Even small amounts of gasoline or other volatile fuels or solvents mixed with kerosene can substantially increase the risk of a fire or an explosion. Always store kerosene in a container intended for kerosene, not in a gasoline can or a can that has contained gasoline. This helps avoid using contaminated fuel or the wrong fuel by mistake. Kerosene containers are usually blue, gasoline containers are red. When purchasing kerosene at the pump, make sure to use the kerosene pump, not the gasoline pump.
Some service stations have separate islands for kerosene.
Some oil companies have also established quality control programs to minimize the chances of gasoline contamination of kerosene. Grades other than 1-K can lead to a release of more pollutants in your home, posing a possible health risk. Different grades of kerosene can look the same so it important that the dealer certify that the product sold is 1-K grade kerosene. Never refuel the heater inside the home. Fill the tank outdoors, away from combustible materials, and only after the heater has been turned off and allowed to cool.