Skip to Content

Category Archives: Blogs

Staying Vigilant At Gas Pump Sanitation

It’s completely understandable that people are having second thoughts about going to a gas station for a gas pump where service attendants have been operating during the COVID-19 global pandemic. Just like door handles, hand railings, or elevator buttons, gasoline pumps have been touched by different service attendants over a short period of time. And just like most public places, there are some new rules in play.

To lighten the worriedness, the general public should know that c-stores and gasoline service stations are taking extraordinary measures to keep people safe while they visit these essential businesses.

But it all boils down to what we are doing in this situation. In order to flatten the curve and defeat the virus, we must all do our part.

 

Advice for Retailers

There are ways of solutions for cleaning and disinfecting high touch surfaces. However, some chemicals are too harsh and can damage fuel dispensers.

The preferred method that is easy to do is clean the dispenser with soap and water and disinfect it by wiping 70% isopropyl alcohol on the dispenser. Make sure to leave it on for at least 20 seconds and then rinse with water using a bucket and a sponge. Never use a sprayer or pressure washer.

On the alternative method, clean the dispenser with soap and water and disinfect it by wiping a bleach solution on the dispenser. Again, never use a sprayer or pressure washer.

To prepare a bleach solution:

  • 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water or
  • 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water
  •  If the bleach to water ratio is greater than this, damage to the dispenser may occur

 

Advice for Consumers

Operators are taking unprecedented steps to make their businesses safe for consumers. As for consumers, wearing a face mask and face shield is a must when going to gasoline stations or talking to service attendants, similar treatment to grocery stores, or any other establishments.

Same with retailers, consumers must have all the necessary disinfectant equipment to prevent containing the virus. Hand sanitizers, disinfectant wipes, and alcohol are mandatory at all times. Keeping the distance when talking to service attendants is important to practice.

 

It does highlight the critical role gasoline stations play and will continue to play in our global society. As we go back to our usual errands, following the ‘new normal’ situation, it will take time for us to get used by this practice. A simple reminder to keep in mind at all times: stay safe and stay healthy.

We at TOIC Solutions lets you start your own gasoline service station anytime within your needs and with the right precautionary. For top-quality fuel pumps and fuel dispensers, automatic tank gauge, and many more, we provide essentials for your gasoline service station. Head over to view our products and services or send us an email at info@toicsolutions.com.

0 0 Continue Reading →

What Do Gas Stations Look Like After COVID-19

During the COVID-19 pandemic, gasoline stations and convenience stores have not only proven essential but resilient in ways no one identified.

So many new rules have been implemented to safely serve customers. Some of those implementations are just temporary measures, but others will likely become permanent.

As soon as the lockdown status changes and the businesses reopen, owners and operators will be forced to consider what the ‘new normal’ looks like for all of the commerce – including gasoline service stations.

 

Future of business

Before the shutdown, gasoline service stations were as busy as ever, even convenience stores which most likely visited by car riders when pumping for gas. As the months go by and the virus starts spreading left and right, fuel customers never step outside of their cars or even open their windows only for payment methods.

Gasoline operators offer new ways to communicate with their customers at a distance. They use the opportunity to provide important messages or advertise services like delivery, curbside pick-up, drive-thru, or full service if you offer it.

With new normal comes new ways to earn for your business, or more likely get back to the operations to start earning again. Moreover, as the outbreak starts to decline in brand loyalty, gasoline operators can use dispensers to promote their apps and loyalty programs to capture new customers.

 

Safe fueling

Just like windshield squeegees and paper towels are staples on most service stations, operators may choose to make disinfectants like hand sanitizers and alcohol available as a permanent essential standard.

Also, increased cleaning cycles should also become a permanent practice for all retail fuel locations.

 

Contactless method

Contactless has always been a growing payment method even before as they explore updating ways to lessen contact but now it’s becoming a necessity within the store. Payment methods such as Tap-to-Pay, e-wallet payment will let customers not have to touch the PIN pad at all.

As well as in the case of printing receipts, customers can receive receipts through email or messages. This eliminates almost all person-to-person contact with customers.

When consumers know a business is up-to-date with payment options, they feel more comfortable and secure going to gasoline stations in the future.

 

Biggest gratitude will be given to all the people working on the front lines to keep this essential industry, and the world, moving as normally as possible. We know that whatever the future brings, you will be right there helping to fuel what’s next. And by fuel, we at TOIC Solutions offer the highest quality for your gasoline service stations. From our products such as fuel pumps and dispensers to our services offering tank testing and tank calibration, we provide you high-performance for your growing service station business, now and in the future. Contact us now!

