In the UK, an average fuel nozzle can be handled by over 200 people each week, each gripping it solidly for up to 3 minutes.

So if you fill up weekly, it’s like giving a long hand shake to 200 people who haven’t washed their hands.

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:

1) Biological contamination

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).

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 the same way again.

2) Chemical contamination

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 has classified benzene a Group 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.

Within industrial practices, the UK Health and Safety Executive mandate that any use of benzene is subject to the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations. And yet, the public are permitted to grip a handle for several minutes contaminated with petrol residue, and therefore potentially a small amount of benzene.

How can GripHero help?