Must have fuel storage safety tips
If your business uses substantial quantities of diesel or other fuel, having an on-site fuel storage facility makes perfect sense. It saves you time by not having to regularly travel to and fill up at gas stations and facilitates bulk fuel purchasing which can lead to significant fuel savings. Having fuel stored on-site however comes with its own costs and sets of challenges, including safety. Our latest article considers the must have fuel storage safety tips for storing fuel on-site.
To have a fuel storage facility on site you must follow certain regulations due to the fact that it is a combustible or flammable liquid and regular maintenance will be required to ensure fuel is safe from contamination and moisture. Above ground fuel tanks are popular for bulk fuel storage. Their popularity stems from the fact they are easy to refill, access, relocate and maintain. The potential downside of these tanks includes they take up land space and they need to be monitored for environmental degradation and damage from vehicles. Regular monitoring of tanks, good positioning and adequate lighting and choosing premium quality Australian made tanks can negate these issues, with the benefits far outweighing any cons.
So you’ve decided to go ahead with a fuel tank, what safety concerns should you consider before you purchase and install
Position of bulk fuel storage tanks
Tanks should be situated on level ground, away from combustible materials and in a location that offers easy access for refuelling and maintenance
To help limit the level of heat from solar radiation, tanks where possible should be placed in an east-west orientation.
Tanks should be placed away from sites where ignition or high cutting activities occur.
Construction of fuel storage tanks to maximise safety
Fuel storage tanks should be built in accordance with Australian Standard AS1940 Tanks for Flammable and Combustible Liquids.
Tanks need to be strong and have no cracks or weaknesses that can lead to leakage and contamination.
Tanks that have a filter at the inlet help prevent contamination from water, microbes or other sources, keeping fuel at its best.
Dispenser hoses need to be industry standards and fitted with a trigger valve dispensing nozzle and should be capable of dissipating any static electricity that can be formulated during the dispensing process.
Isolation valves are essential and should sit between the outlet and the hose and pumps should be approved for use with the specified fuel.
Relief valves or vents should also form part of the tank build which cater for pressure changes as a result of the fullness of the tank and fluctuating external temperatures.
Storage tanks should be lockable to prevent fuel theft, access from unauthorised individuals and to prevent contamination.
All tanks should have a measuring tool fitted such as a liquid level gauge that shows depth and indicates maximum safe fill level so tanks are not filled beyond safe capacity.
Safety Signage
Tanks should have clear signage indicating the contents of the tank and the associated hazards
Environmental Contamination
To prevent the possibility of environmental contamination, tanks ideally should be double walled which prevents against unwanted leakage of fuel into the ground. Double walled tanks are known as self bunded fuel tanks and offer greater environmental protection than single walled tanks.
Having a double wall protects the inner tank from weather elements and punctures or ruptures.
Maintenance
As with all equipment, fuel tanks require regular checks to ensure they are operating correctly and to identify any signs of degradation, corrosion or damage. Monthly inspections should form a regular part of a maintenance routine.
How Durotank can help
Durotank offers a wide range of premium quality on-site fuel storage solutions, including bulk fuel storage tanks from 250L – 100,000L sizes. Our solutions are 100% Australian designed and made and come with a wide array of features to maximise the safety of your fuel storage. Built to AS1940 standards means you can be assured of premium quality, long-lasting tanks Get in touch with our friendly team to find out more on 1300 829 802.
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