Advice for Today/Cheryl

[Guest guest]

hi...

a friend sent this...I have heard not to use a cell phone at a gas

pump, but was unaware about the static electricity danger...

the link should be www.pei.org

luv,

bethany

Greetings,

Always err on the side of caution. Regards, Joe

.

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 get back into your vehicle during fueling. Nor should

anybody else open a door while fuelling up because of the static electricity

risk.

Static electricity also a problem.

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.

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.You can find out more information by going to http://www.pei.org/>http://www.pei.org/

.. Once here, click in the center >of the screen where it says " Stop

Static " . 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.

Pat Cabiling-Chevrontexaco USA

RFMS RichmondCalifornia Refinery Phone:

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