Lord Berkeleyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the advice given by the Health and Safety Executive not to use mobile phones at petrol station forecourts because "they can create a serious distraction for people" is proportionate to the risks involved. [HL4919]
§ Baroness Hollis of HeighamThe main risk on a petrol station forecourt is the spillage of petrol while dispensing it into a vehicle or container. Using a mobile phone while carrying out the activity increases the risk, as this may be a distraction to the motorist. The options available for guidance range from offering no advice on the possible hazards of using a mobile phone through to the complete prohibition of mobile phone use anywhere on the site.
Thus, the joint HSE/local authorities co-ordinators of regulatory services guidance adopts a proportionate approach. It mentions that operating a mobile phone while dispensing petrol into a vehicle or container is a distraction, which increases the risk of petrol spillage. The risk of a spillage may be fairy low, but it is reasonably practicable and sensible to avoid it. The guidance makes it clear that mobile phones can be used on other parts of the site.