City of Westbrook, ME Article IV Self-Service Gas Stations

[Adopted 12-11-1972; amended 3-22-1982; 9-26-2005 (Ch. 13, Art. VII, of the 2007 Code)]

§ 162-17 Definitions.

As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:

SELF-SERVICE GAS STATION

A parcel of property where flammable and combustible liquids used as motor fuels are stored and subsequently dispensed from approved dispensing equipment such as, but not limited to, coin-operated, card-operated and remote-controlled pumps into the fuel tanks of motor vehicles by persons other than the service station attendant.

§ 162-18 General standards.

All fuel-dispensing stations shall comply with applicable NFPA Codes.

§ 162-19 Attendant to be on duty; general functions, responsibilities and duties of attendant.

A. All self-service gas stations shall have at least one attendant on duty while the station is open to the public. The attendant's primary function shall be to supervise, observe, and control the dispensing of the motor fuel while same is actually being dispensed.

B. It shall be the responsibility of the attendant to:

(1) Prevent the dispensing of such motor fuel into portable containers which do not comply with § 162-20;

(2) Control sources of ignition;

(3) Immediately handle accidental fuel spills; and

(4) Immediately use fire extinguishers in case of a fire.

C. The attendant on duty must be at least 18 years of age and shall be mentally and physically capable of performing the functions and assuming the responsibilities prescribed in this section.

§ 162-20 Dispensing in portable containers.

No delivery of any Class I or Class II liquid shall be made into portable containers unless the container is constructed of metal, has a tight closure and is fitted with a spout or so designed that the contents can be poured without spilling.

§ 162-21 Emergency power cutoff.

A clearly identified and easily accessible switch(es) or circuit breaker(s) shall be provided at a location remote from dispensing devices, including remote pumping systems, to shut off the power to all dispensing devices in the event of an emergency.

§ 162-22 Dispensing area.

A. The dispensing area shall at all times be in clear view of the attendant and the placing or allowing of any obstacle to come between the dispensing area and the attendant control area shall be prohibited. The attendant shall at all times be able to communicate with persons in the dispensing area.

B. All hose nozzle valves used shall be of the automatic-closing type without a latch-open device.

§ 162-23 Operating instructions and warning signs.

Operating instructions shall be conspicuously posted in the dispensing area, together with warning signs incorporating the following or equivalent wording:

A. Warning. It is unlawful and dangerous to dispense gasoline into unapproved containers;

B. No smoking;

C. Stop motor.

§ 162-24 Dry-chemical extinguishing systems.

An automatic-operating dry-chemical extinguishing system shall be installed at all self-service gasoline dispensing stations. The installation shall meet all the requirements of the National Fire Code standard for dry-chemical extinguishing systems. All installed systems shall be approved by the Chief of the Department, prior to operation of the station.