Being in and around numerous Phoenix auto repair shops on a daily basis gives us a unique appreciation for safety and attentiveness. With so many moving parts, innumerable types of tools, electrical devices and hazardous materials, it is imperative that auto repair shops are focused on safety procedures. This got us thinking about other safety concerns surrounding our vehicles and the first thing we thought about was safety at the gas pump.
Unless you live in Oregon or New Jersey, where self-service gas stations are not allowed, it is a pretty safe bet that you operate the gas pump on a regular basis to refuel your vehicle. Self-service gas stations are certainly a convenience, however consumers often become complacent when pumping gas and ignore safety procedures which can lead to a fire. Sure, we all know that gasoline is a flammable substance, and would never think about throwing a match into a can of gas, however most fires at gas stations are an ignition of gas vapor instead of the gasoline itself.
As innocent as it might sound, the biggest concern gas companies and service stations face is the danger of static electricity. The Petroleum Equipment Institute (PEI) conducted a study on fires at service stations that had been caused by static electricity and they concluded that the majority of those fires were caused by individuals who got back into their vehicle while their tank was being filled. Individuals can become electrostatically charged through friction between clothing and the car seat; when you become charged and then grab the pump nozzle before discharging the static by touching a piece of metal first, the electrostatic discharge can ignite the gas vapor released from the gas tank.
While there is not a law that states you cannot get back into your vehicle while refueling, most service stations prohibit consumers from doing so due to the danger of igniting gas vapors. There are laws that have been enacted however to keep automobile owners safe from a gasoline related accident; it is unlawful to smoke within 25 feet of a gas pump, to leave your vehicle running when refueling, or to jam the pump nozzle open. Most service stations also warn against allowing children to play around pump islands or to activate the pump nozzle and to not use cell phones.
We urge you to be mindful of these precautions the next time you are pumping gas. There are thousands of gasoline related fires every year that could have been easily prevented if consumers were more conscious of following safety procedures. We constantly observe safety procedures in our repair shops because we know how dangerous they can be but we want you to also be aware of what safety precautions you can take as well with your vehicle to ensure your own wellbeing and the safety of those around you.
