Faulty Fuel Hose and Nozzle Failures Rank High on List of Inspection Violations

Husky® Corporation Offers Guidance to Avoid Citations, Fines and Downtime

Two of the top violations found during safety inspections of motor fuel dispensing systems involve components that are in the hands of refueling customers every day.  Dispenser Hose Condition and Nozzle Failure/Expiration ranked in the top five violations in 2013, according to the Missouri Department of Agriculture, Weights, Measures and Consumer Protection. While the findings are specific to one state, the information serves as an excellent reminder for fuel dispensing businesses across the country to be vigilant about safety and the condition of their equipment.

Program Administrator John Albert wrote about ten common violations in the Winter 2014 issue of Pipeline, the Missouri Petroleum Marketers Association quarterly magazine.  Husky® Corporation offers the following guidance on hoses and nozzles.

Dispenser Hose Condition

Dispenser hoses were found to be a “repetitive violation” in Missouri. The condition is likely the case across the country. Exposure to extreme weather, both hot and cold, will cause hoses to deteriorate over time. When the outer protective layer cracks or becomes brittle, dispenser hoses are more likely to fail under pressure. 

To ensure continuous safe operation, the Petroleum Equipment Institute issued PEI/RP500, Recommended Practices for Inspection and Maintenance of Motor Fuel Dispensing Equipment, which includes daily equipment checks for dispensing hoses. Here is a summary of the daily checklist:

• Hose in good condition: No cuts, cracks, bulges, blisters, flat spots, kinks or worn spots
• Whip hose in good condition: No cuts, cracks, or blisters. Fittings at end of whip hose clean and dry
• If a defect is observed, the dispenser should be placed Out of Service

Mr. Albert noted in his article that “hoses showing any sign of deterioration have less than six months service life remaining.” The life expectancy of a dispensing hose depends on several factors, including frequency of use and exposure to the elements. Husky provides the following guidance for fueling hose:

• High volume locations: Hose replacement recommended every two years or less
• Average volume locations: Hose replacement recommended every five years
• Low volume locations: Hose replacement recommended every five to eight years

Nozzle Failure/Expiration

Inspectors commonly test fuel nozzles to ensure they interlock properly when the dispenser is pressurized. At self-service locations the nozzle must not open without pressurizing the hose. And the automatic shut-off feature must pass inspection by shutting off when fuel reaches the nozzle tip.
Daily nozzle inspections are also recommended under PEI/RP500-05 and will alert operators to issues well before inspectors arrive at your location.

• Nozzle spout tight, round, no cracks, no excessive wear
• Automatic shut-off hole open and in good condition
• Nozzle hold-open latch straight, moves freely, return spring operates smoothly
• Nozzle body and scuff guard clean, in good condition, warnings easily read. Valve stem clean and dry
• Nozzle hose connection clean and dry
• Swivel fitting clean, dry, and moves easily (if present)
• Any defects should be noted on the daily checklist form, with the nozzle, dispenser, or product placed Out of Service

Inspectors will issue a notice of violation when a nozzle fails to perform. For nozzles found in operation past the manufacturers’ expiration date, Missouri operators will be made aware by notation on the inspection form.