Gas Pump Safety
Static Electricity at the Pump
You get out of your car to get gas and as you close your
car door…zap! You feel a shock. This is caused by static
electricity.
While the static shock may be unpleasant, it is important to
discharge the static from your body before touching the gas
pump nozzle. On rare occasions, the static electricity spark
can ignite the gasoline vapors causing a fire.
Static electricity is more common during cool or cold and dry
weather although it may occur at any time. Static electricity
is a natural occurring phenomenon and is not unique to the
service station environment.
Preventing a Static Fire
Before using the pump, touch metal or the car door with
your bare hand. This will discharge static electricity on your
body and will prevent possible fire.
Once the gasoline is pumping, do not get back into your
vehicle. This can recharge your body with static electricity.
If you must get back into your vehicle, discharge static
electricity again before touching the pump nozzle.
Cell Phones and Other Electronic Devices
Some cell phone manufacturers have cautioned their
customers to switch off their cell phones while pumping gas
because of the remote possibility that the cell phone could
act as a source of static electricity.
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