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March 2025: Breaking news from the IARC:
"Automotive gasoline causes cancer of the urinary bladder and acute myeloid leukaemia in adults." The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) have reassessed the carcinogenic affects on humans of automotive gasoline/petroleum - a complex mixture of volatile hydrocarbons. The first IARC assessment of the carcinogenicity of automotive gasoline in humans was in 1988, pre-dating modern research. The IARC recommended, as a high priority, their reassessment of automotive gasoline to take account of more recent peer-reviewed studies and research, and account for the modern formulas of automotive gasolines. The IARC Working Group of 20 international experts published the results of their analysis (IARC monograph 138 - published 21st March 2025) which upgrades the carcinogenicity of the complex mixture 'automotive gasoline' from Group 2b to Group-1 (the highest group) concluding exposure to automotive gasoline itself causes cancers in humans... "The Working Group evaluated automotive gasoline as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1) on the basis of sufficient evidence for cancer in humans and the combination of sufficient evidence for cancer in experimental animals and strong mechanistic evidence in exposed humans. Automotive gasoline causes cancer of the urinary bladder and acute myeloid leukaemia in adults." Web link: https://monographs.iarc.who.int/news-events/volume-138-automotive-gasoline-and-some-oxygenated-gasoline-additives/ Crucially, this analysis determines automotive gasoline/petrol fuels are not just a cause of blood/bone cancer types (as previously considered), but now also a cause of muscle cancer types - opening new investigations into new exposure pathways linking automotive gasoline to human cancers. |
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This IARC announcement comes on the back of the EU-Council amending the EU-CLP Regulation in December 2024 to update the formatting and application of CLP hazard labels (with specific requirements for labelling fuel pumps).
It reaffirms the vital importance of displaying CLP Regulation hazard labels (for EU/GB) on the fuel pumps [for the USA, these are FHSA-compliant hazard labels], and providing PPE regulation-compliant anti-static PPE at every fuelling point - to correctly warn, inform, instruct and protect both the fuel consumers and employees working at fuel stations. The transition period for the EU (and Northern Ireland) to implement the new formatting of labels is June 2026. See below for further details. |
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Classification, Labelling & Packaging (CLP) Regulation
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December 2024
EU-Commission - EU Classification Labelling & Packaging (CLP) Regulation - 2024 update to hazard labelling 20th November 2024 - published in the EU Official Journal 10th December 2024 - enters into force |
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While the labels for hazardous chemicals must already be compliant to both the GB CLP and EU CLP (since 1st June 2017 for hazardous mixtures already on the market), Annex-II (Special rules for labelling and packaging of certain substances and mixtures) of the EU CLP 2024 update includes additional context for fuel stations:
- "For a substance or a mixture supplied at a filling station and directly pumped into a receptacle that forms an integral part of a vehicle and from where the substance or mixture is normally not intended to be removed, the label elements referred to in Article 17 shall be provided on a visible place on the respective pump."
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Why the 2024 update to the EU CLP?
The EU-Commission recognised "insufficient protection and suboptimal communication to consumers of hazardous products." Fuel station operators: Please contact our experts directly to learn about the display options available. CLP labels can be shown to consumers within your existing nozzle display units (i.e. most units available are big enough to display the content required by CLP Article 17).
However, if your CLP labels are missing or so far overlooked, they are quick to implement. While CLP labels can be shown in any nozzle display unit, GripHero's CLP (Article 17) Hazard Labels enable quick, easy and inexpensive compliance to both the GB CLP and EU CLP requirements.
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Would you like to learn more about the hazard labelling requirements
for handling hazardous chemicals in hazardous atmospheres?
Please read on...
for handling hazardous chemicals in hazardous atmospheres?
Please read on...
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#Health #Safety #PreventionIsBetterThanCure
Consumer and worker safety when refuelling is easy to get right,
but what can happen if it's done wrong?
but what can happen if it's done wrong?
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May 2024:
Exxon is hit with $725 million verdict over carcinogen in gasoline https://www.reuters.com/legal/exxon-hit-with-7255-million-verdict-over-mechanics-leukemia-diagnosis-2024-05-10/ "Following the trial that lasted just over a week, the jury found Exxon liable for negligently failing to warn about the health risks of benzene, which the U.S. Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) has classified as a known carcinogen. The entire verdict was in compensatory damages, according to Gill's attorneys." "This verdict is important because it’s a finding that their gasoline causes cancer," said Patrick Wigle, an attorney for Gill, in a statement. "ExxonMobil has known for decades that benzene causes cancer, yet they resisted warning the public and taking basic precautions to warn the public and limit exposure." September 2024: Judge rejects Exxon's challenge to $725 million benzene verdict, adding $91m in delay damages https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/east/2024/09/16/793075.htm The Court denied all of ExxonMobil's post-trial motions and added over $90 million in delay damages, to bring the total award to just under $816 Million. "The denial of the post-trial motions reinforces the jury's determination that ExxonMobil must be held responsible for causing Mr. Gill's injuries," said Andrew DuPont, a partner with Locks Law Firm. "It's important that we continue to fight to bring to light the cancer hazard of exposure to benzene in gasoline". |
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Fuel pump handles are toxic and carcinogenic.
