THE EDITOR, Sir:
THERE HAVE been three cases so far of cellular phones causing fire at gas stations.
Case 1 - Two months ago at a gas station, the car owner put his hand-phone on the bumper and started pumping fuel. The phone rang and the car caught fire from the fumes coming out of the tank.
Case 2 - A man got his face burnt while talking on the phone as he was pumping gas.
Case 3 - A man burnt his pants because the phone was in his pants pocket and rang while he was pumping gas.
Obviously, using a hands-free cellular phone WILL NOT reduce the risk. KEEP THE PHONE IN THE CAR, away from the fumes. Almost all phones will indicate "Missed Calls" & the number. So why take the risk?
Apparently it is the keypad or ringer that produces a small amount of electric spark, enough to ignite the gas fumes. Please take note.
I am, etc.,
ASTON COOKE
Brand Communication
& Public Affairs Manager
The Shell Company
(W.I.) Limited
