Re: Willing to bet this has not been asked before...
Originally Posted by Joliet John
Yeah, like not talking on your cell phone (which couldn't ignite gas fumes if you tried to make it work - Mythbusters tried it). Actually, the *most* dangerous thing I see people doing at gas stations, especially now in the winter - they start pumping the gas, get back in their car, get out and finish fueling. Excellent setup for a static spark, which I *have* seen ignite the fumes around the fuel door.
But, for the most part, I recall, as a kid, the full service gas stations where the greasy guy with the lit cigarette hanging out of his mouth would come out and pump your gas. Yet, you never heard of gas stations blowing up back then, did you? You have to wonder why not. Back when things were less safe, it seems less bad things happened somehow.
It's illegal in our area and the pump attendant/cashier will switch off the power to the pump if he sees it and cares a rat's ***. All the pumps that I have seen lately are hands on at the Self Serve stations, so you have to freeze your butt.
Mind you if we do survive any fireball from the lit gas, we Canadians do not have to pay for the hospital. Although the gas company will make you pay for the gas you used and the new gas station.
Last edited by onehundred80; Dec 14, 2010 at 08:35 PM.