FIRE SAFETY AGREEMENT: FUEL AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS STORAGE
All participants using combustible fuels in an art installation (or for other purposes) at Burning Man must educate themselves about and comply with appropriate practices for storing and handling these materials.
Compressed and Liquified Gasses
- All gas cylinders must be stored in an upright position and secured to prevent tipping and becoming an unguided projectile.
- All cylinder valve caps are to remain on the cylinder valve assemblies unless in use with plumbing or regulator set.
- Main shut off valve (Key Valve) must be marked.
- The Emergency Services Department must be notified of the presence on the playa and locations of acetylene cylinders of any size.
- Acetylene cylinders should never be stored in the horizontal position and must be separated from Oxygen cylinders by twenty feet unless plumbed or on a cutting cart.
- Propane cylinders of 100 gallons or more are not permitted within the city limits.
- A safety perimeter of 30 feet must be maintained for compressed gases and any camping area, and clear access must be provided for the Emergency Services Department in case of fire.
- Signage marked "Flammable Fuel" must be easily seen.
Liquid Fuels
- Any collection of 20 gallons or more of flammable liquid must be kept within a secondary containment area. The containment method can be as simple as a petroleum-resistant tarp rolled up to provide a berm.
- A supply of cat litter or fuel absorbent should be kept on hand near any spills basin.
- All containers for liquid fuels must be clearly labeled identifying contents and hazards. Original labels are preferred.
- A safety perimeter of 30 feet must be maintained between liquid fuel containers and any camping area, and clear access must be provided for the BRCFD in case of fire.
- A sufficient amount of dry chemical fire extinguishers must be kept visible and available near the storage location of any liquid fuel.
Note: A petroleum, flammable liquid, fire burns at the surface of the material, as it is vaporized by the fire or ambient heat. Applying water merely spreads the flaming liquid over a wider area, where it vaporizes more rapidly, intensifying the fire. The best way to put out such a fire is to cut off its air supply or interrupt its chemical chain reaction. The smothering agents commonly used for petroleum fires are carbon dioxide (CO2) and dry chemical powder extinguishers. Both are effective for flammable liquids, but dry chemical is better for outdoor use because it’s not subject to wind, has a longer range and can extinguish pressurized leaks of gas and liquid. For good all-around fire protection, use an ABC or all-class fire extinguisher.
Safety Reminders
- Store fuel away from any running generator.
- Do not fill the tank on a generator that is running.
- When transferring fuel, use a pump. Never try to start a siphon using your mouth. A mouth full of gas or diesel could be fatal to you. For health reasons, wash hands after fueling.
- Keep all equipment used for petroleum storage and handling in good condition. Watch for leaks, deterioration, or damage.
- If fuel is spilled on your clothing, move away from any ignition source, and allow the clothing to dry. Use waterless soap for hands. If fuel should splash in eyes, use water to flush.
- Be aware of static electricity that can build up on you and or a container. Any spark can ignite gasoline vapors. Always fill containers on the ground, not in vehicles.
- Always use a bonding strap when transferring flammables and combustibles between containers.
When submitting your art questionnaire please prepare 2 diagrams:
- Base Camp – Where any fuels will be stored within your camp
- Art Installation - Where any fuels will be stored in relation to the art
This information will help the Emergency Services Department plan for emergencies. 
