Fleet Fueling Safety Tips For Drivers

Protect Your People and Your Equipment While Keeping Fueling Operations Efficient

Filling up the gas tank may feel like one of the most routine parts of the job for your fleet drivers, but it’s also one of the most important moments to pay attention to safety. A small mistake—like leaving the engine running, walking away from the pump, or failing to spot a spill—can have serious consequences for you, your vehicle, and even the environment. Taking a few extra seconds to fuel up carefully helps prevent accidents, protects your company’s equipment, and keeps fueling operations running smoothly.

Here’s what to keep in mind:

Park and Prepare Safely

A lot of the rules are the same as for fueling up personal vehicles and passenger cars. Always turn the engine off, and don’t smoke or light a match nearby. Always set the parking brake and ensure the vehicle is in “Park.”

You should also practice caution when fueling in bad weather (ice, rain, extreme heat), and avoid standing water or slick surfaces around pumps.

Inspect Before You Pump

Be sure to check the fueling area for hazards, such as spills and loose hoses. Stay aware of other vehicles that might be turning or backing up, as well as for pedestrians. Check the nozzle and hose for damage. And always make sure you’re using the correct fuel type for your vehicle—while on- and off-road diesel will work in any diesel engine, the consequences of using the wrong fuel can lead to costly fines.

Handle Fuel Correctly

Stay by the vehicle while you’re fueling up. Don’t “top off” the tank when the nozzle clicks, and wipe up any drips or small spills. Report any leaking equipment immediately and notify your manager or the attendant of any larger spills.

Practice Spill and Fire Safety

Make sure everyone at your operation knows where emergency shut-off switches are located. Train any employees who work with fuel to know what to do if a spill occurs, and make sure everyone knows how to use spill kits and the locations of fire extinguishers.

After Fueling: Final Checks

When you’re done filling up, make sure you leave the pump and area is safe for the next person. Ensure the nozzle is returned properly to the pump to avoid tripping hazards. And, always double check that the fuel cap is replaced and secure.

The Bottom Line

Fleet fueling is a smart way to keep your trucks and equipment on the road and on the job while saving time and money. But it’s not an opportunity to cut corners when it comes to safety. Fueling is an “everyday job” but that doesn’t mean you can be careless. Make sure your drivers know the rules and follow them to protect your people, your equipment and the environment.

Bolkema has been a trusted partner of commercial fleet operators in northern New Jersey and Rockland County, New York, for years. Our commercial fuels team understands the importance of fleet fueling safety—after all, we operate our own fleet of delivery and service trucks and need to keep them on the road to serve our customers.

To learn more about our fleet fueling services, or for answers to safety questions, contact us today.