You'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.
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.
