A Comprehensive Guide to Gas Station Safety

What is Gas Station Safety?

Gas station safety refers to the everyday practices that prevent incidents at gas stations from happening for both customers and employees. Since gas stations involve flammable fuels, public access and moving vehicles, it is crucial to know how to carefully handle gasoline, handle vehicle traffic and ensure a safe environment for both the public and the employees.

Importance of Safety in Gas Stations

Gas safety is something that cannot be overstated. These facilities handle highly flammable and pressurized fuels which, if handled by the wrong hands, can cause serious risks like fires, explosions and chemical accidents alike. With that said, advanced safety systems are needed in order to reduce the likelihood of these accidents from happening.

Gas station safety goes beyond just adhering to compliance—it also affects the customer’s experience, and therefore, their confidence and loyalty to the establishment. When safety is put as top priority, it shows a genuine commitment to protecting its employees, customers, and its community. Ensuring the safety of gas stations also leads to less operational accidents and downtime, meaning workers can focus on providing better  quality service. All in all, gas station safety isn’t just about preventing accidents—it’s also about ensuring customers feel safe, valued, and respected every time they visit.

Lone Working in Gas Stations

Lone workers in gas stations are those who are on duty by themselves, often during late night or early morning shifts. Lone working in the fuel sector is very common, as employees are often assigned to work in remote locations while dealing with multiple customers in one shift.

In particular, lone gas station workers face a greater risk of workplace violence compared to many other industries. According to the US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, within the retail sector, employees at gasoline stations face higher risks compared to workers in other areas of retail and the general workforce. These facilities are often open late at night or even 24 hours a day, which means lone workers find themselves working alone for long stretches of time. This mixture of late hours, isolation, and cash handling puts lone workers in an even more vulnerable position.

Some of the most common risks lone gas station workers regularly face are:

• Physical and verbal violence: Lone gas station workers handling cash alone are easy targets for violence, “gas and dash” thefts, robberies, and assaults.

• Slips, trips, and falls: Employees working alone are more likely to experience minor injuries while cleaning and conducting maintenance tasks alone, which can escalate to serious injury without immediate help.

• Environmental Hazards: When alone, workers are more likely to encounter hazardous conditions such as toxic fumes and emissions, fire hazards, and gasoline risks when handling fuel without supervision.

• Connectivity issues: Lone workers may struggle with limited or no connectivity in remote locations, making it difficult to call for help in emergencies.

Gas Station Worker Safety Tips

Lone working at gas stations comes with unique and safety challenges, that’s why it’s important to have a safety procedure in place—not only to keep the facility running smoothly, but also to protect customers and oneself. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that even simple workplace safety features such as well-lit and visible entrances and exits can play a crucial role in reducing the risk of violent incidents. Aside from that, below are some safety tips to ensure safety for both customers and lone gas station workers:

Gas Station Safety Tips

1. Stay Alert and Aware: Monitor surroundings and observe customer behavior regularly to spot potential safety or security risks early.

2. Follow Proper Fuel Handling Procedures: Follow safety protocols closely when refilling tanks, and wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) whenever required.

3. Keep Emergency Exits and Equipment Clear: Keep fire extinguishers, spill kits, and emergency exits accessible and in proper working condition.

4. Implement Customer Safety Protocols: Promote safety refueling within the facility by asking customers to turn off engines, avoid smoking or phone use near pumps, and prevent static sparks to ensure safety at all times

5. Lock Up When Alone After Hours: Restrict access to the facility during late or early shifts, and keep entrances securely locked.

6. Keep Communication Tools Accessible: Keep a fully charged phone or radio within easy reach for emergencies or quick assistance.

7. Conduct Regular Maintenance and Inspections: Inspect fuel pumps, storage tanks, and equipment regularly, and carry out risk assessments to ensure safe operations.

8. Prepare Emergency Plans: Establish a contingency plan that includes contact information for fire and medical services, and equip the site with fire extinguishers, spill kits, and emergency power cut-off controls to manage incidents if needed.

How Going Digital Helps

Technology has continuously played a crucial role in enhancing prevention, monitoring, and emergency response for lone worker gas station safety through several key features. Here’s how going digital helps:

• Real-Time Hazard Detection: Detect gas leaks, fires, or other hazardous conditions in real time through Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and asset tags to prevent accidents from escalating.

• GPS Monitoring: Track lone worker locations and movements with employee-activated visibility within and around the gas station premises to enable quick assistance if needed.

• Automated Check-Ins and Overtime Alerts: Encourage periodic safety check-ins and trigger mobile alerts when workers miss confirmations, exceed shift times, or become unresponsive.

• Panic and Duress Buttons: Equip devices with apps with accessible SOS buttons that enables employees to discreetly and quickly signal for help during emergencies.

• Buddy System: Pair workers during high-risk tasks or late-night shifts to ensure mutual support, rapid response, and enhanced accountability in case of incidents.

• Hazard Reporting and Safety Checklists:  Allow lone workers to log risks and complete pre-task safety assessments before starting or finishing a shift.