| TECH TALK is a new service introduced by the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA). It is an
online newsletter providing information on topics of interest to the fire protection community.
The inaugural edition of Tech Talk looks at self-illuminated or self-powered lighting, which is
sometimes used to mark exits. Background information about self-illuminated signs is
presented, along with tips for reviewing plans and./or inspecting facilities that use or plan to use
self-illuminated lighting features. Guidance for safe disposal of damaged or unused units is also
included. This feature is available by link at the end of this newsletter.
Fire Prevention Week is October 4 - 10, 2009. This year's theme is: "Stay Fire Smart! Don't
Get Burned!" Visit www.firepreventionweek.org or call 800-344-3555 for more information. I
urge you to incorporate this national program to enhance fire safety on the premises and as a
significant element in an Off-the-Job Safety Program.
Fire Hazard from Filling Portable Gas Cans in Pickup Trucks and Cars. In recent incidents
reported to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), fires
spontaneously ignited when workers or others attempted to fill portable gasoline containers (gas
cans) in the back of pickup trucks equipped with plastic bed liners and in cars with carpeted
surfaces. Serious skin burns and other injuries resulted. Similar incidents in the past few years
have resulted in warning bulletins from several private and government organizations.
These fires result from the buildup of static electricity. The insulating effect of the bed liner or
carpet prevents the static charge generated by gasoline flowing into the container .or other
sources from grounding. The discharge of this buildup to the grounded gasoline dispenser
nozzle may cause a spark and ignite the gasoline. Both ungrounded metal and plastic gas
containers have been involved in these incidents.
Avoid the hazardous practice of leaving the portable gasoline containers in pickup trucks
or cars when refueling!
Before filling, always remove the containers from the vehicle and place them on the
ground at a safe distance from the vehicle (provides path to dissipate static charge to
ground).
Touch the container with the gas dispenser nozzle before removing the container lid
(provides another path to dissipate static charge to ground).
Keep the nozzle in contact with the container inlet when filling (to dissipate static charge
buildup from the flow of gasoline).
Acknowledgments:
Principal contributors to this publication are: Jerome P. Flesch, Elaine Mann, G. Kent Hatfield,
Heinz Ahlers, Ricihard Carlsom and Rosemarie T. Hagedorn (NIOSH). Richard Yallits, City of
Winnipeg, Canada Fire Department. William Rowe, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
(CPSC). |
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Some Odds and Ends