Winter brings with it many operational challenges for gas station owners. However, none as serious (and concerning) than the increased fire hazards.
Fire at gas pumps due to static discharge is something that we hear about a lot. Industry experts continuously warn us about such instances. The media reports these happenings quite frequently.
But did you know the risk of fire due to static discharge at gas pumps “considerably” increases in winter?
Static Discharge and Winter
As the temperature drops in winter, so does the moisture content of the air; the air becomes drier in winter.
With fewer water molecules to facilitate the flow of electrons through the air, static buildups become more common and more electron-rich.
When motorists at gas pumps interact with objects that may potentially have static charges, they can acquire these charges in return. Next, if they move to the fill port and any part of the dispensing equipment is leaking, the resulting static discharge can potentially ignite the fuel vapors and cause a fire.
Therefore, as a safety measure, gas station owners are instructed to regularly check their hanging hardware for leaks, even more so during the months of winter.
By regularly and thoroughly checking your dispensing equipment for leaks, you can minimize the risks of fire at your gas pump.
While you’re checking your equipment for leaks, it’s also recommended (and advisable) to perform continuity tests of your hanging hardware, especially:
- When replacing an old dispenser equipment
- After a drive-off
Hanging hardware (swivels, nozzles, hoses, breakaway couplings) is designed to be conducive to dissipate any static charge that is generated while fuel is being dispensed. A discontinuity in the hardware can increase the risk of fire hazards.
To perform a continuity test:
- Connect one lead of the ohmmeter to the cabinet of the dispensing unit and the other to the tip of the spout
- Flex the nozzle and the hose into various positions and check for continuity
- If the test fails at any point, replace the faulty component immediately
This winter don’t be static; act proactively to keep a fire at bay at your gas station.
John W. Kennedy Company is your one stop shop for gas station equipment and supplies. We sell high quality gas station breakaways, nozzle swivels, pipe fittings, service station hardware, POS systems and everything else you need to keep your gas station operational, safe and efficient. Visit our online store to view our complete product range.