DCHAS-L Discussion List Archive
Date: Tue, 2 Sep 2008 13:58:42 -0400
Reply-To: ILPI <info**At_Symbol_Here**ILPI.COM>
Sender: DCHAS-L Discussion List <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU>
From: ILPI <info**At_Symbol_Here**ILPI.COM>
Subject: Anyone familiar with gas station pump hazards?
I had a phone call from someone who was injured at a self-service gas
pump in rural Georgia. Apparently, the pumps run at up to 150 PSI
and, in the type of pumps that dispense from the top of the pump, the
hose can undergo what the industry describes as a "nuisance
uncoupling". The end of the hose attached to the pump flew off and
hit her on the head. She was sprayed with gas, and suffered ongoing
medical issues from the impact with her left eye. She is convinced
that if she hadn't turned her head to one side when this happened
that she would have been struck on the temple and died.
She indicated that this sort of defect is a known issue in the
industry, but that they have done nothing to address it or make the
public aware of the hazard. She's apparently done a lot of leg work
on her legal case, but her attorney jumped ship when the oil company
and station company sent big legal guns her way. She has refused
two settlement offers as she wants to get the word out about this
danger, have it acknowledged/fixed etc. etc. She has found that
federal agencies pass the buck - the CPSC says the pump isn't a
consumer product, the EPA doesn't regulate it, OSHA doesn't cover it
as it wasn't workplace-related etc. etc.
She's searching for anyone with information/experience with these
kinds of accidents (which are apparently fairly routine and a known,
but undisclosed, hazard). In addition, she wants to know if there
are any federal pump labeling laws or other regulations that apply to
gas station pumps. She has a court appearance in Federal Court
tomorrow, September 3rd.
If anyone on the list has experience or interest in this arena,
please contact me off list and I will provide her contact info. My
understanding is that her medical bills have led her to file for
bankruptcy, so any expert consulting fee would depend on her
winning/settling her case.
Best regards,
Dr. Rob Toreki
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