Covid-19: Health and Safety Precautions for Fuel Station Owners

Published on April 23, 2020

Dover Fueling Solutions® (DFS) would like to offer the following guidance for fuel station owners, in order to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) and protect the health and safety of both on-site employees and customers. Practising a strict hygiene routine is important in proactively mitigating the possibility that the virus be transferred from person to person.

Most touched areas of the dispenser should be regularly sanitised using antibacterial wipes for disinfection. Alcohol solutions (typically solutions of 70% alcohol and 30% water) should be avoided as it can be harmful to some plastic surfaces and the painting protecting the metal panels. DFS do not recommend the use of bleach.

Visibly dirty areas of the dispenser should be cleaned with soap and water prior to sanitisation.

Ensure that manufacturers instructions for all cleaning products used are followed accurately, and always make sure that there is sufficient ventilation when preparing any toxic solutions. Please refer to the dispenser user manual for the recommended cleaning procedure for the dispenser. Always check the expiration date of any product used. Out-of-date products may not be effective against killing the COVID-19 virus.

After disinfecting, ensure that hands and wrists are washed for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, or use hand sanitiser if this is not available.

Make sure that your fuel site has clear, visible signage regarding safe practices for customers. Encourage them to use the gloves provided, avoid touching the dispenser unnecessarily, and make sure they sanitise their hands following use.

Within the convenience store, make it clear that social distancing measures are in place, and should be adhered to at all times. Consider marking out safe distances between each person on the shop floor, if practical to do so.

Regularly clean the payment terminal and encourage contactless card payments where possible.

For more information about how to stay safe, please visit the World Health Organisation website.