NIOSH Hazard ID, HID 2 - fire hazard from filling portable gas cans in pickup trucks and cars.
Authors
Flesch-JP; Mann-E; Hatfield-GK; Ahlers-H; Carlson-R; Hagedorn-RT; Yallits-R; Rowe-W
Source
Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 98-111, (HID 2), 1998 Aug; :1-2
Abstract
In recent incidents reported to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), fires spontaneously ignited when workers or others attempted to fill portable gasoline containers (gas cans) in the backs of pickup trucks equipped with plastic bed liners or in cars with carpeted surfaces. Serious skin burns and other injuries resulted. Similar incidents in the last few years have resulted in warning bulletins from several private and government organizations. These fires result from the buildup of static electricity. The insulating effect of the bed liner or carpet prevents the static charge generated by gasoline flowing into the container or other sources from grounding. The discharge of this buildup to the grounded gasoline dispenser nozzle may cause a spark and ignite the gasoline. Both ungrounded metal (most hazardous) and plastic gas containers have been involved in these incidents.
Keywords
Refueling; Construction-workers; Gasoline-powered-equipment; Homeowners; Gas-stations; Hazard-labels
Document Type
Numbered Publication; Hazard ID
Identifying No.
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 98-111; HID-2
Source Name
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
