Gas Station Smoking Can Lead to Large Fires
However, Fines Are Only 50,000 or 100,000 Won
A woman was caught smoking a cigarette while refueling at a gas station, sparking controversy.
On the 22nd, a video was posted on the YouTube channel 'Geugeos-i Black Box' showing a woman in her early 20s, presumed to be Ms. A, self-refueling while smoking at a gas station in Nam-gu, Gwangju.
In the video, Ms. A operated the fuel pump with a cigarette in her mouth. According to the informant, she lit the cigarette just before refueling.
Then, Ms. A grabbed the fuel nozzle with the hand holding the cigarette. Even when removing the nozzle, she brought the cigarette in her opposite hand close to the fuel gun, creating a dangerous situation.
After finishing refueling, Ms. A continued smoking without leaving the spot.
It is known that the attendant was absent at the time the video was recorded due to the late hour.
Netizens responded with comments such as "How can someone smoke at a gas station?" and "What if sparks cause a fire?"
Smoking at a gas station is extremely dangerous as it can lead to a large fire.
Because of 'fuel vapor,' which are droplets evaporating from the fuel pump, ignition can occur even if the flame does not directly touch the fuel.
Last year, a fire caused by a cigarette butt occurred at a gas station in Jung-gu, Daejeon, damaging a 33㎡ wall and the fuel pump.
However, despite these risks, the penalty regulations are insufficient.
According to the National Health Promotion Act, the fine for smoking in a designated non-smoking area such as a gas station is only 50,000 or 100,000 KRW.
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