Safety Alert! Cell Phones and Gas Fumes

Static Electricity, Cell Phones and Gas Fumes

March 21, 2012

Here are 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, boats, 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.

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 that when you get out you close the door while touching metal before you ever pull the nozzle out. This way the static from your body will be discharged before you ever remove the nozzle.

Please share this information with 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.