This isn't a theoretical concern: there are numerous documented cases, even multiple instances with footage on <popular video sharing website>, so a notion of "this can't happen" argued from first principles isn't just moot, it is potentially harmful.
The proper safety advice is that if you've been moving around, ground yourself by contact with some other earthbound metal before approaching the nozzle.
i never said it cannot happen. the fact that there are a few videos of this happening somewhere doesnt refute my point that the probability is still nearly zero; if this was not the case, people would not be allowed to fill their own tanks due to the enormous liability.
i'm certain more fires happen from people plugging in frayed cables into 120vac outlets without first checking the whole length of the cable, but i would not tell everyone to perform this thorough investigation before plugging in every device.
I didn’t take away anything probabilistic from your earlier remark, so I’ll take this followup as an amendment.
Actually, though, I do recommend that you inspect mains power cabling & connectors prior to installation and on a regular basis subsequently. Having received a mains shock from improperly installed amplification equipment it is not something I’d wish on anybody, and it is completely preventable.
As for people not being permitted to latch the fuel trigger, a quick read through the comments here and passim reveals that many jurisdictions do have significant restrictions on self service as part of the operating license for retail fuel outlets, including removing the trigger latch pin, or mandatory pump shut-off if folks are observed using a mobile phone, having a smoke etc. That last one is astounding but some people are just fucking stupid, who knew?
In general I try to avoid circumstances that have even a low probably of ending in self-immolation, electrocution etc and will happily follow (and recommend) basic and simple protocols to reduce that likelihood further.
But then, I’m one of those crazies that looks both ways before crossing the road, wears a bike helmet, gets a professional to pack his reserve etc. This year I even learned to wash my hands.
> But then, I’m one of those crazies that looks both ways before crossing the road, wears a bike helmet, gets a professional to pack his reserve etc. This year I even learned to wash my hands.
all the things listed here are actually a few orders of magnitude more reasonable, statistically speaking.
The proper safety advice is that if you've been moving around, ground yourself by contact with some other earthbound metal before approaching the nozzle.