Information for 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.  --- Eldon Warman

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.)

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

1) Turn off engine

2) Don't smoke

3) Don't us e your cell phone - leave it inside the vehicle or turn it off

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 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 th at 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 i mmediately after the gas cap was removed and be fore 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. You can find out more information by going to

<http://www.pei.org/ >

Once here, click in the center of the screen where it says 'Stop Static'.