When my work colleague started filling up at petrol station, the assistant saw me on the mobile in the car.?

Question

He switched off the pumps. Surely there was no risk of fuel ignition?

Answer 1

Most gas stations (around here at least) have warning signs saying that cell phones can cause sparks or increase the risk of starting a fire. Cell phone companies have stated it as a risk as well though I think the chances are rather low.

From the link listed below:

Manufacturers have said there is a risk

It's always tempting to dismiss "pass it on" rumors as bunk, but the fact is that mobile phone manufacturers have warned consumers in the past against using the devices near gas pumps. This is an excerpt from a Motorola brochure for the Satellite Series 9500 Portable Telephone:

[T]his telephone has not been designed or approved for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. Areas with a potentially explosive atmosphere are often, not always, clearly marked.

Potentially explosive atmospheres include:
Fueling areas such as gasoline stations
Below deck on boats
Fuel or chemical transfer or storage facilities
Vehicles using liquefied petroleum gas such as propane
Areas where the air contains chemicals or particles such as grain dust or metal powders and
Any other area where you would normally be advised to turn off your engine.

Sparks in such area would cause an explosion or fire resulting in bodily injury or even death.

Answer 2

Whether there was a real risk of ignition or not, there were almost certainly signs displayed all around you telling you not to use your cell phone. Or are you so much more important than everybody else that the "rules" don't apply to you? I can only hope you apologized to the assistant. Working at a petrol station sucks enough without having to deal with people who cannot/will not read simple instructions.

Answer 3

It is believed that mobile phone causes electronic interference to fuel pumps, since these modern days almost everything has adopted to electronics. These interference they say can cause somethingh on the pump to spark and or eventually ignite, surely they are being cautious. Mobiles are also asked to be turned off while boarding on or in the aircraft. It must be the same reason.

Answer 4

Yes there is...It can cause a spark

Answer 5

not a chance. another example of technoparanoia.