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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!