0 0 Continue Reading →

Here’s Why You Should Invest In High Quality Gas Pumps

It is inevitable for every car owner not to drop by the gas station to fill up your car with gas. In our current situation today, the conversation between the customers and attendants should be kept in isolation to preserve from spreading the virus. Wearing of face masks and face shields still apply even inside the car and open windows only partially when talking to attendants. Especially now that there is an ongoing pandemic it is a must that we practice proper hygiene etiquette while at the gas station.

Many gasoline station attendants tend to grab the gas handle without sanitizing their hands first, the reason why gasoline pumps tend to be the dirtiest thing a person touches is that most gas pumps are contaminated with bacteria which can bring illness to people. According to a study as well, gas pumps have more than 11,000 times bacteria than the common toilet seat.

It is not just the consumers’ responsibility to have proper hygiene etiquette when going to the gasoline stations but it is very important for the gasoline stations to sanitize their facility as well.

To avoid getting in contact with germs at the gasoline stations it is best to always have a hand sanitizer ready, ensure that your door panel, center console, and even your bag has a sanitizer to clean your hands before and after getting in your car. You may also use disposable gloves to pump gas because wearing gloves prevents the risk of getting in contact with germs each time you pump up your gas. Also, remember to dispose of your gloves immediately after using it to prevent contamination, and don’t forget to sanitize hands right after. Keep payments as clean as possible, instead of cash opt for a card and other cashless payment systems, because cash is dirty and it can pass bacteria to other people.

It is very important for gasoline stations not to only clean their facility but to clean their mobile tank as well because fuels are susceptible to natural deterioration and microbes contribute to reducing the quality of the fuel. Also, contaminated fuel can corrode injector pumps which lead to incomplete combustion. TOIC solutions offer Tank Testing and Mobile Tank Cleaning which effectively removes all harmful sludge and other contaminants from the storage tanks which also extends the life and maintains the quality of the fuel.

It is essential to maintain the cleanliness of your gasoline station equipment to earn the trust of your consumers, but it also begins with the cleanliness of your fuel pumps and fuel dispensers to provide high-quality fuel. TOIC Solutions offers the best products and services to keep your service station equipment clean and sanitized. You may reach us through https://www.toicsolutions.com/contact/ for more information.

0 0 Continue Reading →

What Is An Automatic Tank Gauging System?

With Automatic Tank Gauging (ATG) technologies, heavy machine-like operators can manage their fuel stock prudently and minimize contamination. Moreover, how does ATG bring benefit to your gasoline station service?

To define what is Automatic Tank Gauging (ATG), a type of electronic device whose function is to monitor the level of a fuel tank over a period of time to know and see if the tank contains leakage. With this device, it can also tell the facility operator what is going on inside the tank such as fuel level, volume and temperature, water level and volume, and high and low fuel level warnings.

Like any other company that provides ATG, Gilbarco Veeder-Root offers TLS4 Automatic Tank Gauge System that monitors up to 6 probes and sensors, optional feature upgrades, and most importantly, Ethernet single network.

This device is a comprehensive inventory monitoring, wetstock management, and tank/sensor leak detection. Combining industry-leading algorithms with enhanced security, real-time notification, and anywhere, anytime access, the TLS4 keeps you in control of your fuel stocks. Designed for your gasoline service station for smooth and easy detection of future problems.

Through its benefits, the TLS4 Automatic Tank Gauge System has its enhanced performance – that combines inventory management and leak detection features into a versatile system for smaller petrol stations with unprecedented ease of use and accessibility.

Part of the TLS-4xx family, it is the next generation Tank Monitoring and Environmental Protection platform that fuel storage facility operators can rely on for many years to come. And with the modern touch of technology, it can monitor your site performance, receive real-time alerts, and access compliance data via web-enabled devices – anytime, anywhere.

As for data and security protection, it stores up to 3 years of data and protects it from power outages, battery replacements, or software upgrades. And customized user access, and Secure Socket Layer (SSL) web protection to keep your network safe.

Importantly, it is easy to access to software updates without technician visits and built-in Data Logger functionality that you can easily maximize the value of your investment through Gilbarco Veeder-Root’s managed service portfolio.

ATG systems form the backbone of the compromise process by guaranteeing that product losses are minimized, and that stocks are accounted for and settled by shift, day or even hourly if required.

When heavy machinery operators may no longer control the rising costs of fuel, ATG systems smoothly and efficiently manage and control the fuel stock supply chain. TOIC Solutions offers the best fuel tank monitoring systems to its clients. Backed by the most experienced provider of fuel tank monitoring systems in the world, Veeder-Root, TOIC is the exclusive supplier of Automatic Tank Gauging systems in the Philippines. For more information, visit our products and contact us here or call us at (02) 8243-5146 for your service station equipment needs. Your Inquiry, Our Service.

