MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR -- All gas stations aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar will soon 'officially' be affected by a new policy restricting the use of cell phones while pumping gas.

A recent study conducted by the Petroleum Equipment Institute found that radio frequency energy emitted by cell phones could create a sparking effect on metal materials, resulting in a fire.

"So far we haven't experienced any incidents of this kind at our base gas stations," said
Major Edmond P. Zaide, base safety officer, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. "However, it is priority to make sure all base personnel are aware of the inherent dangers that exist."

Currently there are signs posted prohibiting the use of cell phones at all gas pumps aboard the station.

The institute reported that nearly all cases regarding these types of fires involved an individual engaged in a cellular phone conversation who returned to the inside of their vehicle briefly. After the gas finished pumping, the individual went back to the outside of car, removed the gas nozzle, which caused a static discharge, finally resulting in a fire to the vehicle.

The institute's research also uncovered that the static discharge connects with the vapors emitted by the gas, which is mainly responsible for causing these types of fires.

"We really want to be proactive about safety issues," Zaide said. "Even though the order has not officially been written yet, we have taken the immediate initiative to protect base personnel from any dangers that exist."
In most cases, the fires caused significant damages to the vehicle, gas station and injury to the customer.

The institute advises individuals not to get back into their vehicle while the gas is
pumping. But, if it is absolutely necessary, the individual should make certain that, prior to returning to the gas pump, they close the car door by touching metal. Doing so, will neutralize the static discharge and reduce the possibility of fires.

A new order will be passed to the Traffic Safety Program Statistic Order 5100.2 regarding this matter in the near future.

"Right now we are mainly concerned with getting the word out," Zaide explained. "We'd like to prevent any of these incidents from happening whether on or off-base."

If you would like more information regarding this matter, please contact Base Safety at
267-1361 or www.pei.org .