April 13, 2020 3:20 a.m.
The Office of State Fire Marshall is extending a temporary rules change that allows gas stations to provide self-service on a voluntary basis, in order to address shortages of workers experienced by gas retailers statewide.
The rules change was first announced March 28th and was originally set to expire last Saturday. It has now been extended to April 25th by State Fire Marshall Jim Walker.
Walker said the changes provide station operators flexibility to manage their operations and help to make refueling safer for both customers and service station attendants, while keeping stations open at a critical time when COVID-19 is impacting gas retailers who serve the many essential workers statewide.
A release said attendants will continue to sanitize equipment and fuel nozzles and continue to help customers with their refueling as needed. It said self-service is not mandatory, but having it as an option allows some gas stations to continue their operations with less staff.