HARRISBURG, Pa. -- The Pennsylvania House of Representatives has approved legislation authored by Representative Stephen E. Barrar (R), majority chairman of the House Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committee, that is intended improve safety at self-service gas stations. House Bill 728 would incorporate National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, which allow multiple emergency control devices and electrical disconnects at gas stations.
The main shutoff switch still would be mandated to be within 15 feet of the attendant, but the measure also requires [image-nocss] a shutoff switch within 100 feet of the nearest pump. No gasoline pump would be permitted to be beyond 200 feet from the main shutoff switch. The bill provides for additional shutoff switches to be placed within 100 feet of the gasoline pump they serve.
"I think we have learned that when it comes to safety measures, it always makes sense to require a backup," said Barrar. "Having two shutoff switches at gas pumps will increase the safety of every patron and employee of self-service stations."
Barrar's legislation would not apply to existing gas stations, but would be mandatory for newly constructed, modified or expanded stations.
"As the demand for fuel and the number of vehicles on our roads have increased, so has the size of our gas stations," said Barrar. "Larger fueling stations require additional safety measures. We take for granted the volatility of a chemical like gasoline because we are so accustomed to handling it, but the combustible nature of gasoline warrants frequent review of our safety standards. I am pleased my colleagues recognized the need for this legislation today."
Barrar claimed that his legislation also would alleviate congestion in the gasoline pump bay area by creating safer traffic patterns.
"People fueling up are in a hurry to pump their gas and get back on the road," said Barrar. "During peak hours, drivers can become a danger to each other. My legislation will help to improve the way vehicles access gas bays and reduce the likelihood of collisions at fueling stations."
The legislation was supported by the Pennsylvania Fire and Emergency Services Institute, Office of the State Fire Commissioner, the Pennsylvania Convenience Store Council and the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association.
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