Definitely sounds scary. May need some more information like, ventilation etc.

 

With your winter weather and humidity that drum will make a ton of water from condensation. Safety wise it's no worse than a bunch red plastic gas cans.
Mike

 

Thanks, I've kept red plastic cans in there for years.
Not much ventilation but the metal sears building is far from air tight.
For moisture I have the pickup tube a few inches off the bottom.

 

That'll be fine until you tip the drum over w/ the pump on the low side to get that last little bit of gas.
Mike

 

never store gas indoors with spark producing equipment. over winter it likely won't explode, but come summer just a small spark can set off the vapors like a BIG bomb. personally I would put the drum outside and throw a tarp over it to hide it.

 

Needs vented to something that can expand and contract without pulling in fresh moist air. But, remember that many plastics and rubbers rapidly break down in gas fumes. Maybe a neoprene bladder? This would greatly reduce fire hazards, too. Also - ground the drum to the building.

 

I sort of agree with davidg. 55 gallons and a metal container is a bit much to store inside. I have 3 machines, each has a 3+ gallon vented tank, I also have a 5 gallon and 3 gallon sealed plastic cans. Can't really store these outside as the can's would end up in the kids cars. After a hot day, and I open the shop in the evening the fumes are noticeable, not overwhelming. I vent by either leaving the door open and run a fan, or run the A/C or electric heater which pulls fresh air in. I would Store the 55 outside, Keep a separate sealed can and the GT inside and vent the shop. Oh, a couple fire extinguishers may be helpful if a machine decides to start toughing sparks.

 

I store most of my gas at the gas station.

I only keep one 5 Gal plastic can outside with the vent open.
I try to keep the machines I'm using full to prevent condensation.
I drain any machines I store, inside or out.

 

This was my engine test area back in the day. This shed is still standing, Don't know why.

 

FWIW, when I was young and stupid, I joined the marines and became a Combat Engineer, which, in Vietnam translated to high explosives, ours, theirs, etc. If I remember correctly, the rule of thumb was one gallon of gas had the explosive power of ten sticks of dynamite, so if you have 55 gallons stored, doing the math, that's 550 sticks of dynamite in your shed. Is it stored beside the crate of rattlesnakes? As previously stated, immediately ground the steel of the barrel. I'd use a driven ground rod as your shed may not be adequately grounded. Provide adequate ventilation, buy lots of Stabil, and remember that even treated fuel "theoretically" is only good for a year, can you use it in that time frame? You might also find that your homeowner's insurance doesn't cover that kind of risk.

I have one of those plastic or fiberglass small buildings outside my barn where I keep gas and similar things.

Good luck,

Ev

 

Todays gasohol is a moisture magnet and any moisture in the tank binds to the alcohol. Alcohol and water do mix. The tank needs a vent when removing fuel to let air in so the fuel can come out. A hand pump can generate static electricity as can your body. Ground strap is required.

If you were storing 100% gasoline, it would last about 1 year before turning into other substances. Gasohol is good for about 30 days before degrading.

Kids have a way of finding things to do that involve burning and blowing things up. (I was one a long time ago). A lock of some kind would be advised to help avoid a disaster.

 

YOu might want to add an outside of the shed vent. Use one of the holes in the top of the tank and some pipe to vent it outside. One of these moble home waste pipe vent may work for you. The have a check valve in them so they let air vent but not allow anything in. https://www.google.com/search?q=mod...m=isch&sa=X&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAmoVChMIm96kqo3CyAIVSE-OCh3nSwTn#imgrc=BhkHRoOn8eJyGM:

 

Thanks everyone for the great and informative answers.
I will move Drum to the outside and later build a cover for it.
I will ground the barrel as it has a hand pump.
I will also move my plastic containers away from my mower.
I do not wish to become the major topic on the 6:00 news.
Until I can get a plan in place I will remove the mower from the building and cover it with a tarp. Mower must be out for me to remove the 55 gal. drum anyway. Since I don't dare crank the mower next to the 55 gal. drum I will pull it out with another mower and 15' chain.
Thanks for possibly saving this old mans life.
Marvin

 

Thanks everyone for the great and informative answers.
I will move Drum to the outside and later build a cover for it.
I will ground the barrel as it has a hand pump.
I will also move my plastic containers away from my mower.
I do not wish to become the major topic on the 6:00 news.
Until I can get a plan in place I will remove the mower from the building and cover it with a tarp. Mower must be out for me to remove the 55 gal. drum anyway. Since I don't dare crank the mower next to the 55 gal. drum I will pull it out with another mower and 15' chain.
Thanks for possibly saving this old mans life.
Marvin

Good plan. :fing02: