By Ellen Duysen

Receiving news of tragic events is the hardest part of my job in agricultural safety and health. Almost daily, I get reports of injuries and fatalities that will affect the lives of those involved forever. Sometimes, I meet someone who has turned their tragedy into a mission to ensure that others never have to experience what they endured.

Jane Allsup is one such person. After her son Christopher died from an explosion involving a plastic gasoline container, which caused severe burns, Jane founded the Legacy of Christopher Allsup Foundation Inc. This organization provides education about the hazards of fuels and offers annual gasoline can exchanges.

Through her efforts, Jane has raised public awareness about the dangers of handling fuels, eliminated many hazardous gas cans on farms, and helped influence legislation requiring flame arresters on all new gasoline cans sold in the U.S.

Look at the hazards

Fuel is volatile and can easily ignite under the right circumstances. Gasoline, for example, has a low flashpoint, meaning it can catch fire at relatively low temperatures. The vapors it produces are highly combustible, and any nearby spark or open flame can trigger a fire or explosion. It is vital to exercise extreme caution when handling, storing and transferring fuel.

Related:Give the gift of farm safety this Christmas

Common accidents related to fuel handling include spills, leaks and improper disposal, all of which can create fire hazards. For instance, refueling near an open flame or using faulty equipment can lead to deadly consequences. Besides the risk of direct ignition, improperly stored fuel can degrade, releasing harmful vapors that pose both environmental and health threats.

Why flame arresters matter

One of the simplest yet most effective safety innovations in recent years has been the inclusion of flame arresters in modern gas cans. A flame arrester is a device designed to prevent flames from traveling into a fuel container, thus stopping a potential fire from igniting the fuel inside. These devices typically are located in the spout of the gas can and act as a barrier, allowing fuel to pour out while preventing sparks, flames or heat from entering.

Modern gas cans often are designed to be more durable, with reinforced materials that can withstand the elements and minimize the risk of leaks or cracks. Many new cans are designed to be more spill-proof and have better sealing mechanisms, preventing fuel from spilling during transport or storage.

Fuel handling is inherently risky, but simple precautions, such as switching to gas cans with flame arresters, can significantly lower the risk of fire-related accidents. These cans are a small investment that can prevent catastrophic outcomes and help keep people and the environment safer. Plan to replace your old gas cans next time you are out and about.

Related:6 ways to reduce stress on the farm

To learn more about Christopher’s story and the Legacy of Christopher Allsup Foundation, visit tellingthestoryproject.org/christopher. To see a resource created in honor of Christopher, check out Sammy the Safety Can activity book for kids at unmc.edu/publichealth/cscash/resources/resources-youth.html. Contact me for free copies of all the youth resources at [email protected].

Duysen is a research assistant professor at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Public Health and is coordinator of the Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health.