ATG Remote Alarm Monitoring:The Good, the Bad
and the Ugly
Regulations from state authorities and the EPA require continuous monitoring of Automatic Tank Gauge (ATG) alarms. This relies on gas station personnel responding to on-site alarms when they occur, but frequently this doesn't happen due to ignorance, too many alarms, false alarms or other priorities. However, alarms are meant to signal that something is wrong and they should be checked.
The Good
Reliable Backup: Remote Alarm Monitoring provides a valuable backup system, ensuring someone is alerted even if no one is present at the gas station.
Improved Response Times: Remote monitoring services can react quicker than relying on a gas station attendant.
The Bad
Monitoring Frequency: The effectiveness of remote monitoring relies on the frequency of checks.
Leakage Risks: Depending on the monitoring frequency, significant fuel leaks or water contamination could occur between checks.
The Ugly
Truth in Monitoring: Will your monitoring service actually tell you truthfully how often they monitor for alarms? It's crucial to verify how often your remote monitoring service actually checks for alarms. A service such as Kachoolie checks every minute, others check less frequently, once an hour or even once a day. You may have to pay extra to get more frequent alarm updates.
Ultimate Responsibility: The owner/operator of the gas station ultimately bears the legal responsibility for any missed alarms or delayed responses.
Regulations and Remote Monitoring: Current regulations for continuous monitoring haven't yet fully addressed the nuances of remote monitoring systems.
Unattended Stations: The owner/operator remains liable for incidents even if they occur during closure or unattended hours.
The Takeaway: Don't Be Caught Out
Before investing in remote alarm monitoring, ensure it meets your expectations. Choose a reliable service with transparent monitoring practices and frequent enough checks to minimize risks. Remember, remote monitoring is a valuable tool, but it shouldn't replace the importance of a well-maintained ATG system with clear procedures for on-site personnel:
Investigate Regulations: Investigate if there are regulations specific to your area regarding remote monitoring and its compliance with continuous monitoring requirements.
Verify Monitoring: Check if your remote alarm monitoring backup does what you expect. Don't let your monitoring become a lifeboat that only works in calm weather – ensure it's a reliable lifeline in any storm.