Petronas says, avoid using any battery operated gadgets whilst refueling vehicles

Petronas Health, Safety and Environment Department head Tariq Ashra Sulaiman.

The most effective way to prevent fires or explosions at petrol stations is by steering clear of objects that can generate sparks, according to Petronas Dagangan Berhad's Health, Safety and Environment Department head Tariq Ashra Sulaiman.

He said the more obvious triggers come in the form of lighters, cigarette butts that have not been stubbed out and mobile phones, but also from any battery-operated items like gadgets or children's toys. "Since we can't avoid oxygen which is ever-present in the air and petrol (fumes) while fuelling our vehicles at petrol stations, the best we can do is avoid using gadgets that can generate heat or trigger sparks" he said.