Vehicle Refueling: A Dangerous Endeavor
Watch the Video of this dispensing fire
Static Electricity around gas pumps can ignite a deadly fire. Unfortunately very few Operators know about this phenomenon and even fewer know what to do about it. Since the early 90's the Petroleum Equipment Institute (PEI) has documented 129 such fires. One simple solution to prevent static fires is to not re-enter your vehicle. Entering the vehicle can build up static electricity which can cause a spark that ignites the fuel. Another solution is touch something that will discharge the static electricity such as a sticker placed over the metal on the dispensing system (A few stations have already begun installing these stickers). Should a static fire occur while you are refueling your vehicle, leave the hose connected to the car and move away from the pump.
- Static electricity buildup is more common in cool, dry air
- Static gas pump fires are more common in the winter
- Static gas pump fires have been reported in 35 states
- Always ground yourself before touching the dispenser
- Leave the hose in the vehicle and move away from the dispenser
- Turn off your cell phone (an incoming call can create a spark)
