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Posted By artisdeeian
Understanding the technical terms regarding the types of oil tanks, dimensions and percentage for bund wall containment. I am asking the question on storing diesel fuel inside a building for security purposes. in an area with high theft and break ins. I have not yet seen any specific instruction saying the tank must not be inside the building. the capacity wil be approx 5000lts. with all the relevant requirements. Does anyone have any advice on this.
Regards Ian.
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Posted By Dave Adams MIOSH
the Oil storage regs are not really useful here. These regs do not apply to indoor storage so effectively you could store this in an old tin bath!
However, other guidance does apply. See The Storage of Flammable Liquids in Tanks HSG 176.
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Posted By David A Jones
There is no reason the tank can't be 'indoors'.
However, I would suggest that the fill point is external (inside a locked cabinet for security purposes) and that the tank vents discharge outside the building.
You could also consider the use of a pallisade fence compound rather than a building.
There are plently of other solutions to this type of problem that I've seen or used.
Whatever you do, don't forget the need to be able to inspect and maintain the tank (s) safely and the provision of good access and egress especially fro emergencies
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Posted By MichaelM
Have you considered the requirement of a Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmosphere Regulations risk assessment? This may show the suggestion to be too risky inless controls are adopted.
Michael
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Posted By Alan Hoskins
DSEAR does not apply to diesel oil stored at normal temperatures.
Alan
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Posted By MichaelM
Did anyone say it was going to be stored at normal temperatures?
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Posted By Alias
Alan's comments peaked my interest, can I ask why diesel isn't covered under DSEAR just so I can understand?
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Posted By Dave Adams MIOSH
It is stated in the guidance bit of DSEAR ACOP (paragraph 50 & 51) that
'Secondly, the Regulations may apply because of the way a substance or
preparation is used or present. For example, diesel oil is not classified as
flammable under CHIP. Nevertheless, its physical properties are such that
when heated to a high temperature it can present a fire risk. If there was such
a process in the employer's premises then DSEAR applies.
The key point is that it is not only the substance's fundamental physical
or chemical properties, but also the way the substance or preparation is
used/processed or present that determines whether DSEAR applies. If, in the
above example, diesel was present on the premises but was only in store, then
DSEAR would not apply to that storage activity because it is likely to be
stored below its flashpoint.'
This kind of thing is only meant to be a for instance. As I mentioned before other factors still apply like the principles of VICES in HSG 51, 71 and 176. In my way of thinking you need to justify that these materials will not be involved in a fire caused elsewhere - reasonably practicable, etc, etc.
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Posted By David A Jones
Whilst disel just sitting in a tank at ambient temperature nad pressure is not considered a 'flammable' due consideration must be given to the tank filling process.
With some designs, during filling a fine mist of diesel is created in the vapour space of the tank which can discharge through the tank vent. This mist if flammable and can lead to explosion in the event of ignition.
For this reason it is usual to zone the various areas in and around the tank when conducting a hazardous area classification
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Posted By Alias
Thanks chaps, we have a diesel storage facility here, and the tanker just attaches its nozzle to the top of the tank and pumps the diesel in, I had been concerned about the vapour in the top of the tank being flammable/explosive but wasn't sure if it would be. Don't really know what we could do to make that any safe though other than fill the tank to capacity to stop that free air area.
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Posted By MichaelM
Alias
Is it earthed to stop static buildup and possible sparks which could ignite the vapour phase?
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Posted By Alias
It is yes :)
Emma.
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Posted By Derek Pratt
Diesel oil mist from a vent at ambient temperature won't ignite, which is why it's not classed as flammable. It needs to be heated above its flashpoint, typically >50C/125F. The wick effect from spillage onto paper, cardboard, fabric, etc.can facilitate this, so leak control and general housekeeping are important.
I suspect the biggest risk is from a fire starting elsewhere affecting the diesel, so location of the tank with respect to its surroundings would be relevant. A tank in the corner of a spacious vehicle workshop would not be much of a problem, but in say the middle of a paper warehouse with offices it might be.
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Posted By anon1234
The diesel mist will go bang if you have the right source of ignition
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