Why are mobile phones are not allowed around petrol pumps?

Answer 1

There is supposed to be some kind of electric current that is emmanated from a cell phone when it is in use that could potentially ignite the vapors from gas.

I saw a TV show that actually tested this hypothesis, the Myth Busters. In a controlled experiment, they put an open container in a closed box with a cell phone with a 'live connection'. The phone never did ignite the fuel. I see a lot of people yapping away at the gas station while their pumping gas. I've never heard of anyone actually starting a fire this way. But apparently someone believes this can happen because there are warning signs at all the gas stations to not do this!

Reason 2: Talking on a phone can cause a distraction. He/she who is pumping fuel may spill it either on themselves or on the ground. Since petrol vapours are extremely flammable, the slightest spark (from static electricity from your clothes or from the starting of an engine) can ignite the fuel. This has been proven.

The reason you're not allowed to use a mobile phone in a petrol station is that it might interfere with the electronics that measure the fuel and report to the cash desk. There's a general ban on using electrical equipment while fuelling because of the risk of a spark, but a mobile phone is unlikely to cause one.

Answer 2

because everytime you press a button or use any switch a small spark is generated in the phone. sparks and gasoline fumes can react explosively. this is also why you are not supposed to turn light switches either on or off if you smell a gas leak in the home.

Answer 3

Mobile phones are not allowed around petrol as there is a slight chance of explosion if the petrol fumes are ignited by electrical activty inside the phone such as a call coming in and the screen lighting up. This is a very rare occurence but catastopihc when it has happend.

Answer 4

There have been a few cases where explosions have occurred during fueling of vehicles and cell phone use, specifically the electromagnetic and static charge of the phone may have ignited gas fumes. I find it highly unlikely that a cellphone generated the 400 plus degrees needed to ignite gasoline but a big enough static charge and the spark generated by it, in the right conditions may be enough. It is much easier to believe that the reaction was between the person and the car, with nothing to do with the phone except that the person happened to be using one at the time.

Answer 5

Radio signals reaching the mobile phone have very high frequency waves. These waves have enough energy to cause combustion.

If the phone is in your pocket for example, and the pipe for the petrol pump is rubbing against your pocket, the radio waves are actually travelling THROUGH the pipe to get to the phone, therefore discharging high frequency radio signals into the petrol. This increases the chance of the petrol igniting in the pump and transforming the motorist into a screaming fireball.

If you receive a call, the radio signals intensify even more, increasing the risk of ignition.

In some countries you can be fined or charged in court for endangering public safety if you use a mobile phone at a petrol station.

Answer 6

You have to avoid anything that might create a spark.