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November, 2008
The Risk of Static Electricity at Gas Stations
Hazard
With todays fluctuation in the cost of fuel, many people have been filling up their gas containers and storing fuel for vehicles and small engines. Although this may seem economical, by not taking the proper precautions it can become hazardous.
When fuel is being transferred from the pump into containers, gasoline is able to create and hold an electric charge. When this electric charge accumulates, static electricity can form which can lead to a spark.
As solvents or fuels are stirred, agitated or poured, the friction between the liquid and container can lead to the development of static electricity in both materials. When this liquid is transferred to non-conductive materials like plastic containers the static charge is released slowly.
The risk of static electricity is also increased when fuel containers are filled while still in the box of a truck, especially one with a bed liner. The bed liner provides insulation for trapping the static electricity preventing it from making its way through the truck, tires and into the ground.
Static electricity can also be formed from the friction created between the container and the vehicle when the container is being transported. As the container moves around in the back of a truck, the static charge has nowhere to quickly and fully release.
Now that winter is almost here, temperatures are dropping, creating an ideal environment for static electricity to accumulate and spark. By taking the proper precautions workers are not only helping themselves stay safe but they are also ensuring the health and safety of others while storing and transporting fuel.
Prevention
There are many steps workers can take to minimize the risk of static electricity at the gas pumps. These steps include:
Place the container or jerry can on the ground when filling. This will decrease the risk of static electricity. Physically grounding the container will allow the charge to be released safely.
Make contact with the nozzle of the pump and the container as a way to decrease static charge.
Fill the container more slowly. This will not only further decrease the risk of static electricity but it will also reduce the chance of spillage.
If there is a spill, inform the gas stations attendant and help clean up the fuel before putting the container back into a vehicle or trailer.
Do not fill the containers more then 95 per cent.
Use only approved jerry cans or containers.
When travelling with jerry cans make sure they are secured and will not tip over or slide around.
Resources
For more information:
The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/prevention/flammable_static.html
American Petroleum Institute
http://www.enform.ca/assets/files/static_energy.pdf
Australian Transport Safety Bureau
http://www.atsb.gov.au/publications/2005/pdf/static_fire.pdf
For more information or resources, please contact your MASHA
field consultant.
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