PETALING JAYA: Touch the vehicle before filling up and only use your phone when inside the car – these are among the precautions motorists should take to reduce the risk of mishaps at petrol stations while refuelling, experts advise.Fire and Rescue Department director-general Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad said handphones should only be used for payment purposes when refuelling.
Using the device for other purposes could distract the motorist, resulting in mishaps like spilling petrol or forgetting to close the petrol cap, he said.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Federation for Occupational Safety and Health chairman Dr Abu Hasan Samad cautioned motorists about the dangers of static electricity on petrol pump nozzles.
“Static electricity can be generated through factors such as the type of clothing or even the material in the car.
“Static electricity can gradually increase in the car and the concern arises when it is not discharged before going near the pump.
“As a precaution, motorists can discharge the static electricity by touching the car’s body before beginning the refuelling process,” he said, adding that motorists can also stand at a distance from the nozzle while it is refuelling to prevent an untoward incident.
He also reminded motorists to wash their hands with soap and water if there is a petrol spill.
Petroleum Dealers Association of Malaysia president Datuk Khairul Annuar Abdul Aziz said while modern phones are low-risk if used properly, the danger can be present if the device is dropped, damaged or used too close to the nozzles.
“Fuel-related applications are also designed to only be activated inside the car before stepping out and not while the user is standing next to the pump,” he said.
He said any device that can generate heat or sparks has the potential to ignite fuel vapour.
“Fire needs three things – fuel, oxygen and an ignition source.
“At petrol stations, the first two are always present. Our main concern is ignition sources,” said Khairul Annuar.
Other hazardous activities while refuelling, he said, are smoking or lighting matches, leaving the engine running and creating static electricity.
“All these can trigger an accident. Stay focused during the process and do not do activities that can distract you.
“Treat the petrol station as a no-spark zone. Practising simple measures can ensure refuelling is safe,” he said.
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