If you frequently go to gas stations, you may have noticed these sand barrels and wondered what their purpose is.
Why do gas stations often place large sand barrels near fuel pumps?
The main concern for gas stations is fire hazards. All gasoline stations strictly adhere to fire safety regulations and prepare plans to extinguish fires when they occur. That is why gas stations often place large sand barrels near fuel pumps.
In reality, not everyone knows how to use a fire extinguisher, and not all fire extinguishers can be used in fuel fires. In such cases, the simplest and most user-friendly fire extinguishing method is using sand.
Why do gas stations often place large sand barrels near fuel pumps? The answer is fire suppression. (Image: Thefrankworld)
Sand has a high heat absorption capacity due to its main component, silicon dioxide (SiO2), which has a melting point of up to 1,650 degrees Celsius and a boiling point of approximately 2,230 degrees Celsius. Therefore, sand is an effective fire extinguishing tool in fuel fires.
On one hand, sand absorbs heat, lowering the temperature of the fire. On the other hand, it creates a barrier between oxygen – the sustaining agent of the fire – and the fire itself, contributing to extinguishing the flames.
Since gasoline is lighter than water, it will float on the surface of water. Therefore, water should not be used to extinguish a gasoline fire, as it will only cause the fire to spread. That’s why, at gas stations, sand is the primary material used for fire suppression.
To use sand for fire extinguishing, sand containers need to be placed near fuel pumps. Additionally, gas stations also provide shovels and buckets to quickly respond to any fire incidents.
Additionally, foam extinguishers can also be used as they are lighter than gasoline, allowing them to float on the surface of the fuel and create a barrier that prevents oxygen from reaching the fire.
What other purposes do sand barrels serve at gas stations?
Using sand for fire suppression is not the only answer to why gas stations often place large sand barrels near fuel pumps. Besides fire suppression, sand barrels at gasoline stations have other useful purposes in the following circumstances:
– Handling fuel spills: Sand is used to clean up gasoline or other hazardous liquids that have spilled. Spilled gasoline is extremely dangerous and can cause fires or explosions if it comes into contact with ignition sources such as cigarette butts.
By having sand readily available, gas stations can easily clean up fuel spills, minimizing the risk of fires. This is an important safety measure because gasoline is highly flammable and can cause serious fires if not properly cleaned up.
– Assisting customers in cleaning their hands after handling fuel or other oil-based materials: Sand, acting as an abrasive material, helps remove dirt or leftover oil from hands.
– Preventing slips and falls: In the event of a fuel spill, it is possible for someone to slip and fall into the gasoline. Sand prevents them from slipping, reducing the risk of injuries.
Source: VTC.vn
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