Bhubaneswar, Jan. 15: Cashless transactions may be the future, but it is also fraught with danger at petrol pumps.

The use of point-of-sale (PoS) machines at fuel stations is as much a fire hazard as use of mobile phones.

Even as petrol pump attendants can be seen asking customers to switch off their mobile phones at stations, directives regarding use of PoS machines are not being followed.

"Point-of-sale machines are essentially debit and credit card readers and use general packet radio services (GPRS) and cellular 2G network to connect to the banks. These machines have batteries in them and sometimes are connected for charging right next to the petrol pump machines," said an expert.

The Petroleum and Explosive Safety Organisation (PESO) directive states that use of point-of-sale machines should be avoided while fuelling vehicles at petrol pumps.

A letter (NO R 1(1)/PET Act 2012) dated 19.12.2016 written by the joint chief controller of explosives, PESO, states: "In pursuance of rule 102, 105 and part C of the fourth schedule under Petroleum Rules, 2002, it is certified that there would be no objection to use of point of sales unit/mobile e-wallet beyond the hazardous area around the petroleum dispenser at petroleum retail outlets." The hazardous area mentioned in the letter is at least 50 metres away from a fuel dispenser.

The directive also states that PoS machines should not be used while a vehicle is being refuelled at a petrol pump. It further says that the area where point-of-sale machines are kept and used should be properly marked, as is the case with use of mobile phones. While most petrol pumps here have signages that prohibit use of mobile phones, no such warnings are in place to warn about use of PoS machines.

Utkal Petroleum Dealers' Association general secretary, Sanjay Lath is also a petrol pump owner at Rajmahal Square on Cuttack-Puri road. Lath said: "We have not received directives from the Union petroleum ministry or oil marketing companies regarding use of point-of-sale machines in the city."

Fire and explosives expert Mac Behera, 52, said since every petrol pump has two or three point-of-sale machines, the risk was less than that posed by use of mobile phones and e-wallets. "Nevertheless, it poses a risk," he added.

An Indian Oil Corporation official said a standard operating procedure is being created for using e-wallets and other mobile devices at fuel stations. He added that pump owners would be asked to display the standard operating procedures prominently at their establishments.

Lath, however, said PoS machines were safer than e-wallets. "In case of e-wallets, it is mandatory to use them at least 18 feet away from fuel dispensers. This is to avoid fire in case a person gets a call on his phone and he decides to take it," he added. Lath said petrol pump owners in the city would be asked to be careful while making cashless transactions to avoid any eventuality.

Most residents, however, are not aware of the hazards of e-wallets and PoS machines. "Post-demonetisation, I have been paying for fuel using debit card. I was not aware cashless transactions can pose a threat," said finance executive Sumit Mohanty.