Here are two aspects of the contamination found on fuel pump nozzle handles that offer some fuel for thought:
Here are two aspects of the contamination found on fuel pump nozzle handles that offer some fuel for thought:
1) Chemical contamination
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Benzene makes up to 1% of petrol (known as gasoline in the US, Benzina in Italy).
Benzene is a well-established cause of cancer in humans. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified benzene a Category-1 carcinogen to humans (the highest group). The International Programme on Chemical Safety states benzene is absorbed into the body by inhalation, through the skin and by ingestion. It recommends the use of ventilation and hand-protection as preventative measures. There is no safe dose limit. Furthermore, in 2025, the IARC (Working Group Monograph 138) has reclassified the complex mixture that is 'automotive gasoline' (petroleum) fuels, jumping two categories from Group-2b to Group-1 (the highest group) based on more recent/modern studies and to account for the modern formulas of fuels, stating: "Automotive gasoline causes cancer of the urinary bladder and acute myeloid leukaemia in adults." Every day, in the UK alone, over 2.5 million consumers are invited onto the petrol station premises to handle extremely flammable, Category-1 human carcinogenic/mutagenic substances; some without clear, highly visible and regulation-compliant hazard signage, labelling and safety-gloves always available at the exact point of contact. |
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In addition to consumers, over 50,000 employees help operate the UK's fuel stations.
Where there is potential consumer or employee exposure to chemicals classified as hazardous, the Consumer Safety and Worker Protection Laws are very detailed and specific, but often overlooked. For example, Petrol/Gasoline contains four Category-1 hazards, officially termed and coded as follows:
Hazard Labelling Regulations In United Nations countries, there are specific laws to warn, inform, instruct and protect both consumers and workers in universally standardised and specific ways. For the labelling of hazardous chemicals in Europe and GB, these laws are the EU CLP and GB CLP Regulations respectively [in the USA, this is regulated by the Federal Hazardous Substances Act (FHSA)]. You will have already seen these CLP hazard labels displayed prominently in the correct location on all substances and mixtures classified as hazardous. These labels must contain the CLP-compliant signal words, hazard pictograms, precautionary statements and other obligatory details. As a minimum, the labels must contain the elements listed for each chemical in the EU 'Harmonised Classification' index, or GB 'Mandatory Classification and Labelling (MCL) index. |
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For petrol (gasoline) and diesel fuels, these are indexed as follows:
and:
As stated within the introductory text on the HSE's MCL website:
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When did the CLP Regulation originally come into force?
The CLP became law in both the EU and GB from 1st June 2015 for hazardous substances, and from 1st June 2017 for hazardous mixtures.
While the UK was part of the EU, the UK Parliament made the CLP law with the 2015 Statutory Instrument 2015 #21. At this point Parliament also produced an 'Explanatory Memorandum', stating within this legislative context:
Key articles relevant to fuel labels within the original CLP (applicable to both EU and GB laws)
Article 17 - General rules for content of the label...
Refers to content/size/formatting of label elements (specific hazard pictograms, signal words, hazard/precautionary statements/codes etc).
The CLP became law in both the EU and GB from 1st June 2015 for hazardous substances, and from 1st June 2017 for hazardous mixtures.
While the UK was part of the EU, the UK Parliament made the CLP law with the 2015 Statutory Instrument 2015 #21. At this point Parliament also produced an 'Explanatory Memorandum', stating within this legislative context:
- "The CLP Regulation implements in the EU the United Nations Globally Harmonised System on the classification and labelling of chemicals and is primarily about ensuring free trade as it introduces a classification system that is recognised internationally and thus removes barriers to trade that currently exist due to the different systems being used worldwide. Chemicals are classified and labelled so that those using them have information about their hazardous effects to enable them to take suitable precautions to protect both people and the environment."
Key articles relevant to fuel labels within the original CLP (applicable to both EU and GB laws)
Article 17 - General rules for content of the label...
Refers to content/size/formatting of label elements (specific hazard pictograms, signal words, hazard/precautionary statements/codes etc).
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Article 25 - supplemental information on the label...
