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 mobile phones.

Ms. Mai Anh (Long Bien, Hanoi ) said that recently, when she went to pump gas, she was very surprised to see that many gas stations accept 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 he still uses it at a gas station with a no-pay sign, is that a violation?

“I am conscious 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 columns 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 the petrol business establishments apply the form of 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 away from the pump or the fuel tank area. Therefore, the arrangement of the payment area by bank transfer or QR code scanning must be far away from the pump 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 staff about safe and dangerous areas in the petrol 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 phone payment methods at gas stations need to be aware of high-risk areas and absolutely do not use phones near gas pumps or while pumping gas.