Is it really dangerous to smoke when I put gas in the mower? my wife thinks so but I feel safe?

Answer 1

Yes, it is dangerous. Maybe you could set up a video camera so she can make some money on one of those stupidest people shows after you blow up. :)

Answer 2

It helps to know some facts. First, the "flash point" (point where fumes are generated [boiling point] is -45°F, so there are always flamable vapors being produced. Second, gasoline has a vapor density of 3 to 4, so it is heavier than air (vapor density = 1), thus the fumes from boling gasoline will sink to the lowest point. Third, the "lower explosive limit" (point where a gasoline-air mixture will burn) is 1.4% gasoline vapors in air. Fourth, the "upper explosive limit" (point where the mixture is too rich to burn) is 7.6% gasoline in air.

The ignition temperature is 495°F.
The temperature at the tip of a burning cigarette is ~400°F
The temperature of the tip of a cigaette when being 'dragged' on is ~700°F

So, you can draw some conclusions. Basicly, it is never "safe" to have a heat source near gasoline vapors, BUT, as you fill the mower, the vapors will fall toward the ground, unless something causes them to move elsewhere, like wind. So, the tip of your cigarette won't be in the vapor cloud. Even if it were, it is not hot enough to ignite the vapors, UNLESS you take a drag!

Fianly, dropping a lighted cigarette, or even a match, into a full container of gasoline has no effect because the "upper flamable limit" is exceeded. Don't try the same trick with a half-full tank, though. That one will go "BOOM".

Answer 3

I think you can not smoke for 2 minutes to gas up the mower. It is not that safe. All it takes is one time.

Answer 4

Man...Is It??? Gasoline fumes have a specific flash point. if the fumes are at their optimum flash point, while you're pouring it in the lawnmower, and you have an ignition source, such as a cigarette, within that flash point, you, the lawn mower, the grass, the garage, or any other flammable in the immediate vicinity are going up!

If the gas fumes lead to the tank, the tank acts like a bomb. the rapidly expanding gas fumes are trapped. you're dead!!

Answer 5

Yeah...if the ash or cigarette fell into the gas tank or anything, the gas would ignite and you would have an explosion. I would recommend waiting until you put the gas container away and put the cap back on the tank. No matter how careful you are, accidents can happen.

Answer 6

This is how Natural Selection works.

This is why the government mandates that the cans be labelled as flammable.

Obviously you have done this before, no doubt many times, and no harm has come to you. But if you keep poking a stick at the sleeping bear, one day you will get bit!

Answer 7

Its interesting. I saw an episode of Myth Busters who put a lit cigarette in a puddle of gas on a concrete floor, and nothing happened. Yet here is a story of a man who was smoking while filling up his car, and it caught fire burning both him and his little brother:
http://www.ktvb.com/news/localnews/stories/ktvbn-feb1807-boy_burned.1253ed88.html
I guess no one can really tell you what to do, so you do as you see fit. If it were me though, I wouldn't do it anymore.

Answer 8

You aren't asking this question seriously are you?

For some strange reason your wife seems to really want to keep you, despite the fact that you are obviously not the sharpest tool in the shed!

Listen to the woman unless you want to turn into a garden torch! Sheesh!

Answer 9

Most people feel safe right up to the explosion. Your feelings don't apply here. Accidents happen, but most can be prevented. You've got a lot to lose- make a tiny sacrifice and keep what's left of your boyish good looks.

Answer 10

Well YES!!!!!!!!

All Men feel safe doing dopey things. Put out your cancer stick
to fill the gas in the lawn mower.

Answer 11

I'm gonna take a different approach here.
Your put your butt down over there.
You fill the tank.
You pick up your butt.
Your wife and the local F.D. love you.
Simple things go a long way.