Ensures supplemental information:
Article 31 - General rules for application of the label... Location/placement of labels; referring to label elements required by Article 17 and specific formatting detailed in Annex-I (1.2.1). Article 48 - Advertisement... "Any advertisement for a mixture classified as hazardous", "shall mention the type or types of hazard indicated on the label." Annex-I (1.2.1) - General rules for the application of labels required by Article 31... Contains specific label formatting details. |
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Question for fuel retailers / distributors / end users:
Are the CLP labels for your fuels currently missing, overlooked, or are adverts/promotions being displayed in the place of than the statutory CLP hazard labels? Contact us to learn how we can quickly fix this to protect you, your staff and your customers.
Are the CLP labels for your fuels currently missing, overlooked, or are adverts/promotions being displayed in the place of than the statutory CLP hazard labels? Contact us to learn how we can quickly fix this to protect you, your staff and your customers.
2) Biological contamination
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Kimberley Clark Professional carried out research in 2011 into the most unhygienic surfaces we touch. Travel Company Busbud carried out a similar study in 2016.
Right at the top of the list is the fuel pump handle (along with the fuel pump ATM-style buttons used to select fuel and pay at the pump) with over 70% of handles carrying the germs which pose a high risk of developing a serious illness. Fuel pump handles are shown to be 11,000 times more contaminated with bacteria and viruses than a toilet seat! These germs aren't the friendly ones either - 50% are termed 'Gram-Positive Cocci' which threaten skin conditions, toxic shock, and even illnesses becoming resistant to antibiotics, such as pneumonia (a notifiable disease). Even Electric Vehicle (EV) charger handles are shown to be highly contaminated. However, in addition to being contaminated with the similar types of harmful bacteria and viruses as fuel nozzles, EV charger handles are also contaminated with yeast and fungal organisms (think warts and verrucas!). For this level of risk to health, prevention is far better than attempting to cure. Forecourt hand-protection should be immediately to hand and unmissable. You will never look at a fuel pump handle or EV charger handle in the same way again. |
Empty safety-glove dispensers and non-compliant hazard signage and labelling leaves petrol stations non-compliant to sell fuels to consumers, and open and vulnerable to litigation and insurance complications.
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For example:
In the UK, key consumer safety law references include the detail within fuel Safety Data Sheets, Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (CoSHH) Regulations, GB CLP Regulations, Consumer Protection Act, General Product Safety Regulations, The PPE Regulation, Health & Safety at Work Act and the Occupier's Liability Act. In Northern Ireland, the key Consumer Safety Law references used include fuel Safety Data Sheets, CoSHH Regulations, EU CLP Regulations, The PPE Regulation, and the Health & Safety at Work Order. In the Republic of Ireland, key Consumer Safety Law references used include fuel Safety Data Sheets, Statutory Instrument #122 of 2024 (Carcinogens, Mutagens and Reprotoxic Substances Regulations 2024), EU CLP Regulations, The PPE Regulation, HSA Explosive Atmospheres at Places of Work, and the Safety Health and Welfare at Work Act. In the USA, the key Consumer Safety Law referencing the handling of fuels is the Federal Hazardous Substances Act (part of the Consumer Product Safety Commission). In particular, with reference to Part 1500.14 - Products requiring special labelling under 3(b) or the act, and Part 1500.127 - Substances with multiple hazards. |
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Did you also know...
Whether settled or not, a Personal Injury Claim against a forecourt can have an immediate and significant effect on the public liability insurance renewal premium, excesses and claims reserves. Furthermore, the associated costs and stress on staff of trying to settle a Personal Injury Claim can be huge, for something that initially seems as insignificant as providing regulation-compliant hazard signage and safety-gloves for consumers. However, as has already been shown, a low prioritisation of consumer safety and empty safety-glove dispensers, leaves forecourts vulnerable to a claim from one of the 2-million consumers (in the UK alone), that refuel every single day. |
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A consumer suffering harm/fuel contamination/exposure at the pumps, and simply documenting empty safety-glove dispensers and non-compliant hazard labels, has all the evidence needed for submitting a no-win-no-fee Personal Injury Claim.
Therefore, regulation-compliant labels and consumer Safety-Gloves should be high on the priority list of daily forecourt operations. However, many fuel operators have both shown and told us that these two consumer safety aspects have historically been at the bottom of their operational priorities. Interestingly, we have also been shown why this low prioritisation to consumer safety on fuel stations has historically been the case. Let's see why... Many fuel operators rely on assessments and inspections against the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR). However, DSEAR specifically excludes these two elements of consumer safety, as stated in DSEAR Section 4, Paragraphs 1(a) and (b). Here, duties including PPE, information and instruction "shall not extend to persons who are not his employees". The duties for the provision of PPE, information and instruction to consumers is actually governed by the CoSHH, CLP and PPE Regulations, the Consumer Protection Act, and the General Product Safety Regulations. However, fuel stations, despite being hazardous environments selling hazardous chemicals, do not traditionally have assessments and inspections against these regulations. |
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Aside from labelling and PPE regulation compliance, remember, when a consumer handles your fuel dispensing equipment to refuel, this is their first and most important interaction with the forecourt, setting the tone for their customer journey and experience.
