Most gas stations have regulations prohibiting the use of mobile phones in the gas station area due to the potential risk of fire and explosion. This is clearly stipulated in Decree No. 144/2021/ND-CP of the Government on administrative sanctions for the use of phones at gas stations. The regulation clearly states that violators will be administratively fined from 100,000 to 300,000 VND.

However, nowadays, using phones to pay at gas stations is becoming more and more popular and also makes many people feel concerned.

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Gas stations all have signs prohibiting the use of cell phones.

Ms. Mai Anh (Long Bien, Hanoi ) said that recently, when she went to pump gas, she was very surprised when many gas stations accepted money transfers right at the pump area while most gas stations have regulations prohibiting the use of mobile phones. Ms. Mai Anh wondered, is using a phone here safe from fire and explosion?

Sharing the same thought, Mr. Huy Quang (Thach That, Hanoi) also said that paying by mobile phone will be convenient for many people, but if there is a no-payment sign at the gas station but he still uses it, is that a violation?

“I am aware of not using my phone at the gas station, so I always have cash ready. But now, every time I go to fill up with gas, I feel nervous because many people around me pay by phone. I find it very confusing when there is a regulation prohibiting it, but the reality is completely different,” Quang said.

Regarding this issue, a representative of the Vietnam Fire Prevention and Fighting and Rescue Association said that according to QCVN 01:2020-BCT on fire and explosion prevention, two main dangerous areas are clearly defined in the gas station area: Pump stations and fuel tank areas. This is an area where a lot of fuel is stored, with a high density of charged ions due to fuel evaporation. When these charged ions encounter phone waves, they can cause fires and explosions with very serious consequences. Therefore, mobile phones are prohibited in these areas.

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The representative of the Vietnam Fire Prevention and Rescue Association also said that in case petroleum businesses apply payment by bank transfer or QR code scanning, it is necessary to clearly define the safe area and the risk area. The risk area must be far from the pump station or the fuel tank area. Therefore, the arrangement of the payment area by bank transfer or QR code scanning must be far from the pump station and the tank.

The representative of the Fire Prevention and Rescue Association recommended that petrol businesses need to do a good job of propaganda and training for store employees about safe and dangerous areas in the gas station area, from which they can provide specific instructions to customers.

The representative of the Vietnam Fire Prevention and Rescue Association also warned that people using the phone payment method at gas stations need to be aware of high-risk areas and absolutely do not use the phone near the pump or while pumping gas.