Oregon allows gas stations to adopt self-service for the near future due to COVID-19

The Office of the State Fire Marshal announced a new temporary rule that allows for self-service at gas stations in the state. KDRV

SALEM, Ore. — People in Oregon may be able to pump their own gas for at least the next two weeks due to a temporary rule change by the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

The FIre Marshal’s office said that it would “suspend enforcement” of self-service regulations until at least April 11.

“During this unprecedented time of state emergency, we need to ensure that critical supply lines for fuels and other basic services remain uninterrupted,” said State Fire Marshal Jim Walker.

The temporary change is still up to gas station owners as to whether they decided to follow suit. Self-service is not mandatory, but it is an option.

Instructions should be posted at the pump for people who don’t know how to pump their own gas, the FIre Marshal’s office said:

“The Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM), in partnership with the Oregon Health Authority, produced a flyer that operators may post at dispensers. The flyer provides safety instructions for the dispensing of gasoline, general operating instructions, and measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19.”

Gas stations can offer self-service without an attendant only if they have the proper instructions posted, have documentation that there is a good reason for having no attendant on-site, and the hours of unattended operation don’t go over 10 hours in a row.

While the rule change is currently effective through April 11, the Fire Marshal’s office said it would continue to evaluate the need for an extension over the next two weeks.

Gas station owners are required to “implement sanitation measures when an attendant is present” on-site. Gas stations are not required to provide gloves, however.

“OSFM does not intend to actively monitor retail service stations for compliance. However, if our office receives information that a station may not be following the rules, we will reach out to them to provide education to assist them,” the agency said.