Refuelling safely

Understanding static electricity

Refuelling can be a hazardous activity, especially when highly flammable fuels, such as petrol, are being dispensed. Petrol releases flammable vapours that expand into the atmosphere.

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 this static electricity discharges, it produces sparks that can ignite the fuel vapours.

The fuel dispensing pumps at service stations and fuel-filler necks on motor vehicles are earthed to minimise and control the static electricity produced during normal vehicle refuelling.

Why static electricity is hazardous

Static electricity can be dangerous because it’s:

• invisible and unpredictable
• discharged as a spark, which can ignite flammable materials
• a natural phenomenon that can’t be prevented but can be controlled
• rarely understood by most people.

Controlling static electricity

Follow these instructions to control the effects of static electricity, and for general fire safety, while you’re refuelling:

• Switch off the vehicle engine while refuelling and apply the park brake.
• Do not smoke or allow other ignition sources into the refuelling area.
• Do not use foreign items to lock the refuelling trigger into the ‘on’ position.
• Do not re-enter the vehicle while refuelling is in progress. If you must re-enter the vehicle, discharge any static electricity before you touch the refuelling nozzle by first touching the metal on the outside of the vehicle.
• If a refuelling fire occurs, leave the nozzle in the vehicle’s filler neck and back away from the vehicle. Notify the service station attendant immediately.
• Do not overfill the vehicle.
• Avoid using high speed fuel pumps, particularly when refuelling vehicles with plastic fuel tanks. Faster flowing fuel can develop static electricity.
• Clean up any spilled fuel.
• Comply with all safety signage at service stations.

Refuelling portable containers

The risk of a refuelling fire is greater when you’re dispensing fuel into portable containers.

Follow these instructions to control the effects of static electricity and risk of fire when refuelling portable containers and other plant equipment:

• Always read and comply with safety signs at service stations.
• Never use unapproved containers to store fuel.
• Always use either a plastic fuel container that complies with AS2906 or an appropriate metal container with a well-sealed lid.
• Use only containers with serviceable caps or lids and seals.
• Always place the fuel container on the ground before filling with flammable liquid. This will discharge any static electricity before refuelling.
• Never fill a container in the boot of a car, or in the tray or on the tailgate of a ute, particularly if it’s fitted with a plastic tray liner.
• Fill containers slowly to avoid overflow and spillage.
• Do not lock the refuelling trigger in the ‘on’ position.
• Fill portable containers to no more than 95% full to allow for expansion.
• Secure portable fuel containers to prevent damage during travel.
• Avoid refuelling petrol-operated equipment (e.g. mowers, generator sets, jet skis) while they are sitting on a utility tray.