A series of mysterious fires - some 150 of them - have occurred during refueling vehicles. Luckily, several companies, including the Petroleum Equipment Institute's Bob Renkes, have researched the problem . Mr. Renkes found that:

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 they slid back out of the vehicle, their bodies held a static electric charge. This static spark ignited the fire when they pulled the nozzle out.

3) Most had on rubber-soled shoes.

4) Most men finish pumping gas before they get back in their vehicle; which is why the incidence of such fires is much lower.

5) The gas that vaporizes from the liquid gas when connected to a static charge from the body or from a cell phone is what causes the fires and explosion.

6) Twenty-nine fires resulted from reentering the vehicle while refueling, building up a static charge when sliding in and out and then touching the nozzle during refueling. The result was extensive damage to the vehicle, the station, and the customer.

7) Seventeen fires occurred before, during or immediately after the gas cap was removed and before fueling began.

The bottom line is this: static electricity can ignite the vapors from gas. To stay safe:

1. NEVER use your cell phone when pumping gas. Turn it off and leave it in the car.

2. Turn off your engine.

3. Don't smoke.

4. NEVER get back in your car while pumping gas.

Last, if you have to break that second rule for some emergency - perhaps your baby is suddenly choking in the back seat - when you get back out of the car, close the door, then touch the metal of the car before you pull out the nozzle. This discharges the static buildup from your body before you release gas fumes when you pull out the nozzle..

Note: Thanks to The Petroleum Institute and their campaign "Stop Static". They have further resources listed on their web page at www.pei.org/content/stop-static-campaign.
                                             ********************************************

Pamela Levin is an R.N. and Teaching and Supervising Transactional Analyst. In private practice 45 years, she has taught and trained professional and lay audiences worldwide. A nutritional journalist and award-winning author, she writes about practical tips you can use to improve your health and well-being.

Pamela Levin, R.N.
November 9, 2015

For lots of tips to support your better health and greater well-being of body, mind, spirit, emotions and repationships, and to request a topic you'd like covered, go to http://www.betterhealthbytes.com/Ask-About-Health.html

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