When it comes to fueling your vehicle, it’s crucial to prioritize safety to prevent potential hazards. The average person stops for gas five to seven times a month, making it a routine task. However, it’s important to handle gasoline with care, as it is a highly flammable substance. Here are some essential tips to ensure safe fueling and avoid catastrophes at the gas station.
Key Safety Practices for Fueling Your Car
Plymouth Rock offers six valuable tips to help you fuel your car safely. Even if you’re in New Jersey, where self-service is not allowed, these tips can still help keep you safe.
1. Avoid Getting Back in Your Car While Fueling
Static electricity can build up when you re-enter your car during fueling, especially in cool, dry weather. This static can ignite gasoline fumes, causing an explosion. If you must get back in your car, touch a metal surface away from the fuel nozzle to discharge any static electricity before continuing.
2. Stay Focused and Off Your Cellphone
While the myth that cellphones can cause explosions at gas stations is largely debunked, using your phone can distract you from your surroundings. Stay alert to the traffic and activities around the gas station to avoid accidents.
3. Do Not Overfill the Gas Tank
Overfilling your gas tank can lead to dangerous spills. Trust the automatic shut-off feature on gas pumps, which stops fueling once the tank is full. Avoid topping off the tank after the pump clicks off.
4. Maintain Good Hygiene When Handling Gasoline
Gasoline contains harmful chemicals like benzene, which can be dangerous if inhaled or absorbed through the skin. If you get gasoline on your skin, wash it off with lukewarm water and mild soap. If gasoline gets in your eyes, rinse them thoroughly with clean water for at least 20 seconds and seek medical help if needed.
5. Keep Children Safely Inside the Car
Children are naturally curious, but it’s safer to keep them inside the car while you pump gas. Fumes from gasoline can irritate conditions like asthma, and any splash from the nozzle can harm them.
6. Absolutely No Smoking at the Gas Station
Never smoke at a gas station. The combination of lit cigarettes and gasoline vapors can be extremely dangerous and lead to serious accidents.
Fueling your vehicle is a common task, but it requires careful attention to safety to prevent accidents. By following these six tips from Plymouth Rock, you can ensure that your fueling experience is safe and uneventful. Handling gasoline with caution not only protects you but also safeguards those around you. Stay alert, follow these safety practices, and make your trips to the gas station as safe as possible.
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