Static Fires at Gas Pumps

Until September, 1999, the only motor vehicle refueling fires that the Petroleum Equipment Institute (PEI) was aware of were caused either by an open flame (smoking), lack of electrical continuity between the nozzle and the gasoline dispenser, or a spark from the engine compartment of a vehicle with its motor running. Since 2000, the PEI has gathered data from approximately 150 fires that appear to have been caused by static electricity.

There are several possible suggestions as to why the number of static fires is on the increase and one of these is related to the tires on new cars. In the past 10 years or so, tire manufacturers have been developing "low rolling resistance" tires that improve gas mileage by lowering, what? Rolling resistance! And to lower rolling friction or resistance, they use less of a substance called "carbon black," which plays a key role in dissipating static electricity. But even with the new tires, the vast majority of the static electricity that cars generate is still dissipated through the tires as the car rolls along.

The primary way consumers can avoid static electricity problems at the gas pump is to stay outside the vehicle while refueling. It may be a temptation to get back in the car when it’s cold, or for any number of reasons. But the average fill-up takes only two minutes, and staying outside the vehicle will greatly minimize the likelihood of any build-up of static electricity that could be discharged at the nozzle.

Remember, static electricity-related fires at retail gasoline outlets are extremely unusual, according to API and PEI, but in rare circumstances, these incidents have caused a few injuries and property damage.

Here are safety guidelines on vehicle refueling:

• Always turn your vehicle engine off while refueling. A spark from the engine can cause gasoline vapors to ignite.

• Never smoke, light matches or use lighters while refueling.

• Do not get back into your vehicle during refueling -- even when using the nozzle's automatic hold-open latch. If you must reenter your vehicle, discharge the static electricity buildup when you get out by touching the outside metal portion of your vehicle, away from the filling point, before attempting to remove the nozzle.

• To avoid gasoline spills, do not over fill or top off your vehicle fuel tank. The fuel dispenser will shut off automatically when the tank is full.

• Use only the hold-open latch provided on the gasoline pump. Never jam or force the hold-open latch open by using some other object such as the gas cap.

• Watch for other motorists entering or exiting the gas station, they may not see you.

• Always drive slowly when entering and exiting the gas station. Gas stations are often busy places with many pedestrians and moving vehicles.

• When dispensing gasoline into a portable gasoline can, use only an approved container. Always place the container on the ground and keep the pump nozzle in contact with the container when refueling to avoid a static electricity ignition of fuel vapors. Containers should never be filled inside a vehicle, in the trunk, on the bed of a pickup truck, a flat bed or on the floor of a trailer.

• Fill container no more than 95 percent full to allow for expansion.

• Place cap tightly on the container after filling - do not use containers that do not seal properly.

• If gasoline spills on the container, make sure that it has evaporated before you place the container in your vehicle. Report spills to the attendant.

• When transporting gasoline in a portable container make sure it is secured against tipping and sliding, and never leave it in direct sunlight or in the trunk of a car.

• Never siphon gasoline by mouth nor put gasoline in your mouth for any reason. Gasoline can be harmful or fatal if swallowed. If someone swallows gasoline, do not induce vomiting. Contact a doctor immediately.

• Use gasoline as a motor fuel only. Never use gasoline to wash your hands or as a cleaning solvent.

• Never allow children to operate the pump.

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