Why is Correct Fuel Storage So Important?
There is a lot to consider when thinking about safe fuel storage. Here at Fueltek, we have a wealth of experience in providing complete fuel management systems and have a comprehensive range of equipment to suit most budgets and specifications.
There are many benefits to having an on-site fuel management system, such as cost-efficiency, fewer fuel discrepancies, and reduced fuel theft incidences. In this blog, we will discuss why it is important to ensure your company’s fuel is stored safely and securely.
Adhering to Government Legislation
Fuel is a dangerous substance, so you must take the correct measures to store it safely. It is a highly flammable liquid that can give off vapours that have the potential to cause serious harm. Therefore It is extremely important to ensure all fuel is stored away from naked flames, ignition points, electrical sparks or similar hazards.
Due to the risks associated with storing fuel safely, The Petroleum (Consolidation) Regulations 2014 (PCR) came into force on 1 October 2014 for workplaces that store petrol or dispense it directly into the tank of a vehicle with an internal combustion engine. This includes retail and non-retail petrol filling stations, non-workplace premises storing petrol, private homes and clubs/associations (or similar). It’s important to note that the safe storage of gasoline used in the workplace is also covered by the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR).
Keeping Employees Safe
Liquid fuels like petrol and diesel are toxic. To prevent major accidents and guarantee the health and safety of your employees, you must adhere to the above government guidelines on storing petrol safely. In addition to this, you must supervise all deliveries to your site, including refuelling operations and ensure to only refuel in a contained area away from water sources and surface water drains.
All containers and storage tanks must be labelled with their storage capacity and contents. You are responsible for regularly inspecting bunds and storage containers for your staff’s safety and wellbeing.
Your tank will benefit from an annual inspection. Maintenance should also take place regularly. Following heavy rainfall or cold weather, you should check for any cracks, leaking or water ingress.
You should clean up spills immediately with sand or other absorbent materials. Staff should be fully trained on the correct protocol for leaks and spills, so they know where safety equipment is stored and what to do in case of an incident.
You can reduce the risk of harm to wildlife and local water streams by only using the amount of oil you require to fill the tank. While it can be tempting to buy fuel in bulk, you can leave yourself open to maintenance issues in the future if your tank suffers leakage due to an overflow of fuel.
Preventing Fuel Theft
There are many ways to prevent fuel theft that can deter criminals. By having your system installed correctly by our team of experts, we can ensure it is set up in the best location for both preventative theft and physical security measures.
You can also prevent theft by regularly inspecting your fuel tank’s test systems, locks, and hatch. Frequent inspections for damage, rust, wear-and-tear can prevent minor issues from becoming a potential theft hazard.
The best way to prepare for an unexpected theft is prevention, and we would always recommend CCTV, reinforced security fences, alarms and security lighting as standard. For more information on this topic, take a look at our blog What is Fuel Theft, and How Do We Prevent It?
We hope you found the information in this blog helpful. Fuel management systems are the most accurate way to keep track of your fuel stock. If you become the victim of fuel theft, the system will provide the data you need to identify whether that discrepancy has come from within your company or elsewhere.
We can provide you with Fuel Storage Tanks and Bunded Fuel Tanks, so if you want more information on how FuelTek’s fuel management systems can help your business, speak to one of our experts today.
We hope you found the information in this blog helpful. Fuel management systems are the most accurate way to keep track of your fuel stock. If you become the victim of fuel theft, the system will provide the data you need to identify whether that discrepancy has come from within your company or elsewhere.
We can provide you with Fuel Storage Tanks and Bunded Fuel Tanks, so if you want more information on how FuelTek’s fuel management systems can help your business, speak to one of our experts today.
