SAFETY FEEDBACK

DGEP/SE
NOTICE 19-2002

MOBILE PHONES AND VEHICLES

Introduction
There have been reports circulating that mobile phones have caused fires in
petrol stations. The reports indicate that a mobile phone could be the source of
ignition of the vapors during the refilling of a petrol tank.
But there is also a theory that this type of accident has in fact never happened
and that the reports circulated from person to person via email and the Internet
have no real basis in fact. Perhaps this is a fact of modern life.
The aim of this feedback notice is to highlight this issue but also to make the
point that it is better to be “safe than sorry”. More importantly it is better to
leave your mobile phone in the car and have it mounted on the dashboard
with a hands-free kit. In that way you will prevent any chance of this type of
ignition happening and, more importantly, reduce your fatality risk during
driving.
Tank refilling
During tank refilling (and assuming there is no vapor recovery mechanism) rich
petrol vapors are expelled from the tank. Mixing with air will produce an area of
“ignitable” vapors. If an ignition source is available a flash fire can start. The most
obvious ignition source is smoking but another theory is that a mobile phone
(perhaps in ones trouser pocket) could have enough energy to cause a spark.

Is it a fact or rumor?
However there are various websites which refute the claim that mobile phones
can be the source of ignition. See for example

http://www.snopes.com/autos/hazards/gasvapor.htm

Mobile phones and their use on site

Refer to Safety Feedback Notice 16_2001.

Recommendations
It is recommended that this information is highlighted to all personnel and that
people are encouraged to fit and use hands-free mobile phone sets in their
vehicles.

Many countries are now passing laws in this area and in due course the use of
hand-held mobile phones will be illegal in many countries. In fact some countries
are even banning the use of hands-free mobile phones in moving vehicles.

For further information ( + 33 (0)1 4135 3564 Pete Brown (peter.brown@totalfinaelf.com)

DGEP/SE-FB 19/2002; December 2002 Page 1/1