[s-cars] [LAC] Cellphones, Static, and Re-fueling

[Keith Maddock]

Even if this is made up, some very good points are made, as well as being
mildly humorous...

Original Message
___________________________________
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.
Another safety warning you should know about concerns static electricity.
Below is an email from Pat Cabiling who works at Chevron Texaco's Richmond
Refinery.
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 reenter 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.

As 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
<A HREF="http://www.pei.org/">http://www.pei.org</A> . Once here, click in
the center of the screen where it
says "Stop Static."