petrol or Fuels in Glass or Non-Compatible Containers

Glass bottles, plastic water jugs, and other household containers are not designed to handle flammable liquids. These materials can weaken, crack, or react with the fuel, leading to leaks, vapour release, or container failure.

Approved fuel containers are built to resist pressure changes, UV light, and chemical reactions. They are also equipped with safety features like flame arresters. 

Storing fuel in unapproved containers not only increases the risk of fire but also violates Canadian fire codes and environmental regulations. 

Always use containers made from fuel-compatible, flame-resistant materials to ensure safe and legal storage.

Mention risks of breakage, leaks, and chemical reactions.

6. Keep Storage Areas Cool and Away from Heat Sources

Petroleum products are extremely sensitive to heat. High temperatures can cause the fuel inside containers to expand and release vapours, increasing the risk of leaks, pressure buildup, or even container rupture. 

If these vapours encounter a spark or flame, they can ignite quickly, leading to fires or explosions.

To stay safe, store fuel containers in shaded, cool, and well-ventilated areas, away from heat sources like heaters, engines, direct sunlight, or power tools. 

Avoid keeping them in places where temperatures can rise rapidly, such as metal sheds in summer. Keeping your fuel cool reduces vapour buildup and keeps containers stable.

7. Handle Spills Immediately and Safely

Even small fuel spills can lead to serious problems if not cleaned up right away. Spilled petroleum can damage surfaces, release harmful fumes, and create slippery conditions.

If it seeps into soil or drains, it can contaminate water and require costly environmental cleanup.

Always have spill kits on hand that include absorbent pads, neutralizers, and proper disposal bags. 

Clean up spills as soon as they happen, and never use water to wash fuel away—it can spread the contamination. In workplaces, follow your spill response plan and report incidents as required by environmental regulations in your province.

8. Do Not Overfill Containers

When filling fuel containers, always leave space at the top to allow for vapour expansion. Overfilling leaves no room for the fuel to expand when temperatures rise, which can lead to leaks, bulging containers, or pressure-related failures.

A good rule of thumb is to fill containers only up to 90–95% of their capacity. Most certified fuel containers have fill lines or indicators—follow them closely. 

Overfilling also increases the chance of spillage during transport or use, which can be both hazardous and wasteful. Leaving some room helps maintain container integrity and ensures safer storage.

9. Ground Fuel Containers During Fuel Transfers

When transferring fuels—whether you're filling a generator, transferring from one container to another, or refueling a vehicle—static electricity can build up and ignite flammable vapours. 

This is especially dangerous with petroleum products, as even a small spark can lead to a serious fire or explosion.

To avoid this risk, always ground the fuel container before starting a transfer. This means ensuring the container is in direct contact with the ground and, if using equipment like fuel pumps, attaching proper grounding wires or clamps. 

In industrial settings, static bonding systems are often used to connect the source and receiving containers. Taking this simple step can prevent a catastrophic accident.

10. Regularly Inspect Storage Containers and Areas

Over time, even approved fuel containers can wear out, especially when exposed to the elements. Cracks, rust, loose caps, and weakened seams can all lead to leaks or spills.

Regular inspections help you spot and fix small issues before they turn into major safety hazards.

Check your containers and storage areas at least once a month, looking for signs of damage, corrosion, or fuel odour. If a container looks compromised, replace it immediately—do not attempt to repair it. 

Also inspect the area for signs of past spills or poor ventilation. Keeping everything in top condition reduces the chance of fire, contamination, or legal violations.

11. Follow Local Laws and Fire Safety Regulations

In Canada, municipalities and provinces have strict rules about how much fuel you can store and where it can be kept.

For example, the National Fire Code of Canada and local fire departments often limit the amount of flammable liquids that can be stored in residential, commercial, or industrial settings. They may also require special containers, signage, and spacing from buildings.

Before storing large amounts of fuel, check with your local fire department or municipal office to understand the requirements. This includes zoning laws, environmental guidelines, and emergency preparedness standards. 

Following these rules not only keeps you safe but also ensures you avoid fines or forced removal of the fuel.

What to Do If a Fuel Fire or Spill Occurs

Despite best efforts, accidents can still happen. Knowing what to do in case of a fuel fire or spill can save lives, protect property, and reduce environmental harm. Quick and calm action is key.

1. Evacuate the Area Immediately

If you notice a fuel spill or fire, your first priority should be to move everyone away from the danger zone. 

Vapours from petroleum products can ignite suddenly, so keep a safe distance and avoid creating sparks—this includes turning off electronics, engines, or tools nearby.

2. Call Emergency Services

Once everyone is at a safe distance, call 911 or your local fire department. 

In Canada, emergency responders are trained to handle hazardous material incidents and will bring the proper tools and expertise to the scene. Do not try to handle a large spill or growing fire on your own.

3. Use the Right Fire Extinguisher (If Safe)

If the fire is small and manageable—and you’re trained to use a fire extinguisher—you may attempt to put it out using a Class B extinguisher, which is designed for flammable liquids.

Never use water, as it can spread the fuel and make the fire worse. Foam or dry chemical extinguishers are the safest options for petroleum fires.

4. Prepare an Emergency Plan

If you store or handle large amounts of fuel regularly, it’s essential to have a written emergency response plan. This should include evacuation routes, spill containment procedures, emergency contact numbers, and locations of fire extinguishers and spill kits.

Regular drills and training can make sure everyone knows what to do when seconds matter.

Having a plan in place and knowing these basic steps can make a critical difference in minimizing damage and keeping people safe during a fuel-related emergency.

Conclusion

Improper handling and storage of petroleum products can lead to devastating consequences—fires, explosions, harmful health effects, and environmental pollution. 

From leaking containers to flammable vapours building up in enclosed spaces, the risks are real and often preventable. 

Many fuel-related accidents in Canada are the result of simple oversights, such as using non-certified containers or storing fuel too close to heat sources.

Fortunately, most of these dangers can be avoided by following a few smart practices. Using approved containers, keeping fuels away from living spaces, ensuring good ventilation, and responding quickly to spills are all simple steps that can significantly lower the risk of accidents. 

Even something as basic as not overfilling containers can make a big difference.

When it comes to handling and storing petroleum products, there’s no room for shortcuts. Whether you’re a homeowner, a tradesperson, or an industrial worker, the responsibility to store fuel safely is yours. 

Always stay informed about local safety regulations and equip your storage area with the necessary tools—like spill kits and the correct fire extinguishers.

By taking fuel safety seriously, you’re not only protecting your own health and property, but also helping to safeguard your community and the environment. Make storage safety a habit, not an afterthought.