SAFETY AT THE PUMP

- Main - Consumer Guidelines Print This Page

MAIN (Return to Top)

The primary way consumers can avoid static electricity at the gas pump is to stay outside the vehicle while refueling. It may be a temptation to get back in the car when it's cold or for any number of reasons. But the average fill-up takes only two minutes, and staying outside the vehicle will greatly minimize the likelihood of any build-up of static electricity that could be discharged at the nozzle.

Motorists who cannot avoid getting back into the vehicle should always first touch a metal part of the vehicle with a bare hand, such as the door, or some other metal surface, away from the fill point upon exiting the vehicle.

Here are additional consumer refueling safety guidelines that will help keep you and your family safe when refueling your vehicle or filling up gasoline storage containers.

CONSUMER GUIDELINES (Return to Top)

• Turn off your vehicle engine while refueling. Put your vehicle in park and/or set the emergency brake. Disable or turn off any auxiliary sources of ignition such as a camper or trailer heater, cooking units or pilot lights.
• Do not smoke, light matches or lighters while refueling at the pump or when using gasoline anywhere else.
• Use only the refueling latch provided on the gasoline dispenser nozzle - never jam the refueling latch on the nozzle open.
• Do not re-enter your vehicle during refueling.
• In the unlikely event a static-caused fire occurs when refueling, leave the nozzle in the fill pipe and back away from the vehicle. Notify the station attendant immediately.
• Do not over-fill or top off your vehicle tank, which can cause gasoline spillage.
• Avoid prolonged breathing of gasoline vapors. Use gasoline only in open areas that get plenty of fresh air. Keep your face away from the nozzle or container opening.
• When dispensing gasoline into a container, use only an approved portable container and place it on the ground when refueling to avoid a possible static electricity ignition of fuel vapors. Containers should never be filled while inside a vehicle or it's trunk, the bed of a pickup truck or the floor of a trailer.
• Only store gasoline in approved containers as required by federal or state authorities. Never store gasoline in glass or any other unapproved containers.
• When filling a portable container, manually control the nozzle valve throughout the filling process. Fill a portable container slowly to decrease the chance of static electricity buildup and minimize spilling or splattering.
• Fill container no more than 95 percent full to allow for expansion.
• Place cap tightly on the container after filling - do not use containers that do not seal properly.
• If gasoline spills on the container, make sure that it has evaporated before you place the container in your vehicle. Report spills to the attendant.
• When transporting gasoline in a portable container, make sure it is secured against tipping and sliding, and never leave it in direct sunlight or in the trunk of a car.
• Use gasoline as a motor fuel only. Never use gasoline to wash your hands or as a cleaning solvent.
• Never allow small children to operate the pump.

The safety information enclosed was compiled from the best sources available to us. The Illinois Fire Safety Alliance and authors cannot assume any liability for its effectiveness in every emergency situation.