Normally, gas stations are fitted with an emergency button that could be utilized to immediately shut off the flow of gasoline. This button tends to be situated close to the cash register or close to the entrance to the station.
If something like an emergency comes up, the primary essence of this button is to shut down the flow of gasoline. The emergency shut-off at gas stations can as well be situated close to the pumps or even the side of the building. It is a red lever that is vividly marked and easy to find.
Once the button of this emergency fuel shut-off is tapped, the dispenser becomes jammed and the emergency shutoff valve is activated. When positioned close to the pump, the main function of the shut-off mechanism is to turn off the fuel pump when the gas tank is full. Aside from that, the nozzle becomes locked and the user won’t be able to get the fuel flowing.
Tips to Guarantee Safety in a Gas Station
The potential for accidents and emergencies in a gas station is quite high. These businesses are known to battle with small spills frequently, although large and potentially disastrous spills are much less common. To guarantee the safety of everyone at your store, below are necessary things to note.
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How to Use the Contents of Your Fuel Spill Kit
The importance of preparation cannot be undermined especially when it comes to responding to fuel spills. Gas station owners or managers are always mandated to have a fuel spill kit that contains absorbent, blankets, booms or “pigs,” collection bags, as well as personal protection equipment (PPE) like gloves, goggles, and safety vests.
These kits come in different forms and will feature varying materials. As such, owners and managers must make sure that every employee is very conversant with the kit at the station.
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Location of Emergency Shut Offs
Just as was noted above, gas stations are fitted with an emergency button that could be utilized to immediately shut off the flow of gasoline. This button tends to be situated close to the cash register or close to the entrance to the station. If something like an emergency comes up, the primary essence of this button is to shut down the flow of gasoline.
Your fuel spill training program should teach employees the location of the shut-offs, how to use them, as well as when to use them.
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The Four Cs of Responding to Fuel Spills
Train your workers to follow the “4 Cs” of responding to fuel spills:
- Control
The exact way the flow of fuel is controlled depends on the gravity of the accident or situation. Massive and potentially disastrous incidents will necessitate the use of the emergency shut-off switch. Whereas small ones might require the worker to just shut off the one pump.
- Contain
To be able to do this effectively, you will first have to put on all relevant PPE to ensure you don’t get in contact with fuel. Employees would afterward place cones or tape off the area to make sure that people and vehicles don’t come close to the spill.
A fully loaded spill kit will also help in containing the accident and ensure that the fuel doesn’t get into nearby drains or landscaping.
- Clean up
It will also be necessary for employees to understand how to clean up the spill using the absorbent material from the fuel spill kit. Keep in mind that the kit will include instructions on the duration to leave the absorbent down. Also, ensure that employees fully comprehend what to use to soak up the absorbent and how to do away with it appropriately
- Communicate
This is very necessary in all phases of responding to a fuel spill. Employees must understand your company’s processes for documenting fuel spills, talking with clients, and ensuring that the right persons know.
Conclusion
Gasoline is a vital component of our everyday lives. They are needed to power our vehicles, and most states in the U.S. allow commuters to pump gas themselves. Owing to gasoline’s low flash point and high vapor density, it has been renowned as one of the deadliest fluids in the world today.
However, note that with the appropriate information and oversight, it’s possible to keep both lives and property safe with an effective shut-off mechanism.