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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