Spilling a little gasoline on the ground or on yourself at the pump happens fairly often. The main risks are the fuel vapor igniting and skin or lung exposure to a toxic, irritating liquid. The right response depends on how much was spilled and whether anyone was exposed. Stay calm, act quickly, and let station staff manage the cleanup.

What is happening

Gasoline is a volatile, highly flammable liquid. Its vapor is heavier than air and can travel along the ground and collect in low areas, where a spark from an engine, a cigarette, or static electricity can ignite it. Gasoline also irritates skin and eyes, and breathing concentrated vapor can cause dizziness, headache, and nausea. A few drops are a minor nuisance; a larger spill or fuel on skin needs prompt attention.

Emergency warning

If a fire starts, fuel is spreading toward an ignition source, or someone has collapsed or is struggling to breathe, call your local emergency services immediately. Move far away and upwind, warn others, and do not attempt to fight a fuel fire yourself.

What to do first

Stop fueling. Release the nozzle handle and stop the pump. Do not squeeze the handle again to "rinse" the area.
Step back and upwind. Move yourself and anyone with you away from the spill and stand so the wind carries vapor away from you, not toward you.
Alert the attendant. Tell station staff right away. They have absorbent material and know how to handle fuel spills safely.
Keep ignition sources away. Do not start your engine, smoke, use a lighter, or operate anything that could spark near the spill. If you were fueling, leave the engine off until staff say it is safe.
Treat skin contact. If fuel got on your skin, move to fresh air and wash the area thoroughly with soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing. If fuel got in your eyes, rinse with clean, lukewarm water.

What NOT to do

Do not hose the spill down or wash it into a drain, gutter, or storm sewer. That spreads the hazard and pollutes water.
Do not try to soak up a large spill with paper towels or rags and then throw them in a normal trash can; fuel-soaked material can ignite.
Do not restart the pump or drive off as if nothing happened.
Do not use your phone right next to a large spill, and never smoke or vape nearby.
Do not ignore fuel on your clothes or shoes. Change and wash before getting back in the car.

When to seek professional care

Get medical help if someone has breathed in a lot of vapor and feels dizzy, confused, or short of breath, if fuel got into the eyes, or if a large area of skin was soaked in gasoline. If someone has swallowed gasoline, do not make them vomit; call emergency services or a poison control center right away.

What to monitor

After a spill, watch for strong fuel odor lingering in your car or on your clothes, and for any dizziness or nausea in yourself or others. Air out the vehicle by opening windows and, if fuel soaked into clothing or upholstery, address it before driving normally.

How to prevent it

Insert the nozzle fully and hold it steady, avoid topping off after the pump clicks off, and never leave the nozzle unattended. Keep the nozzle in contact with the filler neck when you remove it, and touch the car body to discharge static before fueling.

If the spill is small and staff have it under control, you can usually fuel up and leave once they say it is safe. If you are unsure or anyone was exposed, ask for help and seek medical advice.

This is general information, not a substitute for professional medical advice. In an emergency, call your local emergency services.

Gasoline spilled at the pump: what to do?

Immediate actions

What not to do / warning