Wes Throop, Project Leader
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations that took effect on January 1, 2009, limit hydrocarbon emissions from gas cans. These regulations do not apply to metal safety cans or to containers that hold less than 1 quart. The regulations do apply to nearly all plastic gas cans, including the two-compartment containers (commonly referred to as Dolmars) sawyers use to carry chain saw gas and bar oil.
Manufacturers have been meeting the regulations primarily by adding "spillproof" spouts. These spouts are designed so they cannot open accidentally and will lock automatically when they're not being used. Spillproof spouts are typically cumbersome and won't fill fuel containers as quickly as traditional spouts.
In addition to the EPA regulations, the Children's Gasoline Burn Prevention Act requires fuel containers sold in the United States to have childproof closures. This act applies to all fuel containers, including two-compartment chain saw fuel containers and aluminum fuel bottles (also known as Sigg bottles).
Replacement parts are no longer being produced for fuel containers manufactured before January 1, 2009. The only replacement spouts for existing fuel containers will be the new spillproof spouts.
The manufacturer of the two-compartment fuel/oil container stocked by the National Interagency Support Caches has developed a new version that conforms to the new regulations. According to the company, this container should be available during 2009. The container will be marketed under the Briggs and Stratton and possibly the Wedco trade names. The manufacturer's part number is 85310.
Some saw shops have a few of the older style containers in stock. Once these are gone, only containers that comply with the new regulations will be available. Existing two-compartment fuel/oil containers may be used until they are no longer serviceable.
Highlights....
- Spillproof spouts and childproof caps are
required for new plastic two-compartment
fuel/oil containers.
- This tech tip includes instructions for
using the new spillproof spout.
- Existing plastic two-compartment fuel/oil containers can continue to be used as long as they are serviceable.
Operating Instructions for the New Spillproof Spout
The new spillproof spout comes in a package with a childproof cap (figure 1). Both the spout and the cap have a serrated latch that must be squeezed before the spout or cap can be unscrewed. The latch makes the spout and cap childproof.
The cap should be installed on the fuel container when it is being transported (figure 2).
Remove the cap from the container when you wish to install the spout (figure 3).
Unlock the spout by squeezing the spout's clip between your thumb and forefinger. The spout's clip will click when the spout is unlocked. The spout must be unlocked (figure 4) before any fuel can be dispensed.
Figure 1—The new spout and cap for
two-compartment
fuel containers.
Figure 2—The cap
is installed when the
fuel container
is being
transported.
Figure 3—Installing the spout.
Place the spout's hook over the lip of the fuel container or tank you are dispensing fuel into (figure 5). Make sure the container won’t tip over when you apply pressure to the spout.
Push the spout down until the clip releases with an audible click and fuel begins to flow (figure 6). Do not release the pressure on the spout until you finish fueling.
When the fuel container or tank is full, slowly lift the spout. Fuel will automatically stop pouring and the spout will lock automatically.
Before transporting the container, remove the spout and replace it with the cap.
For additional information, contact Wes Throop at the Missoula Technology and Development Center (406–329–3957).
Figure 4—Squeeze the clip until
it clicks.
Figure 5—The spout's hook allows
you to press the spout
firmly enough
so fuel can flow.
Figure 6—When you apply enough
pressure to close
the gap between the spout
and the spout's
clip, fuel can flow.
Wes Throop is the program leader for wildland fire chemical systems at MTDC. He received his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Idaho in 1983. Throop has worked as a smokechaser, hotshot firefighter, and engine foreman for the Forest Service and as a civilian mechanical engineer for the U.S. Department of the Navy. Before coming to MTDC in 1999, he worked as a mechanical engineer at the test reactor area of the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory near Idaho Falls, ID.
For additional information about fuel containers, contact Wes Throop at MTDC:
USDA Forest Service
Missoula Technology and Development Center
5785 Hwy. 10 West
Missoula, MT 59808-9361
Phone: 406–329–3957
Fax: 406–329–3719
E-mail: wthroop@fs.fed.us
Electronic copies of MTDC's documents are available on the Internet at:
http://www.fs.fed.us/eng/t-d.php
Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management employees can search a more complete collection of MTDC's documents, CDs, DVDs, and videos on their internal computer networks at:
