It’s common sense to keep your eyes on the road when driving because of the risks involved. But, when it comes to something like pumping gas in their cars, people often forget the importance of being cautious.
Gas station accidents are not a rarity. From 2014 to 2018, there were an average of 4,150 fires at gas stations per year.
Imagine the number of times you stop at a gas station; it’s a part of your everyday routine. Make sure you avoid the following mistakes people tend to make without knowing it.
Completely Filling the Tank
If you think you’re saving on another round to the gas station for the next week by filling the tank to the maximum capacity, you’re mistaken. Just like automatic tank gauge systems work effectively for gas stations, a car’s automatic shut-off valve provides the same function for car owners.
People should start trusting these automatic solutions and know that they’re there for a reason. Gasoline tends to expand when heated, so leaving some room in the tank to allow that to happen will help avoid a gas leak that can potentially be harmful.
Smoking a Cigarette
Smoking poses a huge risk when it comes to gas station fires. Cigarette ash can react with gasoline and ignite a fire that can be quite detrimental.
Although it’s advisable to step away from the spot if a fire starts, many people react haphazardly and start pulling on the fuel oil nozzle attached to their car.
We recommend that people immediately get away from the scene and let the gas station employees shut the fuel off.
Using Portable Containers
If you’re planning on a road trip, don’t try to transport fuel in portable containers.
When gasoline comes in contact with a carpeted surface that might be present in the container or your car, it can create static electricity that poses the risk of a fire. If having some extra gas or fuel is really essential, you should make sure you buy proper high-grade containers and do your best to handle them to avoid spills in the car.
Getting Back into Your Car
If you decide to step back into your car to protect yourself from the cold weather until the gas tank is filled, you might not be doing the right thing.
A change in humidity or temperature can lead to a static charge, and as discussed before, it can trigger a fire if in contact with even the slightest bit of gasoline. So, you’re better off waiting outside the car and withstanding the gusts of cold wind until the tank is filled.
Just as people need to take care when it comes to pumping gas, fuel stations also need to ensure they have good quality fuel station equipment to minimize risks of fire hazards.
At John W. Kennedy Company, we play our roles in making sure gas station incidents are minimal. We provide a wide range of gas station products like pump parts, pump filters, petroleum tanker parts, and much more.
Gas station owners can get in touch with us and make sure their stations follow all safety guidelines.