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Mobile Phone Safety:
The Shell Oil Company recently issued a warning after three incidents
in which mobile phones (cell phones) ignited fumes during fueling
operations. In the first case, the phone was placed on the car's
trunk lid during fueling; it rang and the ensuing fire destroyed the
car and the gasoline pump. In the second, the individual
answered a call while refueling their car and suffered severe burns to
their face when fumes ignited. In the third, an individual who's
phone was in their pocket while they were fueling suffered burns to
the thigh and groin when fumes ignited due to the phone ringing.
You Should Know that:
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Mobile phones can
ignite fuel or fumes.
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Mobile phones that
light up when switched on or when they ring release enough energy
to provide a spark for ignition.
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Mobile phones should
not be used in filling stations, or when fueling lawn mowers,
boats, etc.
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Mobile phones should
not be used, or should be turned off, around other materials that
generate flammable or explosive fumes or dust, i.e. solvents,
chemicals, gases, grain dust, etc.
"Stop
Static" and Refuel Safely with Every Fill-up
WASHINGTON, September 23 - The American
Petroleum Institute and the Petroleum Equipment Institute announced
today they are joining together beginning with National Fire
Prevention Week, October 6-12, to remind motorists how to avoid
potential problems with static electricity at the gas pump. The
groups also are encouraging motorists to follow all safe refueling
practices with every fill-up.
Fall brings cool, dry
air to many parts of the country - the typical climate conditions when
static electricity build-up is most likely to occur. Static
electricity may build up when a motorist re-enters the vehicle during
fueling. When the motorist then returns to the vehicle fill pipe
during or at the end of refueling, the static may discharge at the
fill point, potentially causing a flash fire or a small sustained fire
with gasoline refueling vapors.
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