The dangers of pumping gas is something that we all should be made aware of. This article is the result of my research which was prompted by the show called “Explosions Gone Wrong” that aired today on the Discovery Channel.
“Explosions Gone Wrong” on the Discovery Channel showed videos of many explosions, including factory disasters, gas tank explosions and a test rocket explosion! However, the two that hit close to home was an explosion that you and I can encounter just from pumping gas at the gas station.
When you start pumping gas, gas fumes are being emitted into the air. If you keep your hand on the nozzle throughout the pumping you should not have any problem. When you leave the hose and get back into your car and then come back to the pump, if the conditions are right, there could be an explosion. How is this possible? When you get back into your car the static electricity from rubbing across the seat is built up in your body. Then when you get out of your car and put your hand on the pump handle, the static electricity from your hand can ignite the fumes from the gasoline, thus causing an explosion! Below I will list the conditions for such an explosion to occur. Even when you turn your car off an explosion can still occur if these conditions are met!
1. The humidity is low.
2. You touch nothing but the pump upon returning to your vehicle.
3. You get back into your vehicle while it is filling up, thus causing static electricity to build up in your body.
I want to add, (God forbid,) that if this ever does happen, do not pull the nozzle out of your gas tank. This will cause a bigger explosion because you are letting more air into your gas tank. Drop everything, and run away as fast as you can alerting someone as to what has happened! Of, course, if you yourself are on fire drop and roll!
You see with low humidity there is more likely to be static electricity in the air. Most of us notice more static electricity in the winter due to low humidity. Therefore, this is the time to be extra cautious. However, upon returning to the pump handle, if you first touch your car this will dissipate the static electricity. The static electricity from your hand will then be released into your car and not in the pump.
Safe way to fill your gas can
The same thing can happen when filling your gas can. Many people leave the heavy five gallon gas can in the trunk of their car or in their truck bed when filling it up. Leaving the gas container in the car or truck when filling it causes the static to build up in the truck bed liner or any other material that the gas can is sitting upon, and, the static has no where to go. Static buildup occurs and if it releases, the resulting spark can set off the gasoline. An approved gasoline container also dissipates static electricity as long as it is placed on the pavement before filling begins.
The static can also come from the gasoline itself. As the fuel flows through the hose and nozzle, static electricity builds up on the gasoline. This charge takes several seconds to dissipate after the gas is poured into the can. If the can is insulated from ground, the spark cannot dissipate and it builds up until discharge occurs. Therefore as afore mentioned always fill your gas container up on the ground and then put it back in the trunk or truck bed.
DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION
I am not in any way receiving any type of payment from my sources below and am not in any way affiliated with those sources.
Sources:
1. Discovery Channel
2. http://www.icarumba.com/cobrands/contentmodules/resourcecenter/articles/icar_resourcecenter_articles_gassaf.asp
3. http://www.hueandcry.com/blog/contractor-resources/gasoline-safety-tips-for-contractors/