From time to time K.A.R. will make our website friends aware of safety issues that everyone should be aware of while working on your Mustang. One of the most frequently purchased items for classic Mustangs is a new fuel tank. Many Mustangs have sat idle for years resulting in stale or "varnished" gas in the tank. Once this varnished gas is drained from the tank and put aside in a safe container, preferably outside in a safe place, the tank must be removed from the car. There are other reasons to remove a fuel tank. A few examples follow:
- Tank leaks
- Tank becomes a safety hazard during nearby repairs that receive welding or cutting
- Tank removed to allow sandblasting in the entire trunk area
- Tank requires repainting, refinishing, or steam cleaning
- Tank removed to facilitate repairs to the rear crossmember or tail light panel
- etc., etc., etc.
MANY MUSTANG HOBBYISTS AND PROFESSIONALS, AS WELL, THINK THAT AN EMPTY FUEL TANK IS A SAFE FUEL TANK . . . WRONG! WRONG! WRONG!
We recently learned of an actual case where repairs were being made to a car, which required removal of the fuel tank. When the "empty" fuel tank was removed and placed on the ground, the tank exploded. The ensuing fire did significant damage to the building and its contents.
Key points about this incident:
- Fuel tank removal to facilitate vehicle repairs or fuel tank replacement is very common in the Mustang restoration or repair process.
- The fuel tank was emptied prior to removing it from the car. However, it is believed there was some gasoline residue and gasoline vapors remaining in the tank.
- Temperature and humidity were very high on the day of the fire, affecting the speed of evaporation/dissipation of the gasoline vapors from the tank.
- The work area was ventilated by a large pedestal fan.
- The tank created a spark when it was placed on the "concrete floor," which ignited the gasoline residue and vapor in the tank.
- Nearby combustible materials (tires, oil, oily rags, cleaning solvents, paint) contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.
Some preventative measures to consider:
- Non-sparking tools should be used to remove a fuel tank.
- Fuel vapors should be dissipated by using local exhaust ventilation.
- Once removed from the car, the fuel tank should be placed on a non-conducting/ non-sparking surface such as a wood pallet or rubber mat.
- The fuel tank removal area should remain completely free of all combustible materials.
So you see, accidents can happen. Following proper procedures can eliminate the opportunity for a fuel tank related accident. It should go without saying that smoking during fuel tank removal process must be avoided. Think about the potential effect a lighted cigarette, cigar, pipe or any smoking device can have on gasoline vapors!
There are hidden dangers when working around automobiles or equipment of any kind. Hopefully, we have helped you to avoid one of these hidden dangers . . . fuel tank explosion!
To ensure the safety of our employees and customers, and to protect the Mustangs entrusted to us, K.A.R. Auto Group, Inc. operates in a smoke-free environment!
|
