Safety guidance

[nthomas1]

I have been treating light surface rust on the floor inside my Fulvia prior to painting and re-trimming.  I have used a wire brush on some areas and have (naturally) noticed sparks being generated.  I now want to clean up and paint the inside of the boot.  Would it be dangerous to use a wire brush in proximity to the top of the fuel tank - or am I being overly cautious?  Forgive my ignorance, but after 40 years of driving company cars I'm starting at the bottom of the expertise ladder when it comes to do-it-yourself work on a car!

[rogerelias]

If you use a brass wire brush, it doesn't produce sparks

[Richard Fridd]

I have heard wearing  overalls with a brass zip reduces  spark risk

[davidwheeler]

It is easy enough to take the tank out and expose all the rest of the rust.

[SanRemo78]

If you're ever worried about working on a fuel tank just drain off the petrol, drop the tank out of the car, attach a pipe to the exhaust of another car and put the other end into the tank and run the engine for 15 -20 minutes which will clear out the remaining explosive fumes.

Guy

[frankxhv773t]

It also fills the tank with non oxygenated gas which prevents ignition.