Safety in Fuel Dispenser Hoses

If you own or operate a fueling station, make sure the various fueling products being used are up to par. Dispenser hoses, for example, must be perfectly intact and leak-free at any given moment. While cost minimization can be one reason the more critical objective is safety. A hose in poor condition is an accident waiting to happen, so fueling station safety inspections should be regularly conducted. In 2013, dispenser hose condition was among the top five violations cited by the Missouri Department of Agriculture, Weights, Measures and Consumer Protection.

Signs of Potentially Unsafe Dispenser Hoses

To avoid getting flagged for violations, do your own regular inspection of your hoses. Visual inspections should be focused on finding signs of damage: cracks, bulges, kinks, blisters, worn spots, and flat spots are some of the usual suspects. Daily equipment checks for dispensing hoses are recommended.

Causes of Damage

There are different factors that can contribute to damage in dispenser hoses. It could be the result of normal wear and tear: excessive bending in hoses can cause cracks leading to exposed hose fibers and fuel leaks. This is most evident near nozzle inlets and couplings, where hose contacts metal fittings. Customer handling can also cause hose damage; this is most likely at service stations with high customer traffic. Environmental factors, like sunlight and extreme temperatures, can also play a role as these can make rubber brittle and prone to cracking.

Best Practices

Aside from regular inspections, proper inventory and dispenser hose tracking should be maintained. Take note of when your hoses were installed, their recommended lifetime, or any irregularities and damage noted during the regular inspections. If there is any sign of damage on a hose, it is recommended that the dispenser be placed out of service.

When replacing hoses, or installing new ones for a new fueling station, go for the best quality parts you can find. Whether you expect strength and flexibility, durability against cuts and abrasions, or resistance to temperature-induced wear, Husky is able to provide hoses with the safety features appropriate for your station. If you need curb hoses, consider Husky’s Eagleflex® line of dispenser hoses. They also provide premier farm fueling hoses with similar quality specifications.

Dispensing hose quality is critical to the safe and consistent operation of any fueling station. But beyond that, all the equipment and accessories there should reach industry standards. With Husky, you can be assured of fueling products that meet or exceed expectations.