Warning about cellphones.

The Shell Oil Company recently issued a warning after three incidents in
which cell phones  ignited fumes during fueling operations.

In the first case, the phone was placed on the cars trunk lid during
fueling; it rang and the  ensuing fire  destroyed the car and the gasoline
pump.

The second, an individual suffered burns to their face when fumes ignited
as they answered a  call while fueling their car.

And in the third, an individual suffered burns to their thigh and groin as
fumes ignited when  the phone, which was in their pocket, rang while they
were fueling their car.

You should know;  Cell phones can ignite fuel or fumes. Cell phones that
light up when switched on or when they ring release enough energy to
provide a spark for ignition.

Cell phones should not be used in gas stations. or when fueling lawnmowers,
boats, etc.

Cell phones should not be used and must be turned off around other material
that generate  flammable or explosive fumes or dust i.e..) solvents,
chemicals, gasses, grain dust, etc.

Their is another safety warning you should know concerning static
electricity.

Below is important information from Pat Cabling who works at Chevron
Texaco's Richmond  Refinery.

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 in your vehicle or turn it off.
4) Don't reenter your vehicle during fueling. Robert Renkes of Petroleum
Equipment Institute  is working on a campaign to make people aware of fires
as a result of "static electricity" at gas pumps.

His company has researched 150 cases of these related fires. His results
were very  surprising:

1) Out of 150 cases, almost all were women.
2) Almost all cases involved the person getting back into 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 have had on rubber-soled shoes.
4) It's the vapors that come out of the gas tank that causes the fire, when
connected with static charges.
5) There were reported 29 fires where the vehicle was reentered and the
nozzle was touched  during  refueling from a variety of makes and models.
Some resulting in extensive damage to  the vehicle, to the  station, and to
the customer.
6) 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, TOUCH THE METAL, before you  pull the nozzle out. This way the
static from your body will be discharged before you ever remove the nozzle.

Please send this information to your family and friends, especially those
who have kids in the car with them  while pumping gas. Also inform your
kids who pump gas themselves.


Ikuko Sawada
TEL/FAX 078-782-1409