The following article was forwarded by a reader. It contains important information. Cell phones can be lifesavers or a dangerous hazard.
Please send this information to your family & friends, especially those who have kids in the car with them while pumping gas. If this were to happen, they may not be able to get the children out in time. This is important information, even if you don’t own a car.
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. Never use your mobile phone when pumping gas. The vapors that come out of the gas can cause a fire when connected with static charges.
In the second, an individual suffered severe burns to their face when fumes ignited as they answered a call while refueling their car! In the third incident, 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.
Cell phones can ignite fuel or fumes. Cell phones that light up when switched on or when they ring release enough energy to provide a spark for ignition. Cell phones should not be used in filling stations, or when fueling lawn mowers, ATVs or boats. Cell 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.)
Remember the rules for safe refueling. Turn off the engine. Don’t smoke. Don’t use your cell phone. Turn it off before fueling. Never 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. The results were very surprising: Out of 150 cases, almost all of them were women. 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. Most had on rubber-soled shoes. Most men never get back in their vehicle until completely finished. This is why they are seldom involved in these types of fires. Seventeen fires occurred before, during or immediately after the gas cap was removed and before fueling began. 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. Never use your cell phone while pumping gas.
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