Replacing fuel filters is a fairly simple activity, but as everything involving work around your dispensers and flammable materials it needs to be done with very specific safety rules. Following is a video produced by the Petroleum Equipment Institute (PEI, www.pei.org) highlighting what you need to do and avoid when servicing your dispensers and specifically, replacing filters. 

   In a nutshell, you should:

• Disable the dispenser you will be working on by turning off power (lock out, tag-out procedure) and trip the shear valve at the base of the dispenser.
• Relieve pressure in the system by opening the nozzle and letting remaining fuel out into an approved container
• Have a fire extinguisher at hand, all the time
• Use approved materials and containers to catch spills, specially when removing old filter
• Have a new filter at hand immediately after removing the old filter
• Perform a leak test after installing new filter

    Now, what you SHOULD NOT do:

• Do not attempt to change the filter while the dispenser is operational
• Do not assume the power is off
• Do not assume the emergency valve (shear valve) is closed
• Do not attempt to change a filter while other dispensers of the same product are running
• Do not allow fueling to take place in the immediate vicinity
• Do not change filters while electrical junction boxes are open
• Do not empty the old filter into the dispenser's sump
• Do not over-tighten the new filter
• Do not turn the dispenser on while the filter is absent