RESTRICTION ON USE OF MOBILE PHONES AT RETAIL
OUTLETS
Government has decided that the cellular phone
should be switched off at Retail Outlets (Petrol Pumps) as it
represents a potential ignition source to the flammable vapours
which may be present in the atmosphere at Retail Outlets. This
decision has been taken in view of the potential risk of accidents
of fire due to ignition from the batteries of cell phones. Incidentally,
the manufacturers/service providers of cellular phones also advise
the users to keep cell phones in "off mode". While taking this
decision the Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Shri Ram
Naik directed that steps be taken to create awareness amongst
the customers about the need to keep cell phones switched off
while at the Retail Outlets. The Oil Marketing Companies should
arrange distribution of suitable pamphlets in this regard to each
and every vehicle coming in for re-fuelling at the Retail Outlets.
This exercise may continue for about a period of 30 days. The
Oil Companies have also been advised to orient their staff appropriately
and put up the signage urging switching off of the cellular phones
at the RO sites.
On learning about the potential hazards of use
of cell phones at the retail outlets Shri Ram Naik had directed
that the issue should be examined scientifically. He advised that
the matter may be referred for expert opinion to Oil Industry
Safety Directorate (OISD) and the views of Oil Companies should
also be sought. The Safety Directorate, after examining the issue
has opined that the mobile phones should be switched off at retail
outlets, CNG & LPG Refuelling stations. For this purpose it
has advised that suitable "caution notice" may be displayed at
ROs. OISD has further recommended that use of mobile phones should
not be permitted at Oil Installations such as POL Terminals, LPG
Plants, Aviation Fuelling Stations, Gas Processing Plants, etc.
This safety measure is already being implemented by the Oil Refineries.
OISD has pointed out that Mobile Phone manufacturers like Nokia,
Motorola, Panasonic, Multi National Oil Companies like Shell,
Aviation Wing of BP Amoco and Cellular Phone Service Providers
– Airtel, have all recommended switching off mobile phones at
fuel stations. The Oil Marketing PSUs also suggested restrictions
on use of cell phones at ROs.
