02e39f42_stem_Risks_of_Alternative_Fuel__Background
[Hazard --Event] Fire -- afterdrive-awayduring fueling [Consequences] Any large fire has the potentialto destroy the vehicle and/orinjure employees. In addition, afueling island fire could put thefleet out of commission bypreventing fueling. [Knowledge] One such fire has occurred inLas Vegas. The number of CNGtransit busdrive-aways to date is probably small,perhaps less than a dozen, so it isdifficult to extrapolate a rate of fireincidence. For typical diesel bus fleets of200-300 buses, drive-aways occur aboutonce a month. [Background] 
Properly designed break away connectors canprevent most large fuel releases. Also, manyCNG vehicles have ignition interlocks thatprevent the vehicle from starting while the fueldoor is open. But these fittings and interlockscannot protect against all drive-awayscenarios. Static electricity may ignite suchfuel releases. This scenario was the cause ofa fire in Las Vegas which destroyed a transitbus.
Clean Air Program -- Assesment of the Safety, Health, Environmental and System Risks of Alternative Fuel
Background