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Safety Wales  
#1 Posted : 06 November 2012 17:18:52(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Safety Wales

We have a mobile bunded diesel bowser on site which we keep in a locked storage container on site due to previous issues with theft. Comment has been made that there is no ventilation to the container. We have flammable stickers and fire extinguishers in place. What would be deemed good practise for ventilation?
smith6720  
#2 Posted : 06 November 2012 20:19:40(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
smith6720

I am assuming that the container is locked during silent hours, and the doors are left open during the working day surley that would be enough ventilation for refueling pupose.. or am I missing something.??
Safety Wales  
#3 Posted : 07 November 2012 08:23:17(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Safety Wales

At the mment it kept locked all the time my thoughts are to keep doors open in the day and wanted to check this would be adequate. Thanks
JJ Prendergast  
#4 Posted : 07 November 2012 08:37:50(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
JJ Prendergast

I shouldn't worry about it too much - the ignition/Flash Point is too high for diesel (greater than 55*C) for it to be considered flammable. The auto ignition temp is ??? 450*C??? So unless you have a mechanism for spraying the diesel (plus a strong ignition source) or spilling on to a very hot surface then the flammable risk is pretty limited. The bigger issue is spillage/environmental damage etc.
roshqse  
#5 Posted : 07 November 2012 13:43:43(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
roshqse

All about level of risk again. Petrol I would be concerned about. Diesel? Very low risk. I have staff who go on about flammable risk of diesel carried in their vehicles and on site. So I pour some in a tub and throw a match on it. Then they understand!
Jake  
#6 Posted : 07 November 2012 14:01:21(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Jake

To echo previous comments, there is no real risk regarding the vapour. To quote the HSE website "While diesel is not a particularly dangerous substance from a health and safety point of view, it is an environmental hazard" http://www.hse.gov.uk/fi...osion/petroleum-faqs.htm As an aside, how did the theft occurr previosuly? All bowsers I've come across have the facility to be padlocked shut, and you can install a wheel clamp onto the bowser's wheel. Unless someone lifted the entire bowser onto a flatbed?!!
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