1. Before removing a fuel tank, remove the battery ground cable to avoid an accidental spark.
2. Gasoline weighs about 7 pounds per gallon. A full tank could easily weigh in excess of 100 pounds. Attempting to remove it while full could result in a dangerous gasoline spill or an injury. Remember: Gasoline vapor is extremely flammable.
3. Wear safety glasses and do not use a drop light. Liquid falling on the hot glass can cause the bulb to explode. If it is accidentally dropped or has a bad switch or loose connections, it can cause a fire.
4. Work in a well-ventilated area with no possible source of ignition, such as running cars or electrical equipment.
5. After draining a fuel tank, seal all openings.
6. Even if a tank has been thoroughly flushed, it will still contain flammable vapors. Attempting to weld it can result in an explosion. Before welding, the tank is filled with an inert gas such as CO2.