Above-ground fuel tanks can offer great benefits to businesses. If your organization requires frequest fueling of company vehicles, construction vehicles, law mowing equipment and power tools, above ground fuel tanks can present significant loss exposures by reducing fires, explosions, pollution and theft. If your company or business has an above-ground fuel tank or is considering installing one, here are some requirements you’ll need to consider.
Where Possible, Choose a Double Walled Tank
Double walled tanks are much preferred over single wall tanks for use above ground. The reasoning behind this is that if there’s a leak, leak detectors between the inner and outer walls will initiate an audible or visual alarm but still contain the fuel from escaping completely. The exterior tank protects the interior tank from the weather elements and puncture risks as well.
Single wall tanks are still acceptable in most areas but they are certainly more susceptible to things like corrosion and leaks than double walled tanks. Typically, single wall tanks are required to be in a diked area that will contain 110% of the largest tank’s capacity to be in compliance with NFPA30. The diked area consists of concrete containment that retains fuel to a depth greater than one inch. These containment devices should be inspected at least monthly to identify and correct potential issues like crakes, leaks, punctures and rain water. Standing rain water causes issues because it decreases the volume of released fuel that the diked area can retain and removal procedures for the rain water must be implemented.
Additional Fuel Tank Requirements
- Visible labels indicating the contents and associated hazards.
- Labels should include hazard warnings, material stored within the tank, storage capacity, and tank ID number.
- Flammable = “No Smoking” signs posted in both English and Spanish.
- Monthly inspections of storage tanks for leaks, corrosion, and other damage.
- Documentation of inspections should be kept for three years, based on federal law.
- Deficiencies noted during monthly inspections must be corrected as soon as possible.
- OSHA 1910.106 (b)(2)(ii)(a) requires a minimum separation of three feet for flammable storage tanks.
- Tanks should not be closer than 25 feet from any building, per best practice recommendations followed by West Bend Insurance Company.
- Prevention of fuel spills and leaks is the most important management tactic in minimizing pollution liability.
- Barriers must be installed to protect the tank. Barriers can include piping, wood framing, concrete pillars, and/or concrete wheel stops. Curbing can be used for controlling vehicle placement near tanks. Pipe bollards are commonly installed around fuel tanks.
Some physical requirements for each compliant tank include:
- Secondary containment
- Overfill protection
- Leak detection
- Standard and emergency vent
- Liquid level gauge (clock type is preferred)
- Adequate lighting (for nighttime detection of leaks)
- Spill kit
Along with these requirements, you should check your local fire fuels and regulations, as well as any rules and regulations the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and your local Department of Natural Resources ( DNR) may have in place.
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If your company or business is interested in installing above ground fuel tanks, feel free to reach out to our team for support!