Chapter 8.44
SELF-SERVICE
GASOLINE STATIONS

Sections:

8.44.010    Application of chapter – Standards.

8.44.020    Definitions.

8.44.030    Required signs.

8.44.040    Pumps and equipment.

8.44.050    Portable containers.

8.44.060    Attendants.

8.44.070    Introduction of inflammable liquids.

8.44.080    Violation – Penalty.

8.44.010 Application of chapter – Standards.

A. This chapter shall apply to all self-service gasoline stations operating within the jurisdiction of the State Fire Marshal.

B. The current edition of the National Fire Code, National Fire Protection Association Standard No. 30 shall be used by the local authority having jurisdiction with the state of Washington to establish minimum standards for service stations. (Ord. 72-1, X-584, 1972).

8.44.020 Definitions.

A. “Self-service gasoline station” means any gasoline station whose customers are permitted to pump their own fuels by approved special dispensing devices such as, but not limited to, coin-operated, card-operated, and remote preset types.

B. “Class I liquid” means those liquids having flashpoints below 100 degrees Fahrenheit, which includes gasoline.

C. “Flammable liquid” means and includes gasoline, naphtha, benzol, collodion, acetone, alcohol, amyl acetate, toluol, ethyl acetate, methyl, kerosene, amyl alcohol, turpentine, fuel oil and cleaning solvents. (Ord. 72-1, X-584, 1972).

8.44.030 Required signs.

A. Each self-service station shall be equipped with adequate “No Smoking” and “Stop Your Motor” signs which shall be readily observable by customers from any point on the dispensing area.

B. Emergency telephone numbers including fire, police, and ambulance shall be posted in large type near the telephone facilities. (Ord. 72-1, X-584, 1972).

8.44.040 Pumps and equipment.

A. Any nozzles used for dispensing Class I liquids shall be of an approved automatic closing type without a hold-open latch. Nozzles shall be of a smooth exterior design which are readily removable from the fill pipe opening. Instructions for the operation of the dispensing unit shall be conspicuously posted.

B. Each service station shall be provided with at least one fire extinguisher having a minimum classification of 6B:C, located so that an extinguisher will be within 75 feet of each pump, dispenser, underground fill pipe opening, and lubrication or service room. Extinguishers shall at all times be kept in good working order and are subject to inspection by the authority having jurisdiction.

C. Emergency controls shall be installed at a central location acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction, but control shall not be more than 100 feet from dispensers.

D. Sufficient readily accessible water outlets and hoses in good working order shall be provided at each pump island to be used in case of accidental spills.

E. Approved devices meeting the standards of the Underwriter’s Laboratories, incorporated, or equivalent nationally recognized testing agency may be deemed to be in compliance with this chapter. (Ord. 72-1, X-584, 1972).

8.44.050 Portable containers.

A. Portable containers shall be filled only after approval by the attendant. No Class I liquid shall be dispensed into portable containers unless such containers are of metal or equivalent construction with a tight, screw-type closure or spring cover, and are fitted with a spout or so designed that the contents can be poured easily without spilling. Such containers shall be clearly labeled on the outside as to the name of the product therein. “Equivalent” means that the authority having jurisdiction may accept a certified container such as fiberglass tested and approved by a nationally recognized testing agency.

B. Glass or plastic containers shall not be used for the holding of flammable liquids, either on the premises or to be taken from the premises of a self-service gasoline station. (Ord. 72-1, X-584, 1972).

8.44.060 Attendants.

A. The attendant’s primary function shall be to supervise, observe, and control the dispensing of Class I liquids while such liquids are being dispensed. At least one attendant shall be on duty while the station is open to the public. It shall be the responsibility of the attendant to prevent the dispensing of Class I liquids into portable containers not in compliance with WAC 212-15-050, control sources of ignition, and to immediately handle accidental spills and fire extinguishers, if needed.

B. It shall be the duty of the attendant to provide instruction and guidance to the customer-operator in the event that said customer-operator is not familiar with the equipment and procedures. If it appears at any time that the customer-operator is not following instructions, or there is a hazard or emergency the dispensing unit shall be immediately shut off. (Ord. 72-1, X-584, 1972).

8.44.070 Introduction of inflammable liquids.

It is unlawful for the owner or operator of any garage, service station or other dispensary of flammable liquids, selling or disposing of the same to the public, to permit the delivery or dispensing of any inflammable liquid into the fuel tank of a motor vehicle or into any other container, except by the owner or operator of such garage, service station or other dispensary, or by a regularly authorized employee of such owner or operator, except as provided in this chapter relative to self-service gasoline stations. (Ord. 72-1, X-584, 1972).

8.44.080 Violation – Penalty.

Any person who violates or fails to comply with any provisions of this chapter shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not more than $100.00 or by imprisonment for not more than 30 days, or by both such fine and imprisonment. (Ord. 72-1, X-584, 1972).