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Dos & Don’ts at the Gas Pump Static Electricity Fires –
How to Prevent Them
Cathy BurkettExtension EducatorRush County
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Objectives: How to handle, store, and dispose of
gasoline safely What static electricity is and how it
can affect refueling your vehicle Safety guidelines on vehicle refueling
and gasoline storage
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What Is Gasoline and How Should It Be Stored? Liquid produces very flammable
vapors Store at room temperature Store away from heat sources
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Handling & Storing Gasoline Approved containers Disposal
Kitty litter, absorbent clay, paper, or rags for minor spills
Approved containers for larger spills NEVER dispose into garbage, drains,
toilets, or sewers Long-term storage – add stabilizer
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Precautionary Measures Do not smoke or light matches
where gasoline is handled or stored Keep out of reach of children Handle outdoors for ventilation Keep containers tightly closed
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Precautionary Measures Do NOT mix gasoline with kerosene
or diesel Store in a separate building, if
possible Refill lawn mower only when engine
is COOL Fill no more than 95% to allow for
expansion
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Static Electricity Caused by imbalance of electrons on
surface of material Most commonly caused by contact
and separation of materials Shock occurs with transfer of static
charge
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How Do Refueling Fires Happen? Static charge picked up when re-
entering vehicle
Touching nozzle without discharging static electricity
A spark ignites fumes
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How Often Do They Occur? Fires are reported to the Petroleum
Equipment Institute Web site Most static fires have been
reported since 1998 No one knows how many – 175
have been reported since 1992
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Three Causes of Static Fires 50% happen when the refueler
returns to the vehicle during refueling and doesn’t shut the car door
29% happen when the refueler unscrews the gas cap
21% happen for unknown reasons
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Why? Some Theories – Self-serve gas pumps More electronics in cars Seat cover fabrics Clothing worn by driver Tires Dissimilar car parts More volatile fuels
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Who Are the Victims? 78% are women who re-enter a vehicle to:
Return credit card to purse Get money out of purse Check on the kids Write a check Get warm Write down odometer reading Use cell phone Apply lipstick
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Safety Guidelines When Refueling ALWAYS turn off vehicle when
refueling STAY near vehicle fueling port NEVER smoke, light matches, or use
lighters while refueling NEVER prop open the refueling latch
– use only the hold-open latch on the nozzle
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More Safety Guidelines DO NOT get back into your car when
refueling DO NOT top off your tank If a flash fire occurs, back away,
contact attendant, and most important:
LEAVE NOZZLE IN VEHICLE
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Guidelines for Gasoline Containers Use only approved containers Set gasoline containers on the
ground, do not leave in vehicle – trunk, truck bed
Keep the nozzle in contact with the container
Fill the container slowly to decrease the chance of static electricity buildup and to minimize spilling or spattering
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Self-ServicePump Warning
This is a warning
sign that appears
on pumps today
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New Nozzle SignageWARNING Improper use may cause a hazardous
condition No smoking/extinguish all flames Avoid static hazard — remain at nozzle Do not top off Licensed drivers only Refer to posted warnings
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New Pump Signage Discharge your static electricity before fueling
by touching a metal surface away from the nozzle.
Do not re-enter your vehicle while gasoline is pumping.
If a fire starts, do not remove nozzle – then back away immediately.
Do not allow children under licensed age to use the pump.
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Additional Information Go online at:
www.pei.org/static www.api-ec.api.org click on
Safety at the Pump www.static-sol.com click on
Static Shocks and How to Avoid Them
A big thank you to Robert Renkes, executive vice president and general counsel of the Petroleum Equipment Institute, and April Mason,associate dean for discovery and engagement, Purdue UniversitySchool of Consumer and Family Sciences, for all of theirhelp and support in putting this program together.
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And Finally Be alert and be safe when
refueling!