The Importance of Bunded Fuel Tanks for Improving the Safety of Your Fleet
Fleet managers must ensure that the fuel management systems used in their business are efficient, cost-effective, and, most importantly, safe. Fuel leakages can cause significant problems for a business, both financially and in terms of environmental impact. That’s why it is crucial to have a system that fleet managers can rely on, such as bunded fuel tanks.
Bunded fuel tanks are just one of many fuel management systems we supply here at Fueltek, and they offer numerous benefits for businesses looking to improve the security of their operations. In this blog, we’ll explore what bunded fuel tanks are, how they help prevent dangerous fuel spills, and the additional benefits they offer for safety and the environment.
What is a Bunded Fuel Tank?
A bunded fuel tank is a double-walled storage tank, which essentially means that it’s a tank within a tank. The outer protective layer around the inner fuel tank serves as a barrier that captures fuel in the event of a leak or spill, ensuring that no liquids escape into the surrounding environment. Within Fueltek bunded fuel tanks, the outer tank can hold 110% of the inner tank’s contents, creating a water-tight seal.
Our bunded fuel tanks can be customised into any shape, size, and colour, and may include partitions to separate diesel and gas oil within the same unit. These tanks are constructed from high-grade mild steel, enabling them to withstand external pressures and exposure to harsh weather conditions. This makes them ideal for safely storing fuel on-site, whether for vehicles, machinery, or other industrial equipment.
Preventing Dangerous Spills
One primary benefit of bunded fuel tanks is their ability to prevent dangerous fuel spills. Fuel spills are a big risk when managing a fleet and can occur when refuelling or conducting tank maintenance. They can also occur because of gradual wear and tear on the tank itself. Without proper containment, even a small spill can have serious consequences, including fire hazards, costly cleanup, and environmental pollution.
Bunded fuel tanks offer a solution to this problem. By containing any potential spills to the bunded area, these tanks help to prevent fuel from leaking into the surrounding environment. In addition to the outer layer, bunded fuel tanks can offer other safety measures that help with fuel security. This includes a tank gauge that indicates how much fuel is left and whether the tank needs to be refilled, a lockable fill point that aims to prevent theft, a fuel inspection hatch to allow for easy access, and a warning system for any sudden drops in fuel levels.
Environmental Benefits
Just as fleet managers need to keep their fuel safe for the safety of their employees and financial reasons, bunded fuel tanks can also help minimise fleets’ impact on the environment. A fuel leak can significantly harm the environment and cause long-term damage to ecosystems.
The double lining of a bunded fuel tank helps keep toxic chemicals out of the environment, protecting natural habitats. This contributes to a business’s sustainability goals and ensures compliance with all necessary environmental regulations. For example, the Guidance for Pollution Prevention notes that diesel fuel must be stored in containers that are strong enough and have the necessary structural integrity for their contents.
Additional Benefits
Aside from preventing spills and helping to protect the environment, bunded fuel tanks offer other advantages for fleet managers. For instance, bunded fuel tanks are sturdy and reliable storage systems, making them a long-term investment that should help you save on maintenance or replacement costs in the future.
These tanks are also designed to be secure and tamper-proof, making them an excellent option where fuel theft might be a concern. Fuel theft can be incredibly costly for a business, and the double layer of protection in these tanks makes it more difficult to steal the contents. Additionally, bunded tanks help streamline the fuel management process by consolidating all your fuel into one secure location. These tanks can be transported from site to site, depending on your needs, which is ideal for businesses that may require relocating their fuel access for various reasons.
Bunded fuel tanks are essential in improving the safety and efficiency of fleet management. By providing an additional layer of protection against fuel spills and leaks, bunded fuel tanks help to ensure the responsible storage of fuel. Our bunded fuel tanks cooperate with our Tank watch online system, helping to identify any unanticipated movements of fuel. To get started on your bunded fuel tank journey, please reach out to us today, and a member of our expert team can assist you with your request.
