Caught on Video: Fuel Pump Drive-Away Disaster Prevention

Cameras are everywhere these days. And they capture images that can be at once common, unusual and potentially frightening. Take for example videos showing vehicles driving away from fuel pumps with nozzles still in the tank. They can illustrate the point that drive-offs happen more often than one might think. They also help show the importance of break-away devices that keep these incidents from becoming huge problem.

We pulled just a few examples from the internet to show what can happen. An article some time ago in the New York Times figured the incidents happen about once per month at any given station.

Importance of Safe-T-Breaks

In each of these examples, a break-away device on the fuel hose in all probability prevented a lot more damage or injury than would have been the case otherwise. These devices allow the fuel hose  to break in two sections when adequate pull force is applied, while dual check valves keep the fuel from leaking and creating a hazard. After a drive-away occurs and if there’s no damage to the dispenser, fuel marketers are then able to reattach (or replace) the breakaway device and get back in operation as quickly as possible.

 
When these devices are installed correctly and working properly, fuel dispensing outlets can resume operations quickly with a minimal disruption to their facilities and their cash flow. Husky Corporation offers a full selection of Safe-T-Breaks that have passed demanding UL test requirements on separations without leaking or failing. The varieties range from conventional Safe-T-Breaks to the MagBreak, which utilizes magnetic technology for rapid re-connection.

Installation and re-connection of a Husky Safe-T-Break is demonstrated in this short video, which is among the most viewed on the company's YouTube channel.

When the inevitable drive-away happens, make sure your operation is equipped with the best. Check  out the many break-away device options from Husky Corporation at the company's web page http://www.husky.com/husky/safe-t-breaks/husky-standard-stb/.