Posted By Homer I am trying to source a definitive and clear answer on storing and dispensing diesel. One of our contractors is currently using the rear section of a fuel taker to store and dispense diesel fuel. The tank is in god order but is located in close proximity to a nearby workshop, brick wall separates them and tank is outside. I need to know if this is legal I thought a minimum 2 metres needs to separate them, should tank be inspected under legal statutes, what is maximum amount they can legally store at any one time DSEAR requirements. No sources of heat nearby to exceed 52 degree flash point I have found a great deal of info but it all seems a bit grey. Would appreciate a quick and concise response.

Posted By Homer Based in Scotland and I hadn't even thought about the bunding issue. Just checked no bund.

Posted By Norman T It comes under DSEAR because its a flammable liquid - doesn't it?

Posted By Homer 3000 litres plus.

Posted By Norman T Yes, sorry you did say in your original posting - so it is a flammable liquid, and does come under DSEAR.

Posted By Ian G Hutchings Hi Just to tag on the end of this thread. What is the consensus on using anti-static straps for dispensing diesel? Is this still a standard practice? Ian

Posted By Peter Leese Norman - would you like to reconsider your response? Andy - why is it dodgy?

Posted By Ian G Hutchings Pete et al Thanks for the response. I was checking because I wasn't 100% sure. Diesel exported from the US is classified as flammable but not under DSEAR or CHIP. From the HSE website "Diesel is now a ‘dangerous substance’ for the purposes of the Carriage Regulations. Its UN No. is 1202. The flashpoint of diesel is much higher than that of petrol but the basic carriage rules apply. In this case the "small load" threshold is 1000 litres. Obviously if a vehicle caught fire or was involved in an accident which was carrying diesel it would contribute to a fire". Thanks for the clarification. Earthing straps for petrol and other flammable fuel dispensers. Cheers Ian

Posted By Ian G Hutchings Peter The wording is a quote from the HSE website, not mine. I guess that most things contribute to a fire once it is in full flow, especially paper! Cheers Ian

Posted By Andy Brazier Peter Why dodgy? Good challenge. At the time I wrote my post I had formed the opinion that an ad hoc system was being used without controls. Re-reading the original post, I see that there is no evidence that this is the case. My concern would be what would happen if there was a leak? In particular could it be contained without contaminating soil or water courses, or getting into unprotected drains? The reality is that mobile bowsers frequently travel around sites filling up machinery, and this set up may not be much different. So again, environment is the concern not safety. Andy

Posted By Danny O'Donnell Homer, http://www.sepa.org.uk/pdf/guidance/ppg/ppg02.pdf Regards, Danny

Posted By Pete48 Homer, Unless the definitions and specifications have changed significantly, which I cannot confirm conclusively but seriously doubt because of their impact on all the engineering standards and design codes that would be affected; then diesel is an IP class 3 product (that may now be a different code reference)with a flashpoint of over 55 degrees C. In fact, the target standard was usually 60 degrees C. This means it is not a flammable liquid at normal temperatures and pressures. Diesel is not normally regarded as a "dangerous substance" within DSEAR unless it or the container are heated to close to or above the flashpoint. However, and somewhat strangely to this poor soul, it is now classed as a dangerous substance for transportation. Quite why I do not know but I guess maybe something to do with an "uncontrolled" environment during transit. Back to your specific case. The last time I was directly involved the Control of Pollution Regs ( and I bet someone on here knows what they are called now)covered the safe keeping of diesel on sites and covered above ground storage of more than 200 litres. There are clear guidelines about the design of such storage tanks which includes protection from collision damage, adequate strength, bunding to 110% of tank volume, means to drain water from the bund, level gauges etc. Dispensers must have auto shut off valves fitted, must not be possible to fix in open position etc. Design of mobile bowsers requires locks for valves at each end of the flexible dispensing hose, on pumps and on sight gauges. These must be kept locked when not in use, which means that-NOT at the end of the day! So unless you have a queue all day they should be locked after each use. So, this probably isn't best practice that you are describing but I obviously cannot comment further from this distance. I strongly recommend you look to environmental help for whether you are within their regulations, that is where the real risks are. You say this is being used by a contractor. If so, then they should have covered this in their risk assessment/method statement or maybe not? guess that is why you are asking? Hope this evening "ramble" helps to clarify some bits for you.