Fuel Dispensing Stations – Checklist

 

Definition:

Any premise where flammable or combustible liquids are dispensed from fixed equipment into the fuel tanks of motor vehicles, watercraft or floatplanes.

 Above Ground Tanks

  • The BC Fire Code limits the maximum size of a tank to 50,000 L and a total capacity 150,000 L
  • Physical protection from collision – concrete island 100 mm high or posts and guardrails etc.
  • Prevention of unauthorized access
  • Measures must be taken to contain spills
  • Installed on the ground or foundation of concrete masonry or steel – if subject to flooding be strapped

Location

Outside buildings

  • 3 m from property line – 3 m from propane dispenser – 1.5 m from gas dispenser
  • 6 m from ignition source – 3m from building openings  – 6 m from propane tank

Underground Tanks

  • Venting 3.5 m above ground – 1.5 m from bldg. openings – 7.5 m from dispenser                         
  • Tanks that are taken out of service must comply with Part 4 of the BC Fire Code

Emergency Shut-off Device

Must be clearly identified, readily accessible and shielded from any fire

Portable Extinguishers –

Areas that handle flammable or combustible liquids are classified as extra hazard locations and require a minimum of two 10BC rated portable fire extinguishers to be located within a travel distance of 9 metres. 

Delivery Hose                                                                                               

  • Hose length restricted to 4.5 m
  • Nozzles must be the automatic closing type.

No Smoking Signs required 200mm 25 mm high letters

Fire Safety Plan

The BC Fire Code requires a Fire Safety Plan which includes instructions to staff on how to deal with emergencies and measures to deal with spills.

Supervision

  • At least one attendant must be on site while open for business
  • The duties of attendant must be understood by all employees and be posted               

Spill Protection

  • The site must be graded to control spills
  • Absorbent material must be readily available

Inventory Control for Underground Storage Tanks

Leak Detection Tools

  •  Paste for finding water – monthly
  • Gauge stick – 1/8 inch increments not cut off or worn off at the “0” end
  • Forms to record Daily & Monthly leak detection

Measurements

  • Measure the tank every day that fuel is added or removed using a gauge stick or a mechanical or electronic tank level monitor.
    • Step 1—Measure the Tank’s Contents
    • Step 2—Record the Amount Pumped
    • Step 3—Record Fuel Deliveries
    • Step 4—Calculate Daily Changes In Inventory
    • Step 5—Calculate Monthly Changes In Inventory
  • Measure each tank every operating day
  • Use gauge sticks that are marked to the 1/8 inch not cut off or worn off at the “0” end
  • Measure just before each delivery
  • Read and record totalizer meters carefully
  • Check for water at least once a month using water-finding paste

proper secondary containment