A warning for Woman (and just a few men)

[j]

Something to consider:


The Shell Oil Company recently issued a warning after three incidents
in which mobile phones (cell phones) ignited fumes during fueling operations.

In the first case, the phone was placed on the car's trunk lid during fueling;
it rang and the ensuing fire destroyed the car and the gasoline pump.
In the second, an individual suffered severe burns to their face when
fumes ignited as they answered a call while refueling their car.
And in the third,an individual suffered burns to the thigh and groin
as fumes ignited when the phone, which was in their pocket,
rang while they were fueling their car.


You should know that:
Mobile Phones can ignite fuel or fumes.
Mobile phones that light up when switched on or when they ring
release enough energy to provide a spark for ignition.
Mobile phones should not be used in filling stations,
or when fueling lawn mowers, boat, etc.
Mobile phones should not be used, or should be turned off, around
other materials that generate flammable or explosive fumes or dust,
(i.e. solvents, chemicals, gases, grain dust, etc.)

To sum it up, here are the: Four Rules for Safe Refueling
1) Turn off engine
2) Don't smoke
3) Don't use your cell phone - leave it inside the vehicle or turn it off
4) Don't re-enter your vehicle during fueling

Bob Renkes of Petroleum Equipment Institute is working on a campaign
to try and make people aware of fires as a result of "static electricity"
at gas pumps. His company has researched 150 cases of these fires.
His results were very surprising:
1) Out of 150 cases, almost all of them were women.
2) Almost all cases involved the person getting back in their vehicle
while the nozzle was still pumping gas, when finished and they
went back to pull the nozzle out the fire started, as a result of static.
3) Most had on rubber-soled shoes.
4) Most men never get back in their vehicle until completely finished.
This is why they are seldom involved in these types of fires.
5) Don't ever use cell phones when pumping gas
6) It is the vapors that come out of the gas that cause the fire, when
connected with static charges.
7) There were 29 fires where the vehicle was reentered and the nozzle
was touched during refueling from a variety of makes and models.
Some resulting in extensive damage to the vehicle, to the station,
and to the customer.
8) Seventeen fires that occurred before, during or immediately after
the gas cap was removed and before fueling began.

Mr. Renkes stresses to NEVER get back into your vehicle while filling
it with gas. If you absolutely HAVE to get in your vehicle while the gas
is pumping, make sure you get out, close the door TOUCHING THE METAL, before you ever pull the nozzle out. This way the static from your body will be
discharged before you ever remove the nozzle.

[azsnowman]

Can't ppl read anymore.......there are HUGE warning signs on the pumps as it is now.......guess it's no different when they see a sign that says "Do not enter when flooded" what do they do......they drive into it ANYWAYS.

I've seen ppl with a *cigarette* hangin' from their mouth while fueling, if their *stupid* enough to do this, then they get what they deserve if you ask me! Too harsh......no, ppl are just plain ignorant anymore.

Now why on earth would you talking on a cell phone anyways while fueling, I swear, ppl cannot stand to be out of touch for more than 2 minutes anymore....personnaly, I believe cell phones have become one of Americas BIGGEST downfalls.

Dennis

[Miss Mary]

Amen, Dennis! I agree, cell phone usage is extreme. My sister-in-law said she sees doctors using their cell phones at the hospital all the time - despite the fact they severely interfere with patient monitors......you'd think DOCTORS would know better. Apparently not.

What I do now when refueling is watch the other cars/drivers very closely. Something I never had to think about before. I follow these guidelines, all the time, but you never know what the person across from you is doing. Pays to have your wits about you.

[azsnowman]

It's ridiculous anymore.....granted, we have a cell phone and for good reasons, we work way out in the boonies, pickups break down.....it's nice having the saftey net so to speak. We've used ours a few times to call 911 on drunk drivers, accidents etc but to use one while fueling??? I don't know......call me old fashion I guess.......if a phone call is THAT important then for crips sake, stay near a phone and don't threaten the lives of others around you!

Sorry for the rant.........I have a HUGE problem with cell phones, a HUGE problem!

Dennis

[j]

I've seen ppl with a *cigarette* hangin' from their mouth while fueling, if their *stupid* enough to do this, then they get what they deserve if you ask me! Too harsh......no, ppl are just plain ignorant anymore.
Dennis

Indeed...I filled up a 5 gallon gas can this weekend and the nozzle slipped out and a considerable amount of gas spilled out. I went inside to alert the magazine reading nose peirced teen behind the counter and he said..."allright man..thanks"..and went back to reading his mag.

[Stormsfury]

Good post, J. Unfortunately, a lot of people do not realize this about cell phone dangers around gasoline and are totally oblivious ... and unfortunately, some convenience store clerks are just hoo-hum about it, like the one you encountered ...

SF