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Page 16, Whitby Free Press, Wednesday. May 19, 1993 Exercise caution when refuelling your boat Many people do it by launching a boat. Prepring the barbecue for action is another approach. Sonie just get the lawnniower ready ta roll. However, as Ontario consumners prepare for their sumnmer holidays, experts rit the Ministry of Consumer aind Commercial Relations' fuels safety branch suggest they spend a few minutes thinking about the safe hnndling of the province's mast misused fuel -- gasoline. 'Consumers use gasoline se often they tend to lose respect for it,*' says fuels safety director Michael Philip. But, tragically, loss of life and property can result fromn explosions and fires on the water and around the home. Usually, they're caused by lack of caution." For boaters, the Canadian Coast Guard recommends a simple step-by-step plan to safe refueling. Covering ail eight points in the process can help eliminate boating explosions, frequently caused when the capta.in fails to ensure gasoline Enlioy the Great fumes are cleared from the boate. bilge. 1. Mie the boat securely'to the dock. 2. Swvitch off the engine, don't use electrical switches and make sure ail passengers are ashore. 3. Extinguish al open flames, permit no smoking within aine metres of the boat or pumps and have a fire extinguisher handy on the refueling dock. 4. On cruisers, 'cuddy cabin' outboard craft and silceraft, close ail doors nnd hatches. 5. Put portable tanks on the dock -- neyer refill them onhoard. 6. When filliag tanks, hold the nozzle firmly against the fi pipe and use a gr-ounding cable, if availabie, ta prevent static electricity buîldup. Neyer overfill the tank. 7. Wipe up any spillage and turn on the bilge blower, if you have one, for at least fuve minutes. On open craft wvith covered engines, open the hatches for ventilation. 8. Make sure there's no smell of gasoline before starting the engine. More information on safe boating is available from the Canadian Coast Guard at tollfree 1-800-267-6687. Those who want to transport gasoline for use in lawnmowers and other eqipment are reminded of a few more safety tips. 1. Gasoline should be carried only in containers certified by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) or Underwriters Labora- taries of Canada (ULC). 2. Containers must neyer be filled right up to the top, because the gasoline ecpands when warmed and spillage will occur. 3. On the way home frein the service station, carry containers in the trunk of the car with the lid propped open at Ieast 10 cm. 4. Gasoline should be stored in a garage or garden shed separate from the house. Keep it outside the home -- away from direct sunlight, any source of ignition and the reach of children. 5. When using a lawnmower or any gasoline.powvered tool, always let it cool before refilling the tank. S6. Gasoline should be used only as a fuel. It's far too dangerous to use as a cleaning solvent. "Unfortunately, with ail the excellent products on the market, some people use gasoline as a cleaning solvent," says Philip. 'This is very dangerous." Gasoline fumes can be lit by even the tiniest flame or spark -- such as the plot light on a water heater or the spark from a light switch, and the resuits can be devastating. Consumers wishing te receive information on a variety of consumer issues should contact the Ministry of Consumer and Commercial Relations' consumer information centre, by calling (416) 326-8555 in the Toronto area or collect from area code 807 only. From other parts of the province, eall tollfree 1-800- 268-1142. The TDD Unme for the hard of hearing is (416) 326-8566. At the OUTDOOR INN, everything you'il need to enjoy the great outdoors is al under one roof. We carry the latest in outdoor clothing and gear for canoeing, kayaking, hiking and camping. And if need be we'II even order for you items from among our many instore manufacturer's catalogues. So for selection and servie next to none, hike on over to the OUTDOOR INN! OUTIXXV0> Outdoor clothing, camping and advcnture store. 305 Brock St. N., Whltby 668-0O47À4 Lakefront, Port Perry, Ont. (416) 985-3236 A Sales of Johnson Outboards, OMC Cobra, Larson, Meroruiser & Yamnaha ABoat Rentais (dawn to dusk in season) A Yamaha Wave Runners A Fishing Tackle A Snack bar A Slips & Storage A 2 OMC Master Technicians "We work soyou can play!7 +LOOPER The loop-charged 3-cylinder outboards from Evinrude are loaded with value. Loop-charged power gives the 70 and 60 stronger acceleration and more top end speed. At the same tîme, it helps these versatile Mid-Rangers run smoother than ever. Bath Loopers are packed wth value features like VR02,. variable ratio oit injection, Nitro Seriest. gearcase and Firepower®D electronic ignition. Evinrudes wold famous protection against corrosion, too. And for the utimate in protection, you can add the optional OMC1+2,. Extended Protection Plan. W ILDE" SEV.C ND-SALS 4700 Thickson Road North (3 Mles North Or #2 Hwy.> RR#1 Brooktin, Ontarlo LOBiCO-.,655-010 By Beaver Lumber There are more than haîf a million cottages in Canada, and many more people than that who enjoy the cottage life ever-y year. Very few people have a better chance to see the effects humans have on the environment than cottagers, and few have as great an opportunity to try ta lessen the negative effects of that impact. The environmentally-friendly practices-you observe at home are even more important at the cottage, because cottages are usually located on rivers, lakes or oceans. Safe installation and use of the cottage septic tank is a top piority. Make sure you have it inspected regularly. You might MAIA&TENSCU *. . . .:...:::.*:::...y-.'.:::.*4:~ aise consider 'composting' or other alternative tailets. They are simple and reliable. Bring back all recyclable items from your cottage garbage if there is a recycling program at home. If your cottage is located on a shoreline, préserve as much of the natural veketa 'tion between the cottage and the water as possible in order to reduce rainfaîl runoif that may carry harinful sewage organisins. Plant new shrubs and trees if need be. Preserve and protect the local wildlife. Don't disturb nesting birds, fill in wetlands or allow dogs to run at large. Try enjoying non-polluting outdoor activities like sailing, canoeing, cross-country skiing, hiking, cycling or walking.