We don’t need to state the obvious that gas stations and convenience stores are a high risk for fire hazards.
As the owner of a gas station, it’s your job to stay on top of fire safety regulations. This is to keep your customers, employees, and property protected.
According to the 2024 GITNUX Report, property damage from gas station fires averages at around $20 million annually. Gas station fire safety is something that needs to be handled proactively – never reactively.
At 2 Krew Security and Surveillance, we specialize in commercial fire alarm systems – serving businesses in Pittsburgh and the Tri-State area for nearly 20 years. In this post, we want to provide a breakdown of the fire safety regulations in Pennsylvania and discuss how gas station owners can keep their businesses protected.
Let’s get into it.
The Importance of Fire Safety
Gas stations face a unique set of challenges in fire safety – primarily due to the constant presence of flammable materials and high customer turnover.
Proper training, equipment maintenance, and compliance with both local and federal regulations are crucial to reduce the likelihood of fire incidents. It protects your assets and personnel – and demonstrates a commitment to public safety, adding to your station’s reputation and reliability.
Key Fire Safety Regulations to Note
Appropriate Storage of Flammable Liquids
Gasoline and diesel must be stored in approved containers – with proper labelling. Containers need to be kept away from ignition sources. Additionally, the storage areas must be ventilated to prevent vapour buildup. According to Pennsylvania Code, all fuel storage tanks must comply with regulations set by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
This includes:
- Registration and permits with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
- Installation is carried out by certified tank installers according to DEP standards.
- Tanks must be equipped with leak protection systems.
- There must be proper spill prevention equipment and overfill devices.
- Storage tanks must undergo routine inspections to check for structural integrity and compliance with regulations.
- Gas station operators must complete DEP-approved training programs to learn proper operation, maintenance, and emergency response procedures for USTs.
- Gas stations must maintain detailed records of all UST activities, including installation, maintenance, inspections, and repairs.
Lastly, owners must demonstrate financial responsibility to cover the costs of damages in the event of a leak or spill.
Fuel Dispensing
Fuel dispensing systems at gas stations must have a functioning device to prevent spills – including automatic shut-off nozzles and emergency stop buttons.
Attendants need to be cautious in making sure customers do not leave vehicles unattended while refuelling. Pennsylvania law mandates that all fuel dispensing equipment must be regularly maintained and inspected to prevent malfunctions.
Electrical Equipment
Pennsylvania’s Uniform Construction Code (UCC) requires that all electrical installations comply with the National Electrical Code (NEC) standards.
Per OSHA, electrical equipment in gas stations must be rated for hazardous locations to minimize the risk of explosions – including lighting fixtures and switches. Additionally, they must be regularly inspected to make sure wiring does not result in sparks. Keep electrical panels clean and accessible for emergency shutdowns.
Fire Alarm Systems
Fire alarm systems are required in buildings per Pennsylvania law.
At a minimum, a gas station fire alarm system needs to include smoke and heat detectors – which are regularly tested for functionality. Pennsylvania regulations also require that fire alarm systems in gas stations must be monitored 24/7 by a central monitoring station.
Fire Suppression Systems
Gas stations need to have fire suppression systems in key areas.
This includes foam systems around fueling areas and sprinklers in enclosed spaces – like in the convenience store. Portable fire extinguishers also need to be readily available and easily accessible. In Pennsylvania, fire suppression systems need to be inspected and maintained regularly.
It’s also highly recommended to provide ongoing training to personnel on the proper use of fire suppression equipment.
Due to the high risk in gas stations, we recommend installing a commercial fire alarm system customized to the store. These features include detection, suppression, and response capabilities to quickly eliminate the risk – and call the fire department if necessary.
Employee Training on Fire Safety
To echo a previous point, it’s very important to make sure all gas station employees are properly trained in basic fire safety. This includes:
- Handling flammable liquids
- Using fire extinguishers
- Emergency evacuation procedures (using drills)
Owning to the high turnover in most gas stations, regular refresher courses are great to keep existing employees up to speed – in addition to training new employees. Pennsylvania’s Department of Labor and Industry recommends training be conducted on an annual basis.
Safety Inspections
Regular safety inspections of the fire protection system are essential in gas stations.
These inspections – generally conducted by a professional – involve thoroughly checking all safety equipment, fuel storage tanks, and dispensing systems to make sure they are functioning properly and comply with Pennsylvania code.
These inspections need to cover everything from the integrity of underground storage tanks to the calibration of fuel dispensing equipment. Additionally, inspections need to involve examining the condition of pipes, valves, and fittings to detect any leaks or wear.
In Pennsylvania, gas stations are required to undergo annual inspections to verify compliance with the state’s fire safety regulations. Violations may result in fines, meaning it’s recommended to have these components looked at more frequently to make sure you can pass inspections.
Safety Management for Equipment
There are plenty of maintenance tasks gas station owners and employees can manage without a professional. This includes:
Basic Fire Alarm System Maintenance
Replace batteries in detectors and check all connections. Make sure the system’s 24/7 monitoring system is working properly. These components of the fire alarm system need to be tested at least once a month. Be sure to document all maintenance activities for compliance records.
Fire Extinguisher Checks
Fire extinguishers also need to be examined monthly.
This is to confirm they are fully charged and easily accessible to employees. Replace or service them as needed – the last thing any gas station owner needs is a faulty extinguisher in the event of a fire. Pennsylvania law mandates that fire extinguishers need to be inspected annually by a certified professional.
Over to You
As a gas station owner, your industry can be characterized by fire hazards.
Improper handling of regulations can lead to very, very serious issues. Understanding and complying with Pennsylvania’s fire safety regulations needs to be your top priority.
Implementing these measures is crucial in preventing accidents – and protecting the business you work hard in. Stay vigilant, train your employees, and regularly inspect your equipment for any signs of defects.
Your commitment to fire safety makes all the difference in an emergency. At 2 Krew Security and Surveillance we specialize in high-level fire alarm systems for commercial buildings – and we are here to help you stay ahead of hazards.
For a concise, visual recap of these fire safety rules, view our web story on Pennsylvania fire safety regulations for gas stations
Get in touch for a consultation.
