Warning to turn off mobile phones when filling up

VACC, the peak Automotive Industry body in Victoria, is urging motorists to switch off their mobile phones when refueling their vehicle.

Any battery-operated equipment used at a service station may cause a spark which could ignite fuel vapours emitted from the tank when refueling. The risk of a fire starting at a service station as a result of using a mobile phone may be low but, nevertheless, there is a risk.

Static electricity is a common cause of fire and one of the most common generators of static at a service station is movement. Motorists are reminded not to return to the interior of their vehicle during the refuelling process as it is potentially dangerous. Movement also increases the possibility of a mobile phone being dropped, which could create a potentially dangerous spark.

If refuelling cans or containers, motorists should make sure the items are removed from the vehicle or trailer and placed on the ground before pumping.

Service station operators are obliged by law to clearly display signs near the bowser, warning of the risks and health and safety requirements when refuelling. Therefore, the operator of a service station is correct to stop customers doing anything deemed unsafe, such as operating a mobile phone, while filling up their vehicle.

The operator would, in fact, be contravening the Australian Standards and Codes of Practice if they did not shutdown the dispensers when a customer did not comply.

Failure by an operator to enforce the standards would be a failure to fulfil their duty of care to maintain a safe workplace and a safe site for customers.

“We should not forget that a service station is a potentially dangerous place and refuelling is a potentially dangerous activity,” VACC Executive Director David Purchase said. “But some of service station owners are reporting that motorists are either ignoring the on-site warning signs or unaware of the risks. It is an issue taken seriously by mobile phone manufacturers and oil companies, and motorists should take it seriously too.

“Today’s safety standards at service stations are extremely high for a reason. To ensure those safety levels are maintained, motorists are reminded that they should follow service station operating procedures.”