Fixit: Problems at the pump? Tell manager if attendant does nothing

Article by: KAREN YOUSO , Star Tribune
Updated: February 5, 2008 - 9:55 AM

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Q What is a person supposed to do if they see another customer leaving his engine running at the fuel pump? I see a lot of this during the winter. I have even seen people smoke while fueling their vehicle. I have tried calling it to the attention of the sales clerk, but they don't seem to do anything. Would it be proper to call 911, in view of the fact that this is a safety issue?

A Under state fire code, the station attendant is responsible for controlling the dispensing of fuel. That means observing if there is smoking, an engine running or fuel going into an unapproved container. The station attendant needs to put an end to the activity, said Bob Dahm with the State Fire Marshal's Office.

If talking to the individual doesn't help, the attendant needs to shut off the pump, he said. If the attendant doesn't take action, contact the station manager or report the station to the local fire department.

In any case, it's not a 911 call, Dahm said, because by the time police arrived, the violation probably would be over. Law enforcement personnel must observe the violation to take action.

Fueling with the vehicle operating is a common sight this time of year.

It's risky, however, and shouldn't be done, even if you're really careful not to spill gasoline.

The vapors released while filling are more volatile than any spill, Dahm said. All it would take is a spark or ash from a cigarette to ignite it and result in tragedy.

It has happened, he said. In one case, static electricity at the nozzle was enough to ignite vapors coming off the gas.

Send your questions to Fixit in care of the Star Tribune, 425 Portland Av. S., Minneapolis, MN 55488, or call 612-673-9033, or e-mail fixit@startribune.com. Past columns are available at www.startribune.com/fixit. Sorry, Fixit cannot supply individual replies.