The safest and best way to empty the fuel tank of most modern cars is to use a dedicated fuel retriever which is a hand operated pump with integral fuel tank and this is the only method accepted by business insurers and related safety authorities. If fuel cannot be accessed and drawn through the filler neck the fuel pump should be removed for access to the fuel.
I have used several methods including a home made fuel retriever powered by a 12 volt SU diaphragm pump with the power supply too far away to cause problems, shorting the fuel pump relay and collecting the fuel via a disconnected pipe in the engine compartment and by a similar method but independently powering the fuel pump.
It is a good idea to remove fuel during the night in the open air when the temperature is at the coolest and few people are moving around. If the vehicle is in a workshop, have the doors open so air circulates, use only explosion proof lighting and guard against static discharge and above all never perform fuel removal within a dangerous distance from a dwelling (20-25 yards)or over an inspection pit.
Most fires/explosions in these circumstances are caused by inspection light related ignition...
The removed fuel should be stored in military style jerrycans or in purpose made 1 or 2 gallon fuel containers that are moved off-site as soon as they are filled.
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