Correction to Static Electricity and Refueling Article
This article replaces the Aug 8th Safety article
Static Electricity and Vehicle Refueling

The Petroleum Equipment Institute (PEI) is a trade association with over 1600 member companies that manufacture, distribute or service petroleum marketing and liquid handling equipment. The PEI is the leading authority and source of information for the petroleum marketing and liquid handling equipment industry.

Due to the sharp increase of recent automotive refueling fires not caused by engines running or cigarette smokers, the PEI began documenting refueling fires in 2000. The documentation has revealed over 150 refueling fires that appear to be caused by a discharge of static electricity. However, none of the documented fires was generated from the usage of a cellular phone.

As a result of the apparent static electricity fires, the PEI has initiated the Stop the Static safety campaign in an effort to educate the public on safe refueling practices.

The three safety rules when refueling are:

1. Turn off your engine
A running car presents a number of "ignition sources" for fuel vapor. But turning off your engine while refueling isn't just to prevent your car from starting a fire. There is also a safety issue in the event of fire, regardless of the source.

In case a fire does occur in a gas station, a running car is a danger. Consider the consequences of a fire burning through one of the rubber fuel hoses under your running car. Most fuel pumps deliver gasoline at about 15 to 40 pounds per square inch (PSI). Your fuel pump is now spraying gasoline at an open flame.

2. Don't smoke
Never smoke, light matches or use lighters while refueling.

3. Never reenter your car
Don't get back in while you're gassing up. This can create a static buildup. Most of the incidents the PEI has investigated involved the driver starting the pump and getting back into his or her car. Then, when the driver gets out of the car to remove the nozzle, static is generated when the driver slides across the seat and a spark may occur when they reach for the nozzle.

To view the PEI report on refueling fires and for more information on the PEI, go to: http://www.pei.org/static/index.htm