Why Turn Off Cell Phones at a Gas Pump?

How it Works

Gasoline stations are trying to avoid static electricity when gas is pumped into vehicles. This is why many gasoline corporations recommend that you touch your vehicle or something else metal before placing your hand on the metal portion of the gas pump, potentially setting off a static electricity shock that could ignite the gasoline in the nozzle. The same methodology applies to turning off cell phones. When a cell phone receives an incoming call, it comes to life, lighting up, ringing and activating its screen. These mechanisms can send a small electrical charge into the air, which could potentially ignite the gasoline. However, this is extremely rare.

Other Factors

Gas fumes, along with an open gas line when the gas is being pumped, are responsible for the potential fire that can result from an outside electrical charge. The risk of fire can be reduced, however, if a cell phone is turned off, if the pumper touches a metal object other than the gas pump to dispel any electrical shock and if wind is present. Wind can disperse the gas fumes that typically emanate throughout a gas station, which reduces the likelihood of an explosion or fire due to electrical charges.

Shell Warning

A warning letter circulated on the Internet that was purportedly released by Shell Gasoline. The letter mentioned three incidents in which individuals started fires by keeping their cell phones on while they pumped gas. Though the letter doesn't appear on Shell's website, it has been posted by numerous other outlets trying to disperse the warning. The warning notes that a cell phone placed on the trunk of a re-fueling car rang, causing a fire that destroyed the car and gasoline pump. It also notes that an unnamed individual's face was burned when he answered his cell phone while re-fueling his car, igniting a fire. The third instance notes that another unnamed individual suffered burns on his thighs and groin when his cell phone rang in his pocket while re-fueling his car.

Resources

• From Shell Oil: Don't allow cell phones in operating areas