Anyone in the convenience store industry already knows, at least on some level, the dangers that go along with operating a fuel station. Gasoline is classified as a Class 3 Hazard, and with that classification comes restrictions and special safety requirements. As a business offering gasoline for sale, your store itself is a Class 1 Location Hazard due to the presence of flammable vapors and gases. As a manager or owner it’s not only your responsibility, it’s your obligation, to ensure the safety of your employees and customers by providing proper fuel safety compliance training.
Safety Compliance Training for Operators
To reduce hazards at gas stations, store management must ensure compliance to various regulations on the handling and storage of gasoline. Conducting compliance training, and tracking it properly, is a must. Every facility must have a trained and designated Class A, B & C operators.
OSHA and EPA Training Requirements
The EPA and OSHA require specific training for convenience stores that operate fuel facilities. EPA mandated training focuses on UST procedures that protect the environment by ensuring operators know how to prevent or reduce the effect of spills.
OSHA regulations are intended to protect employees by making sure they understand the risks of gasoline and how to properly handle exposure. These Hazcom regulations have evolved to recognize international standards known as GHS Hazcom, short for Globally Harmonized System. GHS Compliance training covers the information on chemical labels required by GHS, label pictograms symbolizing the associated hazard or hazards, what an SDS is and how to handle chemicals safely.
How to Deliver Fuel Safety Compliance Training
Rules put out by regulatory agencies such as OSHA and the EPA don’t specify how you deliver your fuel safety compliance training, but it is important to know and comply with the regulations and standards set by your locality. With advances in technology and internet accessibility, online training modules have become the standard for fuel safety compliance training. Benefits of online compliance training include:
- Convenience. 24/7 access to training allows your employees to train anytime.
- Tracking and Reporting. Tracking and reporting systems are built in to online training systems, easing the burden on store managers.
- Cost effectiveness. Using an online training program decreases your training costs.
- Consistency. Online training ensures every employee receives the same training and are assessed the same way.
- Better retention. Studies show trainees may only retain 10% of what they hear in a lecture. With engaging and interactive online learning, that retention level goes up toward 70%.
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