E85 Safety Concerns

As in the dispensing of petroleum-based fuels such as gasoline or diesel, E85 (85% ethanol, 15% gasoline) should be handled with the highest level of safety in mind. Although E85 use might produce fewer pollutants, E85 is poisonous and flammable. It should never be confused with beverage alcohol. Cigarettes and other open ignition sources should never be allowed in fueling areas.

In general, the same safety measures that apply to gasoline apply to E85. All employees and fleet drivers using an E85 fueling system should do the following:

• Know basic safety practices
• Understand the purpose and content of the fuel site's emergency action plan
• Be familiar with signage and emergency equipment including the emergency shutdown button
• Understand what emergency actions must be taken in the event of an accident

At a minimum, the emergency action plan should include the following:

• Identification of what incidents might trigger the action plan
• Actions to take for specific events
• Notification procedures
• Evacuation procedures
• Safety systems
• Emergency event action items

Emergency telephone numbers should be posted at the fueling site, near all office telephones, and in adjoining facilities. These contacts should include, but might not be limited to, the following:

• #911 (emergency reminder)
• Fire department
• Emergency medical
• Police
• Maintenance contacts and equipment vendors
• Contacts for the adjoining buildings and businesses

E85 has been determined to be a flammable liquid per the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard and should be handled accordingly. The safety standards for handling E85 are the same as those for gasoline. The National Fire Protection Association codes 30 and 30-A pertain to fueling stations and the handling of motor fuels and other combustible liquids.

In the event of a fire at the fueling site, observe the following procedures:

• Never attempt to disconnect the dispenser nozzle from the vehicle
• Evacuate the immediate area of the fire
• Trigger the emergency shutdown button, which should be located nearby
• Contact emergency personnel

For ethanol fires, only alcohol-resistant foam should be used. Only those who are adequately trained and equipped with proper protective equipment should attempt fire fighting.

Remember that fuel vapors can travel along the ground or be moved by ventilation and ignited by sources such as pilot lights, sparks, electric motors, static discharge, and other ignition sources at locations distant from material handling. For additional fire-related information, see E85 Codes and Standards.