Petrol station pumps not cutting off

[Cat]

Im not sure whether this is in the right place or not so sorry if it isn't.

Im interested in peoples' thoughts and advice on this situation.  Near us is a petrol station and recently when we have gone, the petrol pumps have failed to cut off thereby allowing petrol to flow out over the car and the person filling up.  It has got to the point that Dad nor I will use that station because of this.

We have mentioned it to the employees who have simply shrugged their shoulders and taken a couldn't careless attitude towards us when we have done so.  I have felt like I am an inconvenience and a nuisance customer to them when I've spoken to them (although I wouldn't not mention it).  We had also noticed that when we arrived the floor was regularly wet with what we can only assume is petrol.

Would this be considered a fire safety issue?  Secondly is there anybody e.g the local FRS fire safety people that could be informed about this?  Obviously I don't want to waste anybody's time but the fact that people and cars are getting covered in petrol/diesel is a concern.

[nearlythere]

Im not sure whether this is in the right place or not so sorry if it isn't.

Im interested in peoples' thoughts and advice on this situation.  Near us is a petrol station and recently when we have gone, the petrol pumps have failed to cut off thereby allowing petrol to flow out over the car and the person filling up.  It has got to the point that Dad nor I will use that station because of this.

We have mentioned it to the employees who have simply shrugged their shoulders and taken a couldn't careless attitude towards us when we have done so.  I have felt like I am an inconvenience and a nuisance customer to them when I've spoken to them (although I wouldn't not mention it).  We had also noticed that when we arrived the floor was regularly wet with what we can only assume is petrol.

Would this be considered a fire safety issue?  Secondly is there anybody e.g the local FRS fire safety people that could be informed about this?  Obviously I don't want to waste anybody's time but the fact that people and cars are getting covered in petrol/diesel is a concern.

Check with the Council or FRS as to who is responsible for Petroleum License for the area.

[kurnal]

One of the standard licensing conditions for self service pumps is that every nozzle should have this cut off cacility. Breach of the Licensing conditions is an offence. As NT says you need to find out who is the Licensing Authority.  Or you could complain to Trading Standards, they will probably do the foot work for you.

[Chris Houston]

I'd say this is a major safety issue and I'd report it to the relevant fire and rescue service.

[Steven N]

Hi Cat, for most areas these days it is trading standards that deal with this, definitely a situation that needs dealing with asap

[Cullenloon]

Have a look at the nozzles, if you use them again.

If you can use the nozzle and click a small "latch" underneath onto a "hold back bar" and this allows you fill your tank without holding the nozzle then the site is in breach of its licence conditions. The only sites that can have this holdback device in uk are those where somone comes from the kiosk and fills your vehicle for you, not to many of them around these days.

Depending where you live and who is the Petroleum Licensing Authority then they are the people you should make your concerns known to. Most Metrolpolitan Boroughs are licensed by the local fire authority so a check on their website should identify if they are the ones you want if not it will be the local HSE.

[Cat]

Thank you everyone for your replies.  I will try and find out who the Licensing Aauthority is and I'll mention it to the FRS as I think it would be worth them knowing about it.

Much appreciated.

[Cat]

Just as a bit of an update, the FRS have had dealings with this particular petrol station before.  They are sending a specialist team round to speak with management "again" to try and get this resolved.

They agreed it was a serious fire safety risk and were glad someone had brought it to their attention.

Once again, thank you all for your good advice.