Storage of Fuel
Posted on 31st August 2023 at 11:40
The storage of fuel on construction sites must be secured at all times, as all fuel is flammable and even combustible depending on the particular fuel substances and requirements needed for such a reaction.
Fuel on site can be flammable liquids, which can spill or leak out and could result in fires and Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapour Explosions, and flammable gases that can result in a confined or unconfined explosion.
All fuel must be kept away from all hot works or other activities that could introduce heat to the canisters and thus help to create a fire or explosion. This would include screens for hot works and keeping fuel away from cables which could result in electrical arcs in equipment. Bowsers and tanks are to be typically used for storage of plant fuel, with bowser to be sufficiently grounded so that there is no risk of an imbalance and toppling over, thus reducing the potential hazard of damage to the environment.
The location of fuel containers must be somewhere that does not feature much heat in the environment, especially away from activities that present risk. The temperature needs to be low enough for safe storage, such as storage units if fuel is being carried in jerry cans, which are smaller and easy to carry. Other materials in the storage unit would be considered as well in case of damaging or obstructing the containers, as well as ventilation, the level of dust and cleanliness, and the material of the area which could be affected by a fire caused by the fuel being set alight.
Drip trays present a means of security for fuel both in and out of internal storage areas. They allow for fuel to be contained should it spill out, such as from tanks and bowsers to in the confines of jerry cans in storage rooms toppled over or mishandled. This way, any potential damage to the environment will be mitigated.
Spill kits need to be placed in the vicinity of stored away fuel. With fuel bowsers and tanks, the spill kits must be next to them in the event of the substances spilling or leaking onto the ground for immediate use and sufficient handling.
What Can We Learn From This? – Toolbox Talk Details
• Fuel bowsers and tanks have to be properly positioned and maintained
• The location of fuel storage areas must be considered in the risk of a fire starting
• Spill kits and drip trays must be near to fuel cans, tanks and bowsers for immediate action to reduce risk of environmental damage
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Tagged as: Construction Safety, Construction Safety Consultancy, Fire Risks on construction sites, health and safety, Risk Assessment control measures
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