MUST READ, EVEN IF YOU DON'T OWN A CAR.

Shell Oil Comments - A MUST READ!


Safety Alert!

Here's some reasons why we don't allow cell phones in operating


areas, propylene oxide handling and storage area, propane,


gas and diesel refueling areas.






The Shell Oil Company recently issued a warning after three


incidents in which mobile phones (cell phones) ignited fumes


during fueling operations






In the first case, the phone was placed on the


car's trunk lid during fueling; it rang and the ensuing


fire destroyed the car and the gasoline pump.






In the second, an individual suffered severe burns to


their face when fumes ignited as they answered a call while


refueling their car!






And in the third, an individual suffered burns to the


thigh and groin as fumes ignited when the phone, which was


in their pocket, rang while they were fueling their car.






You should know that: Mobile Phones can ignite fuel or


fumes






Mobile phones that light up when switched on or when they


ring release enough energy to provide a spark for ignition






Mobile phones should not be used in filling stations, or


when fueling lawn mowers, boat, etc.






Mobile phones should not be used, or should be turned off,


around other materials that generate flammable or explosive


fumes or dust, (I.e., solvents, chemicals, gases, grain dust, etc...)






TO sum it up, here are the Four Rules for Safe Refueling:






1) Turn off engine


2) Don't smoke


3) Don't use your cell phone - leave it inside the vehicle or turn it 0ff


4) Don't re-enter your vehicle during fueling.






Bob Renkes of Petroleum Equipment Institute is working on a


campaign to try and make people aware of fires as a result


of 'static electricity' at gas pumps. His company


has researched 150 cases of these fires.






His results were very surprising:


1) Out of 150 cases, almost all of them were women.


2) Almost all cases involved the person getting back in


their vehicle while the nozzle was still pumping gas. When


finished, they went back to pull the nozzle out and the fire


started, as a result of static.






3) Most had on rubber-soled shoes.


4) Most men never get back in their vehicle until


completely finished. This is why they are seldom involved in


these types of fires.


5) Don't ever use cell phones when pumping gas






6) It is the vapors that come out of the gas that cause the


fire, when connected with static charges.


7) There were 29 fires where the vehicle was re-entered and


the nozzle was touched during refueling from a variety of


makes and models. Some resulted in extensive damage to the


vehicle, to the station, and to the customer.






8) Seventeen fires occurred before, during or immediately


after the gas cap was removed and before fueling began.






Mr. Renkes stresses to NEVER get back into your vehicle


while filling it with gas.






If you absolutely HAVE to get in your vehicle while the gas is


pumping, make sure you get out, close the door TOUCHING THE


METAL, before you ever pull the nozzle out. This way the


static from your body will be discharged before you ever


remove the nozzle.






As I mentioned earlier, The Petroleum Equipment Institute,


along with several other companies now, are really trying to


make the public aware of this danger.






I ask you to please send this in formation to ALL your


family and friends, especially those who have kids in the


car with them while pumping gas. If this were to happen to


them, they may not be able to get the children out in time.






Thanks for passing this along.