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Petrol Attendant Course

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  1. Chapter 1: Fuel Dispensing Operations
    3 Topics
    |
    1 Quiz
  2. Chapter 2: Basic Vehicle Maintenance Checks
    3 Topics
    |
    1 Quiz
  3. Chapter 3: Forecourt Housekeeping
    3 Topics
    |
    1 Quiz
  4. Chapter 4: Receiving Stock
    2 Topics
    |
    1 Quiz
  5. Chapter 5: Recording Transactions and Processing Payments
    4 Topics
    |
    1 Quiz
  6. Chapter 6: Interact with Customers
    4 Topics
    |
    1 Quiz
  7. Chapter 7: Shift Procedures and Reporting
    4 Topics
    |
    1 Quiz

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    🎯 Learning Outcomes

    By the end of this topic you will be able to:

    • Count cash accurately and give correct change.
    • Identify counterfeit notes using security features.
    • Follow safe cash handling procedures to prevent theft and discrepancies.
    • Apply the correct response when threatened during a cash-related crime.

    The Importance of Accurate Cash Handling

    Cash handling errors — even small ones — accumulate quickly. A R10 mistake per transaction adds up to hundreds of rands lost over a shift. As a petrol attendant, you are accountable for every transaction you process.

    Counting Cash and Giving Change

    Golden Rules for Cash Handling

    1. Count the cash in front of the customer — never put it in the till before confirming the amount.
    2. Announce the amount received: “I have R200.”
    3. Place the note on top of the till (not inside) until change has been given.
    4. Count change back to the customer starting from the transaction total: “Your fuel was R180, so that’s R10, R20 — R200.”
    5. Put the note in the till only after change has been handed over and confirmed.
    6. Never leave cash lying on the counter exposed — secure it in the till immediately.

    Identifying Counterfeit Notes

    South African Reserve Bank (SARB) banknotes have multiple security features. Check any suspicious note using the “Feel, Tilt, Hold” method:

    CheckWhat to Look / Feel For
    FeelGenuine notes have raised print (intaglio printing) — you can feel the texture of the ink with your fingertips. Fake notes feel flat and smooth.
    TiltTilt the note — a colour-shifting security thread and the denomination numeral change colour (e.g. gold to green). Fakes don’t have this.
    Hold to lightHold up to a light source — the watermark image of Nelson Mandela and the security thread become visible. Fakes lack a genuine watermark.
    UV light checkUnder ultraviolet light, genuine notes show fluorescent patterns and serial numbers. Many stations have UV torches for this purpose.

    What to Do if You Receive a Suspected Fake Note

    1. Do not accuse the customer directly — remain calm and professional.
    2. Say: “I’m sorry, I need to check this note — it’s our standard procedure.”
    3. Use the UV torch or pen tester if available.
    4. If confirmed fake — do not return the note. Call your supervisor immediately.
    5. Note the customer’s description and vehicle details if possible — this is a police matter.

    Safe Cash Handling Practices

    • Cash drops — when your till reaches a certain amount, perform a cash drop to the safe. Do not accumulate large amounts of cash in the till.
    • Float management — start every shift with a set float amount. Count the float at the beginning and end of each shift.
    • Never lend cash from the till or use it for personal purchases.
    • Never share your till password with another employee.
    • Always get a supervisor to witness large cash transactions or corrections.
    • Report any till discrepancies (over/short) immediately — do not attempt to balance it yourself.

    Security and Personal Safety

    🚨 If You Are Threatened (Robbery / Armed Robbery)

    • Your life is worth more than any amount of money — always comply with the demands.
    • Do not resist, argue or provoke the perpetrator.
    • As soon as it is safe to do so, activate the panic button / alarm if available.
    • Call 10111 (SAPS) or 10177 (ambulance) immediately after the perpetrators have left.
    • Preserve the scene — do not touch anything the perpetrators may have handled.
    • Note descriptions: clothing, height, build, vehicle, direction of travel.
    • Support your colleagues — trauma is real; report the incident and access counselling if needed.

    Key Terms

    TermDefinition
    FloatA set amount of cash placed in the till at the start of a shift to enable giving change.
    Cash dropThe process of removing excess cash from the till and depositing it into the station safe during a shift.
    Intaglio printingA high-pressure printing technique that leaves raised ink on banknotes — a key security feature.
    Till short / overWhen the actual cash in the till is less than (short) or more than (over) the system-recorded amount.
    ✅ Quick Knowledge Check

    1. What is the “Feel, Tilt, Hold” method used for?
    2. Why should you place a note on top of the till rather than inside it before giving change?
    3. What is the first priority if you are threatened during a robbery?

    📚 Additional Resources

    📖 Further Reading

    🎬 Watch: Cash Handling & Making Change as a Cashier

    This video demonstrates accurate cash counting, making correct change, and the key steps for safe cash handling at a till.

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