DIESEL fuel was invented in the late 19th Century and has developed since that time into one of the cleanest and most efficient fuel sources available. Despite this, spillages may occur and they can be devastating to local rivers, plants, and groundwater flow, so careful storage and handling are required. Due to the efficiency of the diesel engine, the diesel itself, needs to be completely free of contamination in order to work at an optimum level, and that too brings added complications from a storing and handling point of view.
Although diesel is combustible, its flash point is very high, meaning that it will not ignite at room temperature, nevertheless, it is an explosive fuel so precautions need to be taken.
Here we will discuss how to store and handle diesel fuel in a safe manner.
Transportation
When transporting even small amounts of diesel it is important to follow some guidelines to ensure this is done as safely as possible. All containers should be transported in well-ventilated compartments and the containers must be secure to avoid the possibility of spillage, especially if using a roof rack or if they are on the back of a trailer. Caravans should be avoided at all costs as destabilization can occur and they can be dangerous in the event of a crash. If you are filling a home tank use a professional to do the job to reduce the chance of contamination or a spillage.
Safe handling
Diesel fuel can be handled safely by following some simple rules, the most obvious of which is to keep it well away from potential sources of ignition. Always fill a container on the ground, rather than on the back of a car or truck so that any possible static energy is discharged. You should also use your bare hands to safely discharge static from your body. Likewise, the nozzle of the pump should touch the container so that static charges related to refueling are also dissipated. Never fill tanks that have been exposed to direct sunlight and adhere to any filling station rules, such as ensuring your engine is turned off, and make sure you are not distracted by using your phone.
Storage equipment
If you want to store diesel for any amount of time then it is important that you take measures to ensure that it is free of contamination and also that it is safely stored, so the best method is via a drum or a tank, as diesel can safely be stored for up to a year. Tank sizes can vary from small portable 5 gallon cans that can be filled at the local gas station for 55-gallon drums or better still, larger permanent tanks. The larger tanks should be made of metal and can be stored above or below ground as conditions and regulations dictate. Ensure no pooling of water occurs on top of the tank as otherwise rust can occur or insect and bacterial growth can be encouraged, leading to possible contamination issues.
Tank guidelines
Always consult your local state website as there can be many local regulations that apply, however, there are sensible rules that you should still be aware of. For starters, the tank should have an Underwriters Listed (UL) stamp that shows it is approved for outside use and it should also be designated to handle flammable liquids. The larger the tank the better as this will minimize how many times it needs to be filled thereby reducing the opportunity for spills. You should also never fill your tank to capacity as you need to allow for the expansion of the diesel by heat. Common sense dictates that the diesel fuel storage tank should be at least 40 ft from any buildings or combustible materials to minimize the risk should an explosion occur, and no smoking signs should be prominently placed and naked flames absolutely prohibited. The tank should be labeled as a flammable storage facility and fire extinguishers should be placed in a clearly visible spot alongside the tanks.
What should I do if there is a spillage?
If you have taken the precautions mentioned above you will already have minimized the possibility of a spill, however, it is still sensible to be prepared for any eventuality as diesel both stains and smells, and is also a contaminant to wildlife. You should always have a product to hand that can be applied to envelop the spill that creates microencapsulation which in turn neutralizes the pH level of the diesel, thereby eliminating the smell and any staining. You can now wash the area with water as often as necessary as the harmful properties of the diesel have been eliminated. You should not just flush a raw diesel spillage with water until after you have treated the spill, otherwise, the runoff will contaminate the ground. All diesel spills, no matter how small, should also be reported to the local authorities. This is important to ensure that any mistakes are learned from, and if necessary additional precautions can be put in place.
Training
It is vitally important that all employees that come into contact with diesel understand the processes involved when handling and transporting the fuel. Not only will this help to prevent any accidents, but if there are any, they will be well placed to deal with a spillage or an ignition in the appropriate manner. You should hold safety briefings on a monthly basis whereby the necessary steps are explained if there is a spill, and which authorities to inform in the event.
Storing and handling diesel fuel need not be complicated if you follow this comprehensive guide. Transportation should be handled using approved containers in well-ventilated areas, and storage should be done in appropriate tanks away from buildings and possible sources of ignition. Always remember that safety is paramount, so ensure there is proper training and that all health and safety regulations are complied with, and also that all facilities are inspected on a regular basis to minimize wear and tear. If you ensure you are covered for any eventuality with the relevant safety and clear up equipment, you should be able to store and handle diesel for years to come without any hassle.
