Is It Safe to Use Mobile Phones at the Petrol Station?
It is widely believed that mobile phones contain electrical components that post a fire hazard at the petrol bowser. It is believed these components could generate a spark and potentially ignite the fuel when mixed with petrol vapour and air.
Australian scientist, Dr Karl Kruszelnicki, stated that while this is “theoretically possible”, even if the internal electronics of the mobile device failed and created a spark it would likely be too small to start a fire.
The tv show “MythBusters” tested Dr Karl’s theory in a controlled environment twice. They discovered, through these tests, that a mobile phone cannot cause petrol to ignite. The 2004 Australian Transport Safety Bureau report also found that out of the 243 fires at petrol stations they analysed, “not one occurred as a result of a sparking mobile phone”. Most petrol station fires are caused by static electricity, particularly if the person gets back in and out of the car while re-fueling.
Can I Use my Phone at the Petrol Bowser?
In short, no. Even though there is no official law prohibiting drivers from using their mobile phones at the petrol bowser. It is the Fuel companies rule. Owners of petrol stations will enforce their rules by;
Using warning signs prohibiting the use of mobile phones,
Telling customers to not use a mobile phone over the loudspeaker.
Mr McKenzie, CEO of the Australasian Convenience and Petroleum Marketers Association (ACAPMA) made it clear that until a time that regulators deem mobile phone usage safe, the ban on mobile phones at petrol stations will continue.
Tips to Fill up at the Bowser Safely
Queensland Government recently released a fact sheet advising motorists to take the following steps when filling up at the petrol station to avoid the likelihood of static electricity igniting the petrol vapour:
Switch off the engine and make sure handbrake is applied when refuelling.
Do not smoke or use any iginition sources in the refuelling area.
Do not use any foreign materials to lock the petrol pump to the on position when dispersing fuel.
Do not re-enter the vehicle while refuelling. If a driver needs to go inside the vehicle, first touch the metal on the outside part of the car to discharge any static electricity before they can re-touch the fuel nozzle.
In the event of a fire, leave the fuel pump and nozzle and back away from the vehicle. Notify a worker immediately.
Do not overfill the vehicle.
Avoid using high-speed fuel pumps as faster-flowering fuel can develop more static electricity.
Clean up any spilled petrol promptly.
Observe safety signage at service stations.
Although the risk of mobile phones causing a fire is small, petrol stations err on the side of caution.
*Based on article by Drive on 16 February 2024