BILL REQ. #:  H-3846.1 

Read first time 01/14/2004.   Referred to Committee on Commerce & Labor.

     AN ACT Relating to safe operation of unattended service stations; and adding a new section to chapter 48.48 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to chapter 48.48 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) The legislature finds that providing for public health and safety, minimizing opportunities for terrorism and other crimes, and ensuring the security of the state's residents are among the most essential services of state government. The legislature intends to ensure the safe operation of unattended service stations, and thereby, reduce the risk of terrorism and crime, and better protect the health and safety of state residents.
     (2) The Washington state patrol, in consultation with the state fire protection policy board and the director of fire protection, shall adopt permanent rules to ensure the safe operation of unattended gasoline service stations.
     (3) These rules shall require, at a minimum, that:
     (a) Unattended service stations not offer gasoline or other motor fuel for sale to the public;
     (b) An unattended service station must comply with all applicable provisions of the NFPA 30, flammable and combustible liquids code, published by the national fire protection association; NFPA 30A, automotive and marine service station code, published by the national fire protection association; and the international fire code, adopted pursuant to RCW 19.27.031;
     (c) All accounts with unattended service stations must be with business entities licensed in Washington or another state;
     (d) All accounts with unattended service stations must be for a minimum volume of three hundred gallons per month for a minimum fleet of four vehicles, not including employee vehicles;
     (e) Fuel dispensing areas must have photocell lighting for personnel safety and safe equipment operation;
     (f) Telephones with 911 access must be accessible from pump dispensers; and
     (g) Fuel dispensing areas must be clearly posted with emergency telephone numbers, the service station operator's telephone numbers, and the address of the service station to report malfunctioning equipment.
     (4) These rules must take effect by January 1, 2005.