Static electricity hazard while pumping gasoline

[Soundguy]

Around here, there is a lever that you lift/lower or there is a flap that the nozzle pushes into. If you push on the flap with your hand, it will shut off the flow of gas as it thinks that you put the nozzle back in.
You can sort of see the flap in this picture:
View attachment 330748

Aaron Z

ditto that. the flap is common here.. and it does work to shut the pump down as it thinks the nozzle is back in the cradle.

funny thing. last night i was getting diesel.. and happend to look around the island. i could not for the life of me see the emergency fuel shut down 'red' button. before i left i even looked on the 2 sides of the building. only place i did not look was in the back of the building. I thought that it was odd to not be out in plain site??

 

[Midniteoyl]

What, only 87 octane?

 

[JasG]

Hey Aaron,

As you know, you are correct sir!

This is slightly off topic, but I noticed that at our local BJ's gas pumps, there is a lot of siphoning or whatever going on after you turn off that switch by pushing on the flap, before eventually the handle switch clicks like it does when your tank is full, or the nozzle gets feedback from foaming.

So when I am done filling (if no one is waiting behind me) I leave the nozzle in the filler opening, trip the switch, and then squeeze the handle until it trips, getting sometimes 4 oz or more (my estimate) before the click.

This also keeps gas from dripping out of the nozzle when replacing it.

YMMV,
Thomas

This is what I have always done filling anything, be it at a gas station or the farm diesel pump.

 

[JasG]

There is a BIG RED BUTTON to shut off fuel flow to the pumps.. Every station has them. Look for it next time and keep its location in mind. The stations i frequent usually have one per island.

Never seen this or any emergency shut off out side at a fuel station in NY and even looked today. I would think it would be in plain site or marked.

Most pumps now require the pump actually be inserted back to turn off. The days of the 'lever' are going away...

As Aaron pointed out, the pumps at least in NY and other states I have traveled you can use your hand to shut off the pump. Be it a lift lever or a flap that the nozzle pushes against. It is possible each state has different standards and different pumps and safety devices.

I have seen since the thread was started warning stickers on each pump about static and fueling cans on the ground.

 

[3930dave]

The central red kill switch likely is determined by provincial or state legislation. Unfortunately, that legislation was probably the result of a major fire.

We have them in Ontario, as one USA poster described, usually one per island, in the centre. Good design, if a pump/vehicle is going up in flames, really nice to be able to shut things off from 6+ feet away.

Same reasoning for fire extinguishers near room/building exits - clearly identifiable, and can be used at your discretion once you are in a safe(r) position.

I'm going to make a point of checking for switch locations, esp. when traveling.

Rgds, D.

 

[cqaigy2]

I've always been in the habit of grounding myself. I think it's from growing up in a cold dry climate. Seems like most of the cut off switches i've seen around here are right out in front of the minimart.

 

[Midniteoyl]

Never seen this or any emergency shut off out side at a fuel station in NY and even looked today. I would think it would be in plain site or marked.



As Aaron pointed out, the pumps at least in NY and other states I have traveled you can use your hand to shut off the pump. Be it a lift lever or a flap that the nozzle pushes against. It is possible each state has different standards and different pumps and safety devices.

I have seen since the thread was started warning stickers on each pump about static and fueling cans on the ground.

Guess Im gonna have to take a pic or something..

 

[Midniteoyl]

Never seen this or any emergency shut off out side at a fuel station in NY and even looked today. I would think it would be in plain site or marked.



As Aaron pointed out, the pumps at least in NY and other states I have traveled you can use your hand to shut off the pump. Be it a lift lever or a flap that the nozzle pushes against. It is possible each state has different standards and different pumps and safety devices.

I have seen since the thread was started warning stickers on each pump about static and fueling cans on the ground.

Guess Im gonna have to take a pic or something..

 

[JasG]

I don't doubt you have them. I just think each state has different standards. Now in other states I have never looked for a safety shut off, but each pump I have ever used I can shut off with my hand.

 

[3930dave]

NJ has their legislation online. It references some national codes.

I've seen a few small no-name stations here where they have one red shutoff switch on the outside of the attendants small booth, instead of out on the pump islands.

Department of Labor and Workforce Development | Retail Gasoline Dispensing Safety Act and Regulations


"12:196-1.7 Remote emergency shut-off

(a) A clearly identified and easily accessible switch(es) or circuit breaker(s) shall be provided at a location remote from dispensing devices.

The devices shall be used to shut-off the power in conformance with article 514 of the National Electrical Code (National Fire Protection Association (NFPA-70) and NFPA-30A, each of which is incorporated herein by reference, to all dispensing devices in the event of an emergency, or when an individual other than an attendant attempts to operate the pump."

Rgds, D.