0 0 Continue Reading →

How To Pump Gas And Not Get Infected During Coronavirus Pandemic

In today’s pandemic situation, gas prices have been reaching its highest and lowest prices in the last two decades. With only private vehicles allowed to travel, who is brave enough to pump gas these days?

The coronavirus is rapidly spreading around from the smallest region to the biggest nation. Its virus could live anywhere from simple doorknobs to even a surface as grimy and inconsistently cleaned as the gas pump in your nearest gasoline stations.

But even before this pandemic crisis, according to a 2011 study by personal hygiene company Kimberly-Clark, the handles of gasoline pumps were found to be the filthiest of any surface out there. It comes to the fact that nobody cleans the things that you’re touching on a daily basis.

It’s a reality of life in a car-commuting corridor such as your nearest service station, a visit to your fuel pumps every week or two.

Since we are now in a pandemic situation, how do you do it safely knowing that coronavirus can live on surfaces for hours if not even days?

Here in our country, the attendants are the ones holding the nozzle and fill-up the var for our cars. In this case, making communication between the customer and the attendant is what we keep in mind. Wearing a face shield or a face mask when talking to service station attendants is your safest bet to ensure the virus is not passed from attendants to customers and vice versa. But for more safest tips, here are some reminders to always keep in mind:

  • Have disinfectant wipes ready whenever you receive your change or your card to simply wipe off the germs.
  • Isolate yourself from touching the keypad when entering payment information.
  • Use hand sanitizers or sprayed alcohol to clean your hands before and after you’re done and before going into your car.

Keep in mind to not only protect yourself from the gas pump, but also from the keypad. It’s a good idea to have a roll of paper towels, disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizers, and alcohol, or even a box of latex gloves in your trunk for those trips to the pump.

Gasoline service stations are one of the most visited service station businesses out there for your vehicle needs. Along with most visitors comes a lot of people touching those pumps every single day. For safer and cleaner equipment, TOIC Solutions offers high-quality fuel pumps and dispensers as we are the exclusive distributor of Gilbarco Veeder-Root in the country. Gilbarco Veeder-root is the global leader in fuel dispenser technology and integrated fueling solutions, from the forecourt to the c-store. To know more about our wide range of service station equipment, contact us for more information.

0 0 Continue Reading →

How To Keep Your Gas Station Clean And Attractive To Customers

Gone are the days when fuel customers limit their options to known gasoline brands. Today, gasoline customers are more open to trying other gasoline stations, with pricing, convenience, and safety as key considerations.

So, how can you make your gas station appealing to more customers?

When it comes to attracting customers, presentation is key. This brings in the importance of cleanliness and proper maintenance to impress and draw customers into your gasoline station.

Here are a few ways to keep your gasoline station clean, safe, and presentable for your clients:

 

Choose world-class quality fuel dispensers

Without a doubt, fuel pumps and dispensers are the focal points of any gasoline station business. Choosing the right fuel pumps can impact your gasoline station’s overall look, so it is essential to invest in high quality, reliable and visually attractive fuel pumps, and dispensers.

For world-class fuel pumps and dispensers, check out our products here. TOIC is the exclusive distributor of Gilbarco Veeder-Root in the Philippines, the global leader in fuel dispenser technology, and integrated fueling solutions.

 

Pay attention to your gas station’s appearance

Your fuel station’s appearance is the first thing that catches the drivers’ and potential customers’ attention. Ensure that the landscape is well-taken care of, the trash bin is not overflowing with garbage, and the driveway is free from any blockage.

Additionally, ensure that all manholes are covered and secure, not just for a clean look, but for your customer’s safety.

TOIC offers a wide range of manhole covers and fiberglass tank sumps. For a list of available products, click here.

 

Lighting Matters

Proper lighting is essential to brighten up your gas station and to ensure your customer’s safety, especially at night.

Choosing the right lighting for your gas station helps keep your customer secure and can also help drive attention to your gasoline station.

For a list of LED lighting designed to maximize light, and minimize cost, check out our products here.

 

When it comes to maintaining a successful gasoline station business, choosing the right equipment is key. TOIC Solutions offers innovative and advanced gas station products and solutions to help you achieve an efficient and profitable service station business.

To know more about our products and services, visit our website, or send us an email at info@toicsolutions.com or contact us at (02) 8243-5146.

0 0 Continue Reading →