Pasadena Citizen’s Advisory Council

Safety MomentThursday December 5th, 2013

2

Safety Moment – Static Electricity While Refueling VehiclesThe Petroleum Institute is trying to make people aware of fires as a result of 'static electricity' at gas pumps. The results may surprise you. 1) 150 cases studied, almost all were women, most had on rubber-soled shoes. 2) Almost all involved the person getting back in the vehicle while still pumping gas. When finished, they went back to pull the nozzle out and the fire started as a result of static. 3) Men are seldom involved in these fires. They don’t get back in their vehicle until finished. 4) Even though cell phones aren’t associated with these fires, leave them in the vehicle or turn them off. 5) It is the gasoline vapors that cause the fire, when ignited with static charges. 6) There were 29 fires where the vehicle was re-entered and the nozzle was touched during refueling. 17 fires occurred while the gas cap was removed prior to fueling. It is stressed to NEVER get back into the vehicle still fueling. If you HAVE to get in your vehicle while the gas is pumping, make sure to TOUCH THE METAL while closing the door before you pull the nozzle out. This will discharge the static from your body before you remove the nozzle where the flammable vapors are located.

3