Static discharge hazard during refueling at retail gasoline stations

Gasoline refueling stations have existed since the advent of the automobile in the early 1900s. This paper explores the origin of the static electrical discharge hazard that can exist during the refueling process. It has recently (1993) been discovered that a source of hazardous static electricity exists that is beyond the previously known causes for this hazard. The controlled harmless discharge of static electrical charge is examined along with the scientific explanation for the newly discovered hazard. A refueling fire at a commercial gas station is used to illustrate the forensic engineering investigative process that leads to the identity of the cause for this fire. Conditions that promote this new static discharge hazard are enumerated as well as suggestions for remedial action on the part of the motorist to decrease the fire hazard during refueling.