Increasing 'Self Gas Stations'... Seoul Fire Department Implements Strengthened Fire Safety Management Measures

65% Increase in Self-Service Gas Stations Since 2018... 257 Locations Operating as of End of September

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] The Seoul Fire and Disaster Headquarters announced on the 12th that it will implement strengthened safety management measures for self-service gas stations to prevent large-scale fires during the winter season.

According to the Seoul Fire and Disaster Headquarters, the number of self-service gas stations increased from 156 in 2018 to 257 as of the end of September this year, marking a 64.7% increase during that period. In contrast, the number of conventional gas stations decreased by 192 locations (39.6%). Additionally, the proportion of self-service gas stations among all gas stations rose annually from 24.3% in 2018 to 46.7% in 2022.

Accordingly, the Seoul Fire and Disaster Headquarters will conduct unannounced safety inspections targeting self-service gas stations across Seoul until the end of November as a proactive fire prevention measure during winter. The inspections will be carried out by joint inspection teams composed of personnel from the Fire and Disaster Headquarters and frontline fire stations, conducting surprise fire safety checks.

Through this inspection, special focus will be placed on verifying whether safety managers are on duty during time periods when safety management is particularly vulnerable. ▲Compliance with hazardous materials storage and handling standards ▲Compliance with self-service gas station installation standards ▲Appointment and actual working status of hazardous materials safety managers will also be checked.

Furthermore, the Fire and Disaster Headquarters will produce and distribute promotional videos to prevent safety accidents and provide continuous practical training for safety managers. According to the Hazardous Materials Safety Control Act, safety managers at self-service gas stations must oversee and manage the safe handling of hazardous materials, and violations may result in fines of up to 10 million KRW.

Choi Tae-young, head of the Seoul Fire and Disaster Headquarters, stated, “Meticulous fire safety management is necessary for the increasing number of self-service gas stations,” adding, “We will ensure thorough accident prevention by promoting proactive fire safety measures and strengthening publicity.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.