Static Electricity & Fuel
The link at the end of the page goes to the Petroleum Equipment Institute in the USA.
There is a news release available from their website which is also of interest – includes something about what to do in the unlikely event of a fire at the browser (hopefully similar safety procedures are available at Australian servos). http://www.pei.org/news/static.htm
In addition, there is an article from BHP Mitsubishi Alliance magazine available at
http://bmacoal.com/bccom/export/newsandinformation/BMAGOnline/BMAGSept02.pdf which also addresses this issue.The Shell Oil Company recently issued a warning after three incidents in which mobile phones (cell phones) ignited fumes during fuelling operations.
In the first case, the phone was placed on the car’s trunk lid during fuelling; it rang and the ensuing fire destroyed the car and the gasoline pump.
In the second, an individual suffered severe burns to their face when fumes ignited as they answered a call while refuelling their car.
And in the third, an individual suffered burns to the thigh and groin as fumes ignited when the phone, which was in their pocket, rang while they were fuelling their car.
You should know that:
Mobile Phones can ignite fuel or fumes.
Mobile phones that light up when switched on or when they ring release enough energy to provide a spark for ignition.
Mobile phones should not be used in filling stations, or when fuelling lawn mowers, boat, etc.
Mobile phones should not be used, or should be turned off, around other materials that generate flammable or explosive fumes or dust, (i.e. solvents, chemicals, gases, grain dust, etc.)To sum it up, here are the Four Rules for Safe Refuelling:
Turn off engine.
Don’t smoke.
Don’t use your cell phone – leave it inside the vehicle or turn it off.
Don’t re-enter your vehicle during fuelling.Bob Renkes of Petroleum Equipment Institute is working on a campaign to try and make people aware of fires as a result of “static electricity” at gas pumps. His company has researched 150 cases of these fires.
His results were very surprising:·
Out of 150 cases, almost all of them were women.
Almost all cases involved the person getting back in their vehicle while the nozzle was still pumping gas. When finished, they went back to pull the nozzle out and the fire started, as a result of static.
Most had on rubber-soled shoes.
Most men never get back in their vehicle until completely finished. This is why they are seldom involved in these types of fires.
Don’t ever use cell phones when pumping gas.
It is the vapours that come out of the gas that cause the fire, when connected with static charges.
There were 29 fires where the vehicle was re-entered and the nozzle was touched during refuelling from a variety of makes and models. Some resulted in extensive damage to the vehicle, to the station, and to the customer.
Seventeen fires occurred before, during or immediately after the gas cap was removed and before fuelling began.Mr. Renkes stresses to NEVER get back into your vehicle while filling it with gas.
If you absolutely HAVE to get in your vehicle while the gas is pumping, make sure you get out, close the door TOUCHING THE METAL, before you ever pull the nozzle out. This way the static from your body will be discharged before you ever remove the nozzle.
As I mentioned earlier, The Petroleum Equipment Institute, along with several other companies now, are really trying to make the public aware of this danger. You can find out more information by going to http://www.pei.org/. Once here, click in the centre of the screen where it says “Stop Static”.
Please send this information to ALL your family and friends, especially those who have kids in the car with them while pumping gas. If this were to happen to them, they may not be able to get the children out in time.
Thanks for passing this along.
Regards,
Mark Prance
OHS&E Officer
Queensland Centre for Advanced Technology (QCAT)
CSIRO
PO Box 883, Kenmore, Qld 4069
Ph. +61 7 3327 4635
Fax +61 7 3327 4455
Mob 0419 021 744
Email: [email protected]Prop16
interesting isn’t it?
Years ago, when there was service in a “service station” when the price of petrol was somewhat lower and in gallons, $2 was considered the normal amount to spend. $5 was somewhat like serving the rich and get a truck where they spent $50!!! wow …..the queues for petrol miles long, even days, odd days…..where you washed the forecourts daily with water and a brush and where no customer got out of their car, you took the money you took back the change. There was cash, credit cards? never herd of them.
When PMG had a contract for petrol with you, it almost guaranteed you a living.
When someone smoked as you filled up the car, the engine running, but there were no mobile phones.The fumes of the petrol filled your nostrils and lungs, there was standard and super petrol, when oil came in half and quarts, in glass with pouring tops…..
ahh brings back memories of my childhood and teen years….maybe thats why it takes me longer to learn things, petrol fumes killed off the brain cells. There was never a fear of being set alight from someone smoking….people expected service and being waited on, and by golly they got it. Windows washed, petrol in, oil and tyres checked all for $2 worth of petrol.
Elves
” a blind man may see what a sighted man may not”
You must be logged in to reply to this topic. If you don't have an account, you can register here.
