FACTS
- Fuel spills resulting from poor refueling procedures can cause needless damage to the environment.
- Inhalation of gasoline fumes from improper refueling can cause nausea, dizziness, headaches, and loss of coordination.
- Once ignited, fires from liquid fuels can be very difficult to extinguish, as they spread quickly.
- The hazards involved with fueling equipment on a construction site include gas and fuel fires, spills, vapors and slips, trips and falls.
- Improper fuelling techniques, or an engine left running may cause a fire, explosion, or a spill.
- Smoking while fuelling can cause a fire or explosion.
- Filling unapproved containers can result in static electricity charge, resulting in a fire or explosion.
- Using improperly maintained hoses, pumps or nozzles can cause a fire or explosion.
- Gasoline spilled on the body for a prolonged time can cause severe burns.
STATS
- The majority of propane-related deaths are the result of severe burns from a propane fire. Tank-refueling operations and repairs to propane equipment tend to be the most common causes of propane-related injuries, though exposure to propane or carbon monoxide released when propane burns can also be a source of injuries.
- 87% of fires occurred when the fueler returned to the vehicle during the refueling process and then touched the nozzle after leaving the vehicle.
- 39% of reports described fires before the refueling process began, when the fueler touched the gas cap or the area close to it after leaving the vehicle.
- 32% of fires do not involve either of these two fact situations.
- 61% of gas station fire incidents involve vehicle fires.