gaspump slides

Dos & Don’ts at the Gas Pump: 

Dos & Don’ts at the Gas Pump Static Electricity Fires – How to Prevent Them Cathy Burkett Extension Educator Rush County

Objectives:: 

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

What Is Gasoline and How Should It Be Stored?: 

What Is Gasoline and How Should It Be Stored? Liquid produces very flammable vapors Store at room temperature Store away from heat sources

Handling & Storing Gasoline: 

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

Precautionary Measures: 

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

Precautionary Measures: 

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

Static Electricity: 

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

How Do Refueling Fires Happen?: 

How Do Refueling Fires Happen? Static charge picked up when re-entering vehicle Touching nozzle without discharging static electricity A spark ignites fumes

How Often Do They Occur?: 

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

Three Causes of Static Fires : 

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

Why? Some Theories –: 

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

Who Are the Victims?: 

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

Safety Guidelines When Refueling: 

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

More Safety Guidelines: 

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

Guidelines for Gasoline Containers: 

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

 Self-ServicePump Warning: 

Self-Service Pump Warning This is a warning sign that appears on pumps today

New Nozzle Signage: 

New Nozzle Signage WARNING 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

New Pump Signage: 

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.

Additional Information: 

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 University School of Consumer and Family Sciences, for all of their help and support in putting this program together.

And Finally: 

And Finally Be alert and be safe when refueling!