With GripHero's regulation-compliant hazard signage, labelling and 'always-available', ATEX-Certified, anti-static ATEX Safety-Gloves protecting consumers in ATEX Zone-1 (the Fuelling Zone), GripHero makes it very quick, easy and inexpensive to:
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Did you know...?
Facemasks DON'T work against respiratory viruses... but hand hygiene does !! 2023 Cochrane Study TITLE: Physical interventions to interrupt or reduce the spread of respiratory viruses BACKGROUND: The well renowned Cochrane Research Body recently published a wide-reaching study - looking at 78 Randomised Control Trials (RCT's) from across the globe, involving over 600,000 participants. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of various physical interventions (such as facemasks and hand hygiene) to interrupt or reduce the spread of acute respiratory viruses, such as Influenzas and Coronaviruses (those viruses seen as likely to trigger the 'next' pandemic). CONCLUSION:
SUMMARY: This study shows that, in terms of reducing risk of contracting Acute Respiratory Illnesses (ARI)...
In essence, if you are looking to prepare for the next pandemic or epidemic (whether an 'airborne' or 'contact' pathogen), gloves to prevent surface contact transmission is the key; facemasks do almost nothing. |
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Would you hold someone else's nozzle?
Remember:
Instead, prevention of contact in the first place is easy, inexpensive, and doesn't have to impact the environment. See the GripHero Product Range. Multi-award-winning and best-practice protection for your customer's safety at the point of contact is available. We are ready to help you do "everything you can for the health, safety and well being of your customers and staff". |
What about COVID on the fuel nozzles?
In the UK, an average fuel nozzle can be handled by over 200 people each week, each gripping it firmly and solidly for up to 3 minutes.
While GripHero has protected motorists long before COVID-19, in 2020, research highlighted the first and least transmissible strain of COVID-19 statistically contaminates at least 1 fuel nozzle handle on every gas station and forecourt, contaminating the the hands of over 50,000 UK drivers, every day.
Are your forecourts doing all they can to prevent customers and staff spreading and contracting virus and disease on your fuel stations?
An important question asked is what was the point of lockdowns, social distancing, face-masks and washing hands, if every time we refuel we give a long hard hand shake to a nozzle contaminated by over 200 people who haven’t washed their hands?
Disease mitigation measures are completely undermined by this one simple everyday act.
Unlike the quick press of an ATM button with a fingertip, or the quick levering of a toilet door handle with the end of a finger - you grip a fuel nozzle handle firmly and tightly for several minutes with the entire surface of your hands and fingers.
GripHero's multi-award-winning hand-protection offers drivers protection at the exact and first point of contact with the customer - best practice for your disease prevention and control strategies.
In the UK, an average fuel nozzle can be handled by over 200 people each week, each gripping it firmly and solidly for up to 3 minutes.
While GripHero has protected motorists long before COVID-19, in 2020, research highlighted the first and least transmissible strain of COVID-19 statistically contaminates at least 1 fuel nozzle handle on every gas station and forecourt, contaminating the the hands of over 50,000 UK drivers, every day.
Are your forecourts doing all they can to prevent customers and staff spreading and contracting virus and disease on your fuel stations?
An important question asked is what was the point of lockdowns, social distancing, face-masks and washing hands, if every time we refuel we give a long hard hand shake to a nozzle contaminated by over 200 people who haven’t washed their hands?
Disease mitigation measures are completely undermined by this one simple everyday act.
Unlike the quick press of an ATM button with a fingertip, or the quick levering of a toilet door handle with the end of a finger - you grip a fuel nozzle handle firmly and tightly for several minutes with the entire surface of your hands and fingers.
GripHero's multi-award-winning hand-protection offers drivers protection at the exact and first point of contact with the customer - best practice for your disease prevention and control strategies.
The post-pandemic world demands new standards in hand-hygiene, and has created new expectations from your customers and staff.
A safe pair of hands
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With the intellectual property boxes internationally ticked and insured, we are excited to see GripHero adding huge health, safety and environmental benefits around the world.
GripHero is revolutionising forecourt hand-protection with the most effortless, easy-to-use and convenient way possible for protecting drivers and keeping hands clean at the pumps - dispensing a more efficient and eco-friendly hand-protection option directly from the point of fuel delivery. |
