Pump Protocol: How To Gas Up Safely
By AMANDA C. KOOSER, AOL SMALL BUSINESS
Posted: 2009-12-08 16:44:42
Filed Under: Small Business, Mobile Solutions

Getty ImagesYou've seen the warning signs at gas stations: No Smoking. Turn Off Engine. No Cell Phone Use. Like the many warnings that we're bombarded with day in and day out, it can be easy to let them slip your mind when you're running late to that client meeting or when it's before your third cup of coffee on your way into the office in the morning.

Sometimes all it takes is a graphic reminder of just why those warnings are in place. An incident on December 6 in Versailles, Kentucky was caught on tape and reported by WKYT. Go ahead and watch the video, we'll wait until you get back.




Ready? The man in the video did everything wrong except light up a cigarette. He didn't turn the engine off, he talked on his cell phone and he got in and out of his car while fueling. Don't let your next business road trip turn into a conflagration. Here's a break down of just why these restrictions are in place.


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No Smoking
This one is a no-brainer. The basic equation is that gasoline and fire don't mix. Put the two together and it's kaboom, just like in the movies.

Turn Off Engine
For the businessperson in a hurry, it can seem like a minor hassle to have to shut down and restart your vehicle. It turns off your air conditioning or heating, depending on the time of year, and adds a few precious seconds onto your already crammed schedule. But it's worth it. The potential hazard may be small, but you don't want gasoline vapors tangling with an ignition source.

No Cell Phone Use
OK, this rule is flirting with urban legend status. The Petroleum Equipment Institute states that it has found no documented incidents where a cell phone was responsible for a fire at the pump. Nonetheless, the organization recommends not using your cell phone, as it can be a distraction while you're gassing up.

Don't Get In and Out of Car
The real culprit behind most fires at the pump is static electricity. You know the feeling when you walk across a carpeted room and get zapped when you get to the doorknob? That's the stuff. You might feel it occasionally when you touch your car door handle, especially during cool and dry conditions. You definitely don't want to feel it when you're around such a volatile substance as gasoline. Entering and exiting a vehicle can contribute to building up a static electric charge. When in doubt, touch metal on your vehicle to discharge any static electricity when you get out and before you touch the pump.


2009-12-08 16:27:10


Everyday I witness many ppl fuel up while talking on the phone, many keep their cars running and yes even one or two smoke while doing it.
I always try to tell them in a nice way to stop, most of the time people do not even realize what they are doing but others could'nt care less and go about their business..


Timberwolf

 

I pulled in to gas up at the local convenience store here about 3 weeks ago, but decided not to get gas because the tanker was unloading. So I just went in for a newspaper. When I came out, I noticed there was a woman and her young daughter sitting right next to the tanker rig on the curb and the lady was puffing on a cigarette. SHe was no more than 5 feet from the rig.

I looked at her and said "um, excuse me, but you didn't happen to see a large gasoline tanker anywhere around here, did you?"

She looked at me like I was stupid.

I shrugged and said "well hey, at least if the smoking doesn't kill you, that exploding tanker will. You should probably look into giving your child up for adoption before you kill her, too."

That got a response, which I cannot post on a messageboard. I swear, the stupidity of some people is amazing. If congress really wants to balance the deficit, they ought to allow the hunting of stupid people.

"I don't need a deer tag this year. How much for the stupid person tag?"

"$10,000."

"I'll take 80 dozen for today. Do you have a large volume discount?"

 

Toward my final years in my Fire Department, I drove around in a full decked out white P-51 Crown Vic given to me by our Emergency Services Coordinator. It caused me to have to moderate these situations numerous times, whenever I happened to pull into a gas station for whatever reason. Even when I'd approach similar idiots with a badge clearly displayed, I got the same disrespect and belligerance. Good thing I wasn't issued a night stick.

 

I usually fuel up my pickup at the Flying J. It's usually cheaper, and easier to get in-and-out.
When I pull up to a pump, I leave my pickup running, and I say, "pscheeeew" right before I get out. If I go inside, I use the side door. Ya know..the door where the truck drivers go in-and-out.

 

Guy at work a week ago had his little pickup sitting there parked with what was an obvious fuel leak from the bottom of the tank. Said something to him about it and he proceeds to climb right under there to look.............with a lit cigarette in his mouth and his head right at the stream coming out. Of course it's the same idiot who smokes while fueling up his foreman's truck at the pumps in the morning and lights his smokes with the same hand that gets diesel and gas on it with matches. It's a wonder he hasn't killed himself or burnt the heck out of his hands.