Shell Oil Comments - A MUST READ!
Safety Alert! Here's some reasons why we don't allow cell phones in
operating areas, propylene oxide handling and storage area, propane, gas and
diesel refueling areas.
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, they went back
to pull the nozzle out and 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 re-entered and the
nozzle was touched during refueling from a variety of makes and models. Some
resulted in extensive damage to the vehicle, to the station, and to the
customer.
8) Seventeen fires 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.
As I mentioned earlier, The Petroleum Equipment Institute, along
with several other companies now, are really trying to make the public aware of
this danger.
I ask you to please send this information to ALL your family and
friends, especially those who have kids in the car with them while pumping gas.
If this were to happen to them, they may not be able to get the children out
in time. Thanks for passing this along.
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