Why should I disembark from my motorbike before fueling at a petrol station?
Cyclists at a filling station.
Why should I disembark from my motorbike before fueling at a petrol station?
It is possible to accidentally ignite petrol fumes due to static when you get off your motorcycle during a re-fueling session at a fuel station. The vapour from petrol is highly flammable and it lingers at ground level during refueling. All it takes is oxygen and a spark to ignite it. Static is an electric charge usually caused by friction which leads to sparks or crackling.
When disembarking from your motorcycle, static can be caused by friction between your body and the fabric of your seat. Normally, this static should be discharged when you touch the metal on your motorcycle handle bar. In the unfortunate event that this static is not discharged as you disembark from your motorcycle, should you step in the re-fuelling area doused with petrol vapour your charged body can ignite a fire.
However, this potential danger can be avoided by adhering to the health, safety and environment (HSE) guidelines which are in place at all Shell fuel station sites all over Uganda. All Shell sites are designed with safety in mind and all retailers, sales associates as well as pump attendants have undergone HSE training.
On your part as a customer, your cooperation and adherence is required to prevent accidents. Motorcyclists are advised to disembark from their bikes before re-fuelling to avoid static or accidental fuel spills near the fuel tank. If you are driving a car, stay at the driver’s seat while re-fueling to avoid a similar problem.
