WHAT’S AT STAKE?

Refueling is a hazardous activity. The hazards are greater when highly flammable fuels such as petrol are being dispensed, because petrol releases flammable vapors that expand into the atmosphere.

WHAT’S THE DANGER?

When a flammable liquid flows, static electricity is generated from the friction between dissimilar materials (e.g. the fuel and the metal fuel filler neck). When the static electricity discharges, it produces sparks which can ignite the fuel vapors. The fuel dispensing pumps found at service stations and the fuel filler necks of motor vehicles are earthed to minimize and control the static electricity produced during normal vehicle […]