SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
WARNING:
Do not overfill the fuel
tank. The pressure in an overfilled tank
may cause leakage and lead to fuel spray
and fire.
WARNING:
The fuel system may
be under pressure. If you hear a hissing
sound near the fuel filler inlet, do not
refuel until the sound stops. Otherwise,
fuel may spray out, which could cause
serious personal injury.
WARNING:
Fuels can cause serious
injury or death if misused or mishandled.
WARNING:
Gasoline may contain
benzene, which is a cancer-causing
agent.
WARNING:
When refueling always
shut the engine off and never allow
sparks or open flames near the fuel tank
filler valve. Never smoke or use a cell
phone while refueling. Fuel vapor is
extremely hazardous under certain
conditions. Avoid inhaling excess fumes.
WARNING:
Flow of fuel through a
fuel pump nozzle can produce static
electricity. This can cause a fire if you are
filling an ungrounded fuel container.
WARNING:
Stop refueling after the
fuel pump nozzle automatically shuts
off for the second time. Failure to follow
this will fill the expansion space in the
fuel tank and could lead to fuel
overflowing.
Observe the following guidelines when
handling automotive fuel:
•
Extinguish all smoking materials and
any open flames before refueling your
vehicle.
•
Automotive fuels can be harmful or
fatal if swallowed. Fuel such as
gasoline is highly toxic and if
swallowed can cause death or
permanent injury. If swallowed, call a
physician immediately, even if no
symptoms are immediately apparent.
The toxic effects of fuel may not be
visible for hours.
•
Avoid inhaling fuel vapors. Inhaling too
much fuel vapor of any kind can lead
to eye and respiratory tract irritation.
In severe cases, excessive or prolonged
breathing of fuel vapor can cause
serious illness and permanent injury.
•
Avoid getting fuel liquid in your eyes. If
you splash fuel in your eyes, remove
contact lenses (if worn), flush with
water for 15 minutes and seek medical
attention. Failure to seek proper
medical attention could lead to
permanent injury.
•
Fuels can also be harmful if absorbed
through the skin. If you splash fuel on
your skin, clothing or both, promptly
remove contaminated clothing and
wash your skin thoroughly with soap
and water. Repeated or prolonged skin
contact with fuel liquid or vapor causes
skin irritation.
•
Be particularly careful if you are taking
“Antabuse” or other forms of disulfiram
for the treatment of alcoholism.
Breathing gasoline vapors, or skin
contact could cause an adverse
reaction. In sensitive individuals, serious
105
Fuel and Refueling