THE CODE CONNECTION

I am questioning the requirement of an emergency shut off for fuel pumps. The service station is an attended full service and was originally built in 1981. The station is undergoing change of ownership at this time and I need know if a shut off needs to be installed or if the main breaker in the service panel is adequate.

Change of ownership itself is usually not a driving factor but in any case the requirement for this comes from section 2203 of the International Fire Code and there are no exceptions. IFC 2203.2 says the embergency shut-off is to be located no more than 100ft. and no less than 20 ft. from the fuel dispensor in an approved location. The logic used here suggests that anyone, not just attendants, should have access to the shut-off, usually on the outside of the building. This is for a fuel spill or other emergency (collisions are common). The regulation of these requirements varies from state to state so its best to refer to the authority having jurisdiction or more exact code requirements. State or local authorities may have the power to require this if its determined to be a serious hazard.