A recent near tragic event June 17 outside a Rochester convenience store that resulted in an individual receiving second- and third-degree burns over 30 percent of his body reminds us of a far too common cause of accidental burns. Incidents like these result in 13,000 to 15,000 hospital emergency room visits a year.
The dangers of flammable liquid fire are real and could be deadly. In the case of the Rochester incident, the gentleman had recently finished refilling a plastic fuel container and placed in the trunk of his car when there was a sudden ignition that engulfed the gentleman and his car.
Fortunately, the man was able to roll on the ground to smother the flames on his clothing to lessen his burn injuries. Although this fire is still under investigation, we would like to share some very important safety reminders.
- Only use gasoline for the fueling of gasoline powered equipment. DO NOT USE IT AS AN IGNITION FUEL FOR GRILLS OR CAMPFIRES.
- Only store gasoline in approved flammable liquid containers.
- The human body can store enough of a static charge that when we contact a grounding surface can cause an arc that has ignited gasoline vapors.
- All gasoline containers should be refilled with the container sitting on the ground and the fueling nozzle in direct contact with the container during fueling.
- Never refill a gasoline container while the container is inside of a vehicle, including in the bed of a pick-up truck or car trunk or hatchback
- Turn off the engine of your vehicle, lawnmower, tractor, or other portable gas appliances while refueling.
- Extinguish all cigarettes, matches, lighters or other smoking material and do not use portable electronic devices or cell phones while fueling any appliance or refilling a gasoline container.
- Dispensing gasoline from a gasoline pump into a vehicle or container can create a static charge that could create a spark to ignite gasoline vapors.
For additional guidance or questions contact your local fire chief or county fire coordinator or visit http://www.ameriburn.org/Preven/GasolineSafetyEducator’sGuide.pdf.