Fuel Safety

The Petroleum Equipment Institute (PEI) and the American Petroleum Institute (API) have developed a nationwide campaign aimed at increasing public awareness of a potential fire hazard during gasoline refueling caused by the discharge of static electricity at the fill point of a vehicle. The groups are also encouraging motorists to follow all safe refueling guidelines with every fill-up.

Static electricity build-up occurs when a motorist slides across the vehicle seat when they re-enter their vehicle during refueling. When the motorist then returns to the vehicle fill pipe, the static may discharge at the fill point, potentially causing a fire.

Considering that Americans fill up their vehicles around 11 billion times a year, the number of refueling fires caused by static discharge are extremely rare. These fires have occurred, however, and there have been injuries and property damage as a result. So it is important that the industry and the general public are aware that these incidents have happened. The best way to avoid the problem is by not getting back into your vehicle during refueling.

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• Staying Safe at the Pump

Portable containers can build up a static electric charge during transport. Consequently, when the container is not placed on the ground for filling, its static electricity could be discharged and result in a fire when filling begins. Containers are to be placed on the ground during filling and the nozzle kept in contact with the container. Containers are to be approved design. Containers are NOT to be filled while inside a vehicle or its trunk, the bed of a pickup truck, or the floor of a trailer, etc.

Customers should discharge static electricity before fueling by touching a metal surface away from the nozzle and remain at the vehicle's fueling point even when using the nozzle's hold-open latch. The customer SHOULD NOT re-enter their vehicle during fueling. This re-entry could result in the customer becoming charged with static electricity and in returning to the fueling point the static electricity could be discharged resulting in a fire. If a fire starts, do not remove the nozzle - back away immediately.

NPFA: 30A states: DO NOT ALLOW INDIVIDUALS UNDER LICENSED AGE TO USE THE PUMP.

Should store employees witness the filling of portable containers NOT on the ground or customer's re-entry of their vehicle during fueling, THEY ARE TO STOP THE SALE IMMEDIATELY, apologize for any inconvenience and inform the customer of proper procedures emphasizing our concern for their safety.

Here are some examples of labels you may see at the location where you refuel your vehicle. Typically, such labels are placed on or near the gasoline dispensers. You should be sure you understand and follow all of the safety rules which appear on these warning labels.

Self Serve, Gasoline Health & Safety, Static Electricity, Portable Container

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Static Electricity Spark Explosion Hazard

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