Background
You might think about what might possibly go wrong at a petrol station, especially if you have the habit of visiting the same petrol station every time you refuel your vehicle. But the fact is, accidents do occur and one won’t be able to anticipate the chances of one. There might be numerous potentials of fire and one needs to take all possible precautions to avoid it. Apart from taking preventive measures, however, one also needs to keep oneself at a relatively safer place while traveling in and around a petrol pump.
Being alert is the most important safety tip that a person must keep in mind while refueling his vehicle at a petrol pump. All car owners must be aware of the following safety measures while being in and around a petrol pump.
Things to be considered to avoid any mishap at fuel stations
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Turn Off the Engine
First and foremost, you must never disregard to turn off the motor of your car while getting it refueled. It is not only risky to refill your car along with your motor turned on, but it is also regarded as illegal. Moreover, make sure to keep the keys of your vehicle absent from the point of igniting or starting the motor while refueling the tank. This is often done to ensure that someone doesn’t accidentally turn the keys, thereby finishing up beginning the motor whereas you are still within the prepare of getting your car refueled.
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Avoid Smoking or Lighting a Match or Lighter
Avoid getting involved in activities like lighting a matchstick or a lighter or smoking a cigarette in and around a petrol fuelling station. Petrol is highly combustible and if it comes in contact with even the slightest spark, it might result in a dangerous fire accident or a blast. Also, you must put out any lighted cigarettes or other ignitable items before entering a petrol pump zone. Try to eliminate or unload all combustible and inflammable substances from your car before you visit a fuelling station. In short, don’t do anything that might start a fire.
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Avoid Using Your Phone
You must be aware that mobile phones emit highly toxic radiations which on coming to contact with petrol, might arise a fire. On top of that, if your phone is heated up, for example, due to overuse or while going out on a sunny day, it might pose a great threat of a possible explosion. So make sure that you always remember to switch off your mobile phones before entering a petrol pump
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Discharge Static Electricity
Static electricity can ignite petrol vapour if it comes in contact with it. Static electricity is generated when there is friction produced due to activities like sliding across the car seat while getting down for refuelling your vehicle’s engine. So be sure to discharge all possibilities of static electricity generation before you refill the tank. An easy way to discharge static electricity by touching metal to the objects that are open to such a risk.
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Beware of Theft
Be aware of all your belongings before entering a petroleum pump, especially your valuable items and documents like credit/debit cards, cash, identity proofs, jewellery, or even your vehicle. You might have the habit of leaving your car with its windows rolled down while getting it refuelled. Even a few minutes of leaving your car attended might land you in a number of troubles like theft or losing your belongings. Make sure to put up all your windows and keep your vehicle locked.
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