4 Tips to Protect Employees and Customers in Your Gas Station
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Running a gas station is profitable. However, owning a gas station is more than just selling gas or snacks at the convenience store. Gas stations are considered unsafe places.
Fires and explosions are the most common process-related incidents that cause losses in gas stations. Just recently, a gas station at Pembroke Park in Florida burst into flames. This outbreak resulted in the death of one person.
However, fire isn’t the only threat at gas stations. These facilities are also prone to theft and robbery. A Colesville man tried robbing a gas station in Harpursville in April this year. He was also accused of trying to set an employee on fire.
These incidents underscore the importance of creating a safe environment for both your employees and customers at the gas station. Here, we’ll share a few actionable tips that will help you keep everyone safe while they fuel up.
#1 Invest in Proper Lighting and Security Cameras
Proper lighting and security cameras are essential investments for gas stations. A criminal’s best friend is darkness. Your gas station will become an attractive target for criminals, thieves, and burglars if it is poorly lit. Consider investing in proper lighting.
Adequate lighting will deter criminal activity by enhancing visibility and reducing hiding spots. Ensure all areas of your gas station, including the pumps, parking lot, and convenience store, are adequately illuminated.
Add an extra layer of protection by installing security cameras. These cameras provide surveillance coverage and deter theft and vandalism. In case any incident occurs, security cameras will help you identify perpetrators. You can use that footage as evidence to recover lost inventory.
Make sure to install high-resolution cameras with night vision capabilities. Such cameras perform well even in low-light conditions. Place cameras strategically to cover all critical areas, including pumps, parking lots, and store entrances. This will help you create a safer environment for both employees and customers as well as protect your business from potential losses and liabilities.
#2 Inspect Your Fuel Tank Regularly
Be sure to check your gas station’s underground tank regularly. Cracked or damaged underground tanks can leak gasoline, contaminating the soil and groundwater. Spills and leaks can also result in fire, posing risks to both workers and the surrounding environment. That is why you must conduct safety inspections of fuel tanks regularly.
In case you notice cracks, damage, or signs of wear, make sure to repair them right away. You might even have to replace the tank altogether, especially if the damage is beyond repair. Shields, Harper & Co., explains that replacing tanks is an enormous undertaking. It is more of a challenge if the gas station has a convenience store.
Consider hiring a reputable and highly experienced fuel system solution provider for the task. Skilled technicians with experience in fuel system installation will be able to handle the job efficiently and safely.
From excavating the old tank to connecting fuel lines and testing the system for leaks and compliance, these individuals can handle everything efficiently. Their expertise ensures that the job is done right the first time, minimizing downtime and potential risks. Check customer reviews and ratings before hiring, though. They will give you a glimpse into their quality of service.
#3 Train Staff on Safety and Crime Prevention
Training staff on safety and crime prevention is paramount in maintaining a secure environment at your gas station.
Make it a point to educate employees on crime prevention strategies, such as handling cash securely, recognizing suspicious behavior, and implementing robbery-preventing measures. Provide them detailed instructions on safety precautions, such as how to deal with gasoline spills, use fire extinguishers, and respond to medical situations.
Consider offering practical demonstrations and role-playing scenarios. They can help reinforce learning and ensure staff readiness in real-life situations.
#4 Install Fire Dampers in Your Convenience Store’s HVAC System
HVAC systems catch fire easily, and there is nothing more scary than a blaze at a gas station. A fire outbreak in a gas station can lead to loss of life and property.
To minimize the risk of a fire outbreak, consider installing fire dampers in the HVAC system of your convenience store. These dampers are designed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke through ductwork, helping to contain potential fires and protect occupants. Fire dampers trigger when the temperature reaches a particular level in the duct.
Strategic placement of fire dampers within the HVAC system is essential to create barriers that compartmentalize fire hazards, preventing them from spreading uncontrollably.
Make sure to hire an experienced HVAC contractor for the task. These skilled individuals have the knowledge and expertise required to install fire dampers in HVAC systems efficiently.
Fire dampers must also be installed in accordance with local building codes and manufacturer guidelines. Experienced HVAC contractors are well-versed in these requirements, so they will install dampers while complying with safety regulations.
AC tune-ups from HVAC contractors, AirAce Heating & Cooling notes, cost $189.00. It might look expensive, but it’s worth it. Hiring an experienced HVAC contractor will save you hundreds of dollars by preventing a fire outbreak on your premises.
To sum things up, gas stations are prone to a variety of dangers, from fire and explosion to theft.
Ensuring the safety of employees and customers in your gas station is, therefore, important. It isn’t just a legal obligation but a moral responsibility. You can create a safe and secure environment for everyone in your gas station by implementing these tips. Besides mitigating risks and liabilities, these proactive measures will help you build trust and loyalty within your community.