Pub. 3 2014-2015 Issue 3

24 San Diego Dealer • Metering Pump Failed: In one case themetering pump controlled by parts department to regulate the dispensing of oil failed, creating a backpressure that emptied out the entire oil tank on the shop floor and then some to the storm sewers. • Dispenser Came Off The Hose: The new dispenser and hoses installed did not have a tight fit and on a weekend the dispenser unit came off, resulting in emptying out the oil tank even though the compressor had been shut off. Oil spill damaged the lot and entered the storm sewers resulting in extensive cleanup and regulatory activity. • Pipe Leak: The pipes carrying the oil from the oil tanks to the shop burst resulting in the oil spill on the shop floor. Even though none was discharged to the storm sewers, there was significant product loss and cleanup activity not to mention productivity loss as the shop had to be shut down for a few days. In each of the cases, where oil had spilled to the storm sewers, extensive regulatory enforcement activity followed. Cleanup of the entire lot and service department had to be undertaken as well, along with the cleanup performed on the complete storm sewer system impacted by the oil spill. The price tag, in each of the cases was tens of thousand of dollars! SPCC Plan prepared by the dealership was also summoned by the federal-EPA and the dealership underwent rigorous questioning. The remedial measures to avoid such disasters are straightforward, easy and inexpensive to install as compared to the potential for an expensive and troublesome spill. 1. A $250 Solenoid Valve With Timer Will Shutoff Air To Dispensers During Non-Shop Hours: Place a solenoid valve with a timer in the air-line to the oil tank dispensers. With the help of a preset timer, the valve will automatically shut-off air to dispenser pump during non-shop hours thereby preventing any spills. Note, that leaks or spills in the shop area during shop hours are not an issue as they are detected immediately and addressed by the shop staff in a timely manner. Compressed air required by the detail staff or others will still be available even though air is not available to the dispenser pumps. 2. Training Employees To Shut Air To Dispensers By Hand Valve Is Not Effective: A hand-operated valve would do the same job E very so often, a dealership has a spill of oil/ATF from their bulk storage tanks on the floor of the shop area during after-hours or on a weekend. The leak source can be attributed to equipment failure as follows: Prevent Oil Spillsby Installing a Valve / Timer Device on Your Oil/ATF Tanks By Sam Celly, Celly Services, Inc.