Mobile phones on garage forecourts.

[sigma]

There has never been an incident where a mobile phone has caused a fire. There is no evidence to suggest a mobile phone could start a fire. So, why are mobile phones banned from being used on garage forecourts.

[ummmm]

Just in case.

[daffy654]

Because 'theoretically' they can cause sparks to ignite the fuel fumes. There is also a possibility that the signal from the phone could cause the electronics in the pumps to mess up.

[jake-the-peg]

It came in after the piper alpha fire as I recall as a precautionary measure.

Since then it's rather entered the public psyche.

Petrol companies have nothing to gain by overturning the ban and everything to lose - Imagine if people thought your petrol stations were "unsafe".

Sometimes when people are wrong you just have to smile and go with it

[sara3]

there was quite a scary video clip that did the rounds a few years ago.. a man whose phone went up in a whoosh of flames while he was filling up.

not sure if it was for real or not, but I wouldn't chance it.

[RATTER15]

I understand that sparks from static electricity from a women's clothing is far more likely to ignite fuel fumes from a car than a mobile phone, I actually watched an experiment on TV a few months ago, I admit it wasn't a very scientific experiment, but they put a phone in a sealed room full of petrol vapour and then phoned the mobile, they done everything possible to ignite the fumes through the use of the mobile and failed.

[jake-the-peg]

Don't think I saw it Sara but if it happened the chances are that it was a static spark

That's a much bigger risk at petrol stations.

Really they should provide an earthed plate and encourage everyone to touch it prior to operating a pump

[RATTER15]

I say "Womens Clothing" for a reason, it appears that the material used in women's clothing and the loose fitting garments that women wear are far more likely to be a source of static electricity. "Allegedly"

[RATTER15]

I had to stop wearing "Crocs" as they were such a good insulation, I always got an electric shock on exiting the vehicle, I eventually learned that by holding the car roof or door when exiting discharged the static and prevented this shock, Maybe they should ban all women's clothing and Crocs at fuel station, "just in case"!!

[Mick-Talbot]

Brainiac carried out an experiment they rang a mobile phone that was placed in the caravan which was dowsed in petrol.

[RATTER15]

Mick, thats probably where I saw it, not exactly scientific, like I said.

[Mick-Talbot]

Exciting wasn't it Ratter.

[RATTER15]

Not as exciting as this, its not the fuel you need to be careful of, you never know what goes into a mobile phone!!!!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5Zs0a0TOy4

[Old_Geezer]

IMO an urban legend, and no one has the nerve to admit it and relax the rules.

[RATTER15]

After a recent stay in hospital and after visiting a friend in hospital, you are generally permitted to use a mobile from the bedside in the wards, no problem.

[Mick-Talbot]

I would be more worried about all the hidden masts, if i lived close to a garage..

[RATTER15]

Mick, radio waves aren't going to ignite fuel, the threat from mobiles is more to do with electrical contacts in the phone.

[Mick-Talbot]

I meant from an health perspective Ratter.

[johnk]

They're banned because it's a pain listening to someone yelling down a phone!

[joko]

yes mythbusters, did a test using a caravan...phoned many phones inside...nothing...i think its just a fear inducing theory