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ESB Safe Driving Bureau
"Shocking" consequences of static at fuel pumps
The petroleum Equipment Institute (PEI), a non-profit trade association representing over 1600 members consisting of manufacturers, sellers and installers of petroleum-related equipment, has launched a Stop Static campaign to increase public awareness of the potential danger posed by the discharge of static electricity during refuelling. PEI began investigating "mysterious" refuelling fires in the mid-90s and discovered that static electricity can ignite fuel vapours at the pump. Here is a summary of the findings and advice.
Background
Until September 1999, PEI was only
aware of fires caused either by: an
open flame (smoking); lack of
electrical continuity between the
nozzle and the fuel dispenser; or a
spark from the engine
compartment of a vehicle with its
motor running. From September
1999 to January 2000, 36 ignitions
of fuel vapours during the
refuelling process were verbally
reported to the institute. All
occurred during dry weather, there
were no open flames, engines were
off and continuity was verified
between the nozzle and dispenser.
Accident investigators concluded
that static electricity was the source
of ignition in all cases.
Why do I get a static shock?
Most static build-up is due to
friction caused by movement
between yourself and the car seat,
although your vehicle can also
accumulate static electricity as it
moves. PEI's research documented
fires caused by static build-up with
plastic gas cans, nylon
windbreakers and, possibly most
dangerous of all, human nature. A
common thread in a substantial
number of these accidents was the
victims got back in their cars.
How does it happen?
Motorists start pumping fuel, then
Honda Civic 5dr (1.4l) & 4dr (1.8l)
Dave Walshe Linda Ryan
get back in their car. Once the tank
is full, they return to the nozzle
with a fresh charge of static built
up. They touch the fuel pump
nozzle, which generates a spark and
that spark can ignite the fuel
vapours.
How to avoid it?
3 rules for safe refuelling:
- Turn off the engine;
- Don't smoke;
- Never re-enter your vehicle.
PEI advises that you can discharge a static electrical charge by touching the fuel dispenser or your car. However, in practice, motorists tend to touch discharge points before the refuelling process begins. The greatest danger exists after the fuelling process. So this precaution does not override our primary recommendation: do not get back in your car.
Is it dangerous to leave your
engine running?
A running car presents a number of
"ignition sources" for fuel vapour
e.g. the exhaust components of a
modern car can literally glow redhot
during operation and a typical
ignition system creates voltages
above 40,000 volts. There is also a
safety issue in the event of fire,
regardless of the source. In case a
fire does occur, a running car is a
danger. Imagine that fire burns
through one of the rubber fuel
hoses under your running car. Most
fuel pumps deliver fuel at about 15
to 40 pounds per square inch (PSI).
Your fuel pump is now spraying a
tremendous amount of fuel at an
open flame.
What about mobile phones?
PEI has investigated refuelling fire
accidents and issued a report on
fires believed to be caused by static
electrical discharge. PEI has not
been able to document a single
refuelling fire caused by a cell
phone or pager. However, the
institute does not recommend
using any device that might cause
distractions while refuelling.
Information courtesy of Petroleum Equipment Industry http://www.pei.org/
