When we stop to refuel, we are used to respecting some basic safety rules: Don’t smoke, do not use free flames and turn off the engine. However, there is another action that many do without thinking about it and that, according to the regulations, is absolutely prohibited: Use the mobile phone at the petrol pump. But what is the real risk? Is it just a precautionary ban or is there a real danger of fire or explosion? Let’s find out what regulations, studies and experts say.
Because it is dangerous to use the mobile phone while refueling
Whenever we are in an area with flammable substanceslike service stations, it is essential to adopt responsible behavior. Petrol, diesel and LPG emit highly flammable vapors, and the slightest spark can cause a fire or, in the worst cases, an explosion.
Fuel distributors are designed with advanced safety systems, but The risk is never zero. Modern petrol pumps are equipped with devices for the recovery of flammable vapors, reducing the danger of accidental combustion. However, in the presence of a electrostatic or electric sparkthe danger remains.
But Can a cell phone really cause a spark?
What studies on fire risk
One of the most cited documents in this regard is the study of the Petroleum Equipment Institute (Pei)an American organization that has analyzed various cases of fires that occurred in the service stations. In the 2010after numerous reports of accidents attributed to the use of cell phones, the PEI concluded that There is no certain tests of a direct correlation between the use of the phone and fire pump fires.
However, this does not mean that the risk is completely non -existent. There are other factors which could lead to dangerous situations, including:
- Electrostatic discharges: The movement of the body or clothes can generate static electricity which, in the presence of flammable vapors, could trigger a fire.
- Battery malfunction: if damaged, a lithium battery can overheat or even explode, generating a spark.
- Electromagnetic waves: cell phones emit radio signals which, although very weak, could theoretically influence defective electronic equipment.
The risk may seem minimal, but Security regulations are designed to prevent even the most remote eventuality.
What the legislation says: the ATEX directive and official prohibitions
European regulations ATEX (Atmospères Explosibles) they regulate safety in places at risk of explosion. Two fundamental directives define the guidelines for protection from fires and explosions:
- ATEX 1999/92/EC: establishes the security measures to be adopted in the workplace with explosion risk.
- ATEX 2014/34/EU: defines the characteristics of the equipment that can be used in these areas.
The Service stations are classified as ATEX risk areasin which flammable vapors may be present. Cell phones are not designed to operate in these areasunlike certified devices with brand ATEXlike some industrial radios or instruments.
In many European countries, The use of the mobile phone is strictly prohibited in petrol stations. In France, for example, The signs are clear: the ban is imposed for Avoid any risk of accident linked to electronic equipment. Also in Italy, The regulations of the managers of the service stations expressly prohibit the use of the mobile phone during refueling, precisely to comply with safety regulations.
What happens if you use the mobile phone to the distributor?
In addition to the risks of fire, Using the phone while refueling other problems:
- Distraction: a moment of carelessness can cause Fuel leakagewith consequent risk of fire or environmental damage.
- Electrostatic discharges: Touch the phone and then the dispenser could transfer static electricity, increasing the risk of sparks.
- Possible sanctions: in some countries, the use of the mobile phone in ATEX areas can involve Fines or administrative penalties.
Although There is no certain evidence that the use of the mobile phone can trigger firesthe regulations prohibit this practice for a simple reason: prevent any possible accident. The risk can be low, but A unfortunate combination of events is enough to cause a disaster.
So, next time you refuel, Leave the phone in your pocket: just a few minutes to guarantee your safety and that of others.
