[img]http:///a/img922/4500/WTNwX4.jpg[/img]
image credits:Google

We have all heard what we believe to be ‘myths’ and ‘fabricated tales’ of explosions at petrol stations and in motor vehicles due to cell phone use or filling a plastic container with petrol – these are actually not myths at all but rather factual stories. The video below will show you true accounts of these occurrences at fuel stations.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJV0dg9jOYI

When visiting a fuel station there are risks that you should always be aware of.
We urge you to acquaint yourself with a few basic tips that we have collected from various fuel suppliers and safety regulatory websites, in order to ensure your safety as well as that of your loved ones.

[img]http:///a/img924/4037/iJsNji.jpg[/img]




Fuel Station Safety Tips:

Be Safe at the Pump.

#Petrol is highly flammable; however the liquid isn’t the danger, it is the vapours which the liquid emits that are the most dangerous. And occasionally these vapours can travel a long distance to a source of ignition. These vapours are heavier than air and will settle on the ground and flow in a similar manner to a liquid. A fuel/air mixture can be ignited by a hot surface, a smouldering object such as a cigarette, an open flame, or even a static spark. Hence the importance of practicing extra caution at the pump.

#By law you must switch off your engine before and during refuelling.

#Take care when operating the fuel cap on your vehicle. Static discharge from some types of clothing may ignite petrol vapours from your vehicles fuel tank.

#Petrol is a volatile, highly flammable liquid that gives off vapours. It’s important to never smoke, light a match or stub a cigarette out, especially around pumps or fuel containers. You should preferably extinguish a cigarette before stopping at a fuel service station.

#Do not get out of and back into your vehicle whilst it is being refuelled. If you have to re-enter your vehicle ensure you discharge any static electricity build-up by touching the outside metal portion of your vehicle.

#To avoid fuel spills, do not leave your vehicle unattended and do not allow anyone to overfill your tank. The fuel dispenser should shut off automatically when the tank is full.

#When dispensing fuel into a portable can, use only an approved metal container stamped to say it has been approved to carry flammable liquids.
Always place the container on the ground and keep the pump nozzle in contact with the container when filling it with fuel, to avoid a static electricity build-up or ignition of fuel vapours.
Containers should never be filled inside your vehicle.
Fires caused by static charges have occurred when people have filled portable containers in the back of pick-up trucks, particularly those with plastic bed liners. Removing the container will also prevent a dangerous spill of fuel.

#Keep any type of fuel out of children’s sight and reach. Fuel is highly toxic in addition to being a fire hazard.

#Use only the refuelling latch on the fuel dispenser nozzle, if there is one. Do not jam the latch with an object to hold it open.

#If a fire should start whilst you are refuelling, do not remove the nozzle from the vehicle or try to stop the flow of fuel. Leave the area immediately and call for help.

#Do not use your mobile phone. If you drop your mobile phone, a spark can be produced when the batteries are knocked loose. This could be hazardous because of the flammable vapours produced by fuel.

#If you spill fuel while filling your vehicle’s petrol tank or a container:
-Do not start your engine until the spill has been cleaned up and the forecourt supervisor has given you the all clear.
-Do not hose the spill down a drain with water. It is illegal to pour fuel into drains or sumps due to the potential environmental damage and the risk of explosion.
-Beware of static electricity. It could ignite clothing and cause severe burns.

#Start your engine and move your vehicle only after refuelling is completed and the nozzle is placed back on the dispenser.

[img]http:///a/img924/7346/axZIph.png[/img]

Other Important Points To Keep In Mind:
•Drive Slowly: service stations are busy places! Drive slowly and be aware of moving vehicles and pedestrians

•If you walk to the convenience store, car wash, garage or other shops at the filling station, watch out for moving vehicles

•If you wish to visit the convenience store or restroom, finish pumping petrol first. Then proceed to the dedicated parking slots. It is good etiquette to not wander off and leave your car at the pump as you may block the pump and other motorists who wait behind you to refuel.

•Ensure you are a safe distance away when tankers fill the station’s underground tanks and because these are large vehicles, ensure you leave them enough room to manoeuvre safely.

•Always label and store fuel containers in a cool, well ventilated location out of children’s reach.

•Practice good hygiene after handling fuel. Wash your hands and other areas that may have come in contact with the fuel. Always try and avoid prolonged inhalation of fuel vapours. If fuel splashes on your skin, wash with soap and water. If fuel gets in your eyes, wash out with running water for at least 15 minutes. If pain persists, seek medical attention.

We hope these tips will assist you in ensuring you are kept safe at all times whilst refuelling your car and visiting a petrol station.

http://www.matulorgroup.co.za/station-safety-tips/#.WQ9Pfr0o9oO