When it comes to storing diesel fuel and similar hazardous materials, the utmost care should be taken so that the tank will not leak or suffer damage. It is not enough to choose a site where diesel fuel will be stored; proper safety barrier solutions can and must be put into place, and diesel tank protection services are ready to help. This ranges from concrete block barriers to sandbag barriers to keep outside parties away, all the way to repair and leak-sealing services to keep a tank from losing all of its contents. Now, what is there to know about diesel tank protection?
Diesel Tank Protection and Safety
The common adage “safety first” certainly applies here, and any company that stores its fuel in a ground-based tank must take every precaution to keep that tank in good condition. One may ask: who is storing their fuel in above-ground tanks like this? Often, it is construction companies who need them, to keep their diesel-powered vehicles in operation, not to mention truck carrier companies, along with any company that used lawn mowers or certain power tools. When done properly, diesel tank protection can prevent costly hazards and losses through fire, theft, and evaporation.
Take note that ideal diesel tank protection is done with two layers of the tank, not just one. The outer layer’s job is to shield the inner layer from sunlight, punctures, water, and vandalism, and if the inner tank starts leaking, then the outer layer will contain that leak. What is more, sensors in between the two layers will detect this leak via floating in the liquid, and this will set off an alarm so the tank’s owners can effect repairs right away.
Some jobs only call for single-layer tanks, and they are a common sight, though they are going to need some added protection. After all, these single-layer tanks are more vulnerable to corrosion and leaks than double-layer ones, so their owners will place these tanks in diked areas that can contain 110% of the tank’s total capacity. This way, if the tank does leak, the concrete setting itself will contain the leak, carrying out the job that an outer tank wall would. This concrete dike will need routine inspection, such as once per month, so the owners can diagnose problems early such as cracks, leaks, or holes. If the tank were to flood, then the fuel may escape a faulty dike. Concrete repair services can be called upon if the dike is compromised. Standing rain water in the dike should be pumped out.
More safety precautions can and should be taken to maximize diesel tank protection. For example, the fuel tank itself should have visible and large stickers and other labels that explain the contents’ nature, and warning signs like these are often bilingual in English and Spanish. Those labels should also state the tank’s carrying capacity and ID number, and if the stickers are ever damaged or become difficult to read, they should be replaced at once. Also, “no smoking” signs (often bilingual) should be posted nearby. The tank itself should be regularly inspected for any developing corrosion, leaks, or cracks, and the results of all inspections should be kept on file for reference, as the law demands. Often, these tanks should be kept a minimum distance from nearby buildings.
Tank Repair
What should be done if a fuel tank is indeed compromised, or if any of the barriers around it are damaged? In this case, specialized repair crews can be found and hired online after a search for “fuel tank repair” or “fuel tank lining repair” is done. These experts may use laminates and spray-on materials to seal up and reinforce any corroded surfaces, and help prevent leaks or corrosion anywhere else on the tank. Of course, a fuel tank will have to be emptied out so the workers can access the interior and get this work done. This can be done for water tanks, too, and the metal or wood barriers around a fuel tank can be repaired or replaced as needed, and in a manner that complies with federal law.
