nosefirsteverytime
Agree with all your comments as far as petrol goes (i.e. AVGAS) but wide-cut kerosene-based fuels with a much higher flash-point should be that much harder to ignite (except at high ambient temperatures within the confined space of a heated centre wing tank).
There are always high heat souces around a ramp, all the way from tanker and tug engines to GPU's. There is also much RF. The heated components within a cell-phone wouldn't add too much.
this Air Force Safety Center memorandum from a Google cached copy of http://www.aetc.randolph.af.mil/se2/.../torchtalk.htm
“There is a lot of discussion, but very little hard data, on cell phones as potential ignition sources at service stations and other areas where flammable vapors may be present, such as aircraft refueling operations. At this time, cell phone manufacturers don’t test or certify their products for use in flammable atmospheres, so they won’t say they are safe to use while servicing vehicles. In the absence of testing/certification data, we must assume a cell phone is a potential ignition source and not suitable for use where flammable vapors are present.
“Air Force policy for any work around flammable and combustible liquids is that wherever vapors may be present, precautions shall be taken to prevent ignition by eliminating or controlling the sources of ignition. ... (In line with guidance, ‘General Operation and Inspection of Installed Fuel Storage and Dispensing Systems’ will soon incorporate a placard requirement warning operators against using cell phones while refueling at vehicle service stations).
“For aircraft servicing, cell phones should not be used within the distances listed below, unless otherwise specified in the appropriate technical order or guidance for the particular operation.
Within 50 feet of any pressurized aircraft fuel or oxygen service components
Within 25 feet of any aircraft fuel vent outlet during fuel transfer
Within 10 feet of any aircraft fuel vent outlet — unless the cell phone is intrinsically safe
“While most discussion centers on restricting cell phone use during aircraft and vehicle fuel service operations, the restriction also extends to other operations such as using gaseous or liquid oxygen, paint shops, battery charging areas and photo labs, to name a few. All operations, whether Air Force or contractor, where cell phones are used should be carefully examined to determine if any flammable vapors or oxidizers may be present.
“When more conclusive information on cell phones becomes available, we will re-evaluate the need for additional guidance. Until then, unless there is data indicating that cell phones can safely be used around flammable and/or oxidizing materials, they should not be used in those areas.”
More guidance can be found here http://www.exxonmobilaviation.com/Av...gGuide2003.pdf The Exxon Mobil Aviation Fuelling Guide 2003 at page 11 states: "Allow no open fires, lighted cigarettes, matches, mobile phones and other non-intrinsically safe electrical equipment in the vicinity of fuelling operations and storage areas."
We would also refer you to
http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthr...hreadid=145851 &
http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthr...5&pagenumber=1