Gas Station Essentials Checklist: Summer Edition

Summer’s here, and it’s an excellent opportunity to take a look at the condition of your gas station to improve its performance and curb appeal. From broken components to malfunctioning fire extinguishers, there are probably several things that may require consideration to ensure your gas station operations run smoothly. Here’s a checklist for gas station essentials that will help you out:

Gas Station Essentials Checklist

  • The condition of fuel dispensers must be tested to ensure efficient and safe fuel operations. It will involve checking the functionality of emergency stop and confirming that fittings are free from cracks, leakages, or any damages that can present a safety hazard.
  • Fire extinguishers should be installed near all fuel dispensers. They should be regularly checked and easily available. Signs in large, bold letters should be placed on the walls where fire extinguishers are mounted to ensure better visibility in case of an emergency.
  • Emergency response plan must be formulated, and employees must be provided training to follow them when in case of an accident, fire, spillage, or malfunctioning of equipment that can lead to danger and put people’s safety at risk.
  • An emergency information panel sign must be posted on fuel tanks or storage areas. Above and underground tanks that are no longer in gas station should be gas-freed

and decommissioned properly to prevent accidents.

  • A primary emergency device that can cut power to all dispensing units must be thoroughly checked, ideally once every month. Also, it should be appropriately labeled and easily accessible to fuel pump workers.
  • Installation of impact protection devices like bollards and signs stating “stop engine” and “no smoking” near all dispensers and underground fuel tanks to minimize the risk of fire hazard. The signs must be highlighted in bold and must be visible.
  • The fuel pump lighting condition should be evaluated to maintain a safe environment around the gas station. Poor lighting can impact fuel operations and also make gas stations more vulnerable to burglary and theft crimes. Minimum rating of at least 2A 60B(E) per extinguisher
  • All fuel pump equipment must be methodically tested. The malfunctioning devices must be replaced by new ones. Always buy new and high-quality fuel estate equipment to ensure they last longer and prevent breakdowns during operations.
  • Evaluate the payment processing system in your fuel pump and c-store. If your gas station POS is not equipped with EMV technology, make sure to upgrade before the extended deadline to ensure safer and quicker transactions.

Above all else, because laws and regulations vary from state to state, be sure to check with local regulatory boards and officials to ensure you and your station are in compliance with all requirements to provide the safest and best fueling experience to your customers!

READ: EMV DEADLINE DELAYED Until April 2021! But Retailers Advised To Stay On Schedule

John W. Kennedy Company is a reputable service station equipment provider that sells high-quality gas station products, including EMV POS terminals, at competitive rates. To learn more, call us at 1.1800.238.1225 or visit the online store to browse our products.

“Think Beyond the Deadline”: 5 Tips for Retailers Navigating the New EMV Deadline

Gilbarco Veeder-Root

The following is a repost of the original June 16, 2020 article that appears on Gilbarco’s blog.Gilbarco Veeder-Root Encore 700 & Passport Edge

In the wake of the latest EMV deadline delay, the views of industry analysts are lining up.

The latest one echoes Chris Whitley, Gilbarco VP of Sales and Marketing: the pressure is still on.

Beyond tips or advice, retailers might also need consider the following warnings as well. Read the full article from CS News here.

 

Here are some of the pulled highlights:

1. Consider the Costs

“Based on recent reports from retailers, some major card processors are considering charging retainer fees of up to $50,000 to cover expected fraud liability for operators that do not upgrade by the deadline.”

 

2. Don’t Count on Additional Deadline Shifts

“Regardless of the final deadline date, retailers have a lot of progress to make and an inevitably limited timeframe. Proceeding promptly is the best course of action.”

 

3. Start Now

“Whether or not an operator expects to be ready by the current deadline, getting plans in motion now will save hassle and money in the long run.”

 

4. Turn to Experts for Help

Gilbarco has “created a certification to support their specific EMV programs, designating managed network services providers (MNSPs) that are familiar with deploying and servicing their EMV compliant hardware and software.”

 

5. Think Beyond the Deadline

“While meeting the EMV transition deadline may feel like a sprint to the finish line, upgrading POS security is just one aspect of network transformation that can help petroleum retailers thrive. View EMV transition as a beginning, not an end.”

The new outdoor EMV deadline will be April 17, 2021. If you haven’t begun your outdoor EMV upgrade, we strongly suggest contacting your local Gilbarco distributor as soon as possible.

You can find more information with Gilbarco Veeder-Root’s Quick EMV Migration Guide.

 

Looking for Gilbarco equipment? Click on the links below to visit our web store :

Pumps & Dispensers
Passport Point of Sale
Gilbarco Passport Point of Sale
Forecourt Payment Options
Gilbarco Forecourt Payment Options
Forecourt Merchandising
Gilbarco Forecourt Merchandising Options

Click here to search all Gilbarco equipment and parts listed in our web store.

 

Please do not hesitate to contact us with any of your EMV questions, concerns or to place an order by calling 1.800.451.4021 or visit us online at johnwkennedyco.com for all your petroleum equipment needs.

The John W. Kennedy Company appreciates your business and continued support!

 

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Gas Stations and C-stores: How to Deal with Coronavirus?

Gas Stations and C-stores

The United States has passed the grim milestone of 100,000 COVID-19 deaths. The pandemic has severely affected people’s health and livelihoods. Gas station and c-store owners are among the people most vulnerable to this novel disease.

It’s critical to take a proactive approach to ensure cleanliness and hygiene. Here’s an informative guide for gas station and c-store owners to run their business safely during the coronavirus outbreak: Continue reading

3 Emerging Trends Changing the Gas Station Industry: 2020 Edition

Emerging Trends Changing the Gas Station Industry

“Hi, my name is Austin. I’m a gas station owner in New York, experiencing a decline in business. The fuel pumps of my competitors are doing great and enjoying higher customer retention. I guess the landscape for gas stations has changed quite a lot, and I’ve been unable to keep up. Can you tell me about some emerging trends in the gas station industry in 2020 that I can follow to improve the performance of my gas station? Thank you.” Continue reading