The California state fire marshal has ordered about 3,000 gas stations-one-third of all stations in the state-to remove the latches on gas nozzles that allow people to fill up their tanks while keeping their hands free by Oct. 15, the Associated Press reported.
The mandate was put in place after the hold-open latches on at least 13 gas nozzles manufactured by Vapor System Technologies failed, spewing gasoline on people or the ground, State Fire Spokesman Daniel Berlant told the Associated Press. While most of the incidents were minor, one customer was reportedly taken to the hospital after getting gasoline in his eyes and respiratory system.
Vapor System Technologies is reportedly working on a new nozzle.