12-17-2005, 03:00 PM
The Horrible Esthete Wrote:o78 Wrote:robert goulet Wrote:The fact that they took away that little notch on the gas dispenser handle so that we can't pump our gas while sitting in the warmth of our cars. Do "Fuel Pump jockeys" take a special course, do they have a certificate that affords them the luxury of filling up people's tanks without standing there by the tank.
I was just bitching about that the other day...why did they take those away??
Serious Safety Hazard (and I'm not one for all the 'precautions' these days)
You should NEVER get in & out of your vehicle while fueling - especially during cold whether. Static electricity can build up and discharge when you grab the nozzle and ignite the fumes.....
Also, use of cell phones can produce the same effect while
fueling.....
Just like you, I thought it was a major no-no to talk on your phone while filling up...I actually had a gas attendant shut down my pump one time and tell me over the intercom that she won't turn it back on until I put my cell phone away....Anyways, like you I was certain of this static phenomenon...that was until I saw that myth get completely disproven on Mythbusters...I'm not sure about the getting in and out of your car static buildup element but I don't imagine that's real either.
I've had the dispenser nub discussion with people before and the only explanation I've heard is that sometimes the nozzle doesn't shut off and gas ends up spilling everywhere...so to eliminate the potential environmental hazard, most gas stations simply took them out altogether.
And I know 2 minutes doesn't seem all that long while filling up but when it's -30c and the wind is ripping it sure feels a hell of a lot longer than that....thank god I don't have my truck with the 125 L gas tank anymore.
***EDIT***
I found this link <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.engadget.com/entry/1234000073036833/">http://www.engadget.com/entry/1234000073036833/</a><!-- m --> which makes reference to the mythbusters episode and backs up the cell phone thing...turns out the static charge element is very true though...So Esthete you are 100% correct with your reasoning behind not letting people get in and out of your cars...cool!!!
Goulet!!!