Citation

Ervin RD. HSRI Res. Rev. 1982; 12(6).

Copyright

(Copyright © 1982, University of Michigan Highway Safety Research Institute)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Under certain conditions, No. 2 diesel fuel vapor can explode in a flash fire and injure the person refueling a diesel-powered truck. An HSRI team conducted an experimental study to examine those conditions and review industry practices that can create them. The experiments demonstrated how No. 2 diesel fuel vapor can ignite when the temperature of the fuel is greater than its flash point. Because of wide spread use of fuel additives and fuel heaters, that condition exists quite frequently during midwinter thaws and also during hot midsummer weather. Trucking companies and operators can take some obvious steps to avoid dangerous conditions by exerting closer control over the use of fuel additives and fuel heaters and by explaining the danger of explosives fire from No. 2 diesel fuel to their drivers.