Add safety to routine at the pump

  • Published
  • By compiled staff reports
  • 354th Fighter Wing Safety Office
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Throughout a normal day, many people have set routines just as if it were etched in their memories. These are taken for granted because they have been done so many times beforehand. Without knowing better, performing some routines may place others in danger.

Oil companies have issued warnings regarding the use of cell phones while performing one of those routines -- filling up vehicles at the gasoline pump.

One company cited three instances in which cell phones caused gasoline fumes to ignite during the refueling process. In one case, a person suffered burns when the cell phone they had in their pocket rang during refueling. Another person suffered severe burns when they answered their cell phone while refueling.

Additionally, a fire destroyed one vehicle, as well as, the gasoline pump when a person refueling placed their cell phone on the trunk lid, only to have it ignite gasoline vapors when the phone rang.

Here are some items everyone should know about cell phones:
- Cell phones can ignite either fuel or fumes.
- Cell phones, which light up when they are switched on or ringing, are capable of releasing enough energy to provide a source spark for ignition.
- Cell phones should not be used when filling up in service stations, boats, lawn mowers etc.

Another problem sometimes encountered while refueling is static electricity. Static electricity is extremely common in Alaska due to the cold and dry conditions. Safety and industry organizations are trying to increase awareness of fires caused by static electricity while refueling.

One organization has documented 150 cases on this type of fire. Although not alarming when considering the amount of vehicles filled up each day throughout the United States, the results point out the need for everyone to be aware of their surroundings while at the pump. One good practice to discharge any built-up static electricity is to touching something metal when exiting a vehicle.

Another good practice is to never get back into a vehicle while refueling as sliding back and forth across the seat can cause a static buildup. People must also be aware that it is not the gasoline which ignites so quickly but the fumes that are extremely volatile and easily ignited.

Here are some simple rules to use while refueling:
1. Always turn off your engine.
2. Never smoke while refueling.
3. Leave cell phones in the car and do not use it until finished refueling.
4. Do not re-enter a vehicle while refueling.
5. If a fire should occur while refueling, back away from the vehicle and leave the nozzle in the fill pipe.

Everyone should remember to consider their actions at the gas pump can not only affect them and their family but the lives of everybody around them.