The Best Ways to Store Domestic Fuel Safely

For the best usage of fuel in the different residential and commercial buildings there is a need to properly store it. Proper domestic fuel storage is a must especially in those few remote areas of the UK where other sources of heating are not available. Proper storage also reduces the risks of various incidents of spills and leaks that can lead to fire and even financial losses. You have to be sure that your fuel use is concerned with efficiency and safety.

There are various methods to store the fuel for homes or businesses. For this, you have to choose the right kind of location and the right kind of fuel container. The location you will choose should be properly ventilated and should be away from the direct rays of sunlight. You also need to cheque the fuel container within a particular time frame whether it needs any repair or change.

In this blog-post increase your awareness about the safe and easy-to-access process of fuel storage.

Types Of Fuel Storage Containers In The UK

Let’s first identify what are the types of different containers and tanks that are available in the UK to store the domestic fuel. These types of tanks and containers are basically utilised as per the need of the storage, usage and various legal limits.

Plastic tanks: In the UK people use different kinds of plastic tanks. These all tanks are used to make the storage of diesel and other categories of fuel. They are prepared by high-density polyethylene. These tanks have a design that is connected to their light weight and they are very easy to install.

Containers of steel: There are also containers of domestic fuel storage in the UK that are made up of steel. These kinds of tanks come in bigger sizes and are used to store the fuel that is of large quantity. Most people working in offices use these kinds of tanks.

Single skin tanks: In the UK people use the fuel tank that is of single skin. These kinds of tanks have only one layer on the outer side. They do not carry any kind of secondary cover. There are various restrictions for using such tanks. This tank can store fuel that will be nearly 500 litres to 2500 litres.

Bunded oil tanks: Different kinds of bunded tanks come with a secondary cover. In this, you can say a tank exists inside a tank. These kinds of tanks can be used for the best storage of domestic fuel. With this, many of the industrial and commercial works are also done.

Fire-rated tanks of oil: There are also fire-rated tanks available in the UK. These kinds of tanks are designed to have protection from fire due to the release of flames. This is done in a particular level of time. These kinds of tanks are used in different homes and businesses.

Demountable fuel tanks: These kinds of fuel storage tanks are kind of portable tanks. They can carry and store fuel of 30 litres. There is no need to obtain the permission of the local PEA to store fuel in such kinds of tanks. As it is movable and extractable it can be used for various small size heating equipment like small generators etc.

Key Points To Remember While Storing The Fuel

You should know the key points when you make the storage of your fuel tank. In your daily routine, you should take care of some points to have a safe storage of fuel. These all points will be helpful for you to enhance energy efficiency and cheque out the concerns of sustainability.

Location of the container: Firstly verify what is the location of the fuel tank. There are some considerations you should take care of like the tank should be away from coastal areas and the objects that can easily catch fire. The tank should not be kept near the pilot lights, open flames, and various areas that have electrical goods or wires.

Size: When you go to select the domestic fuel storage tank you also need to cheque its size. The size should be large enough to carry the fuel you need. The container should not have any spills or leaks while filling it. Make the container 95% full with the fuel. You should be able to handle the container safely.

Type of the container: The types of the containers will decide how much fuel can be stored. Like for example in a plastic container, the domestic fuel storage will be nearly 10 litres, and if it is a metal container the fuel will be 20 litres. On the other hand in the demountable tanks, the fuel can be collected and stored in nearly 30 litres.

Type of the fuel: The type of fuel also matters while storing it. This is because different fuels have different rates of oxidation and time of contamination. Some fuels have a fast rate of degradation. Different fuel types also damage due to the rate of sludge build-ups and corrosion inside the tank.

Process of ventilation: Proper process of ventilation is very necessary for collecting and storing the domestic fuel in the UK. This can work as a mechanism to prevent hazards due to harmful flames and vapours. The ventilation should also be there while the tank of domestic fuel is being filled or refilled.

Sources of heat: Different kinds of sources of heating should be away from the fuel tank. If the container is connected to any heating source it can evaporate and create a cloud of vapours and if a simple spark is available it can catch fire.

Use of fuel stabilizers: For the best results you can work on using the fuel stabilisers. They can be used for those equipment which are needed to work for a long term. These fuel stabilisers prevent the fuel from any kind of damage or degradation.

Use of fuel additives: The additives of domestic fuel should be purchased and used properly. You need to follow the instructions of the seller. You should buy the additives from a seller who will be from a proper brand. Do not overdose the additives as this can damage the container or the engine.

Fuel disposals: Your waste of fuel can be hazardous and thus, you should make safe disposal of it. Generally, in the UK the disposal of diesel or petrol can be done in the nearby Household Waste Recycling centre. The container that is hazardous should be properly sealed. While disposing verify whether the staff is well-trained in this task.

Fuel and fuel tank labeling: The fuel and fuel tank should be properly labeled. This will mention the packaging date and the date of expiration. The fuel in the UK that is labeled as E5 or E1o will mention the existence of ethanol in the fuel by the letter E and the number mentions its percentage.

Checks for leaks or spills: Also, cheque the level of the domestic fuel storage containers for whether there are any leaks or spills. This can be seen by the fuel residue, any unwanted odour or smell, and/ or any stains on the machine. At times the system of heating can also produce some of the “hissing” sound due to leaks.

Avoid overfilling: Work on filling and/or refilling the tank when it is 50% full or 75% empty and do not overfill the tank. This will not only waste the fuel but also will damage the engine.

Keeping the regular checks of the tank: Keep a regular cheque of the fuel container. You should verify and find the fuel level, the condition of the tank, and whether you need a sudden repair.

Preventing contamination of the water: You should always prevent any kind of contamination of water by the domestic fuel you use. Thus, you should always fill the tank from a reputed dealer. In addition cheque whether the tank needs any cleaning, and be sure that you are using a fuel and fuel furnace that is of high quality.

Fuel Storage And Its Best Process

Your fuel storage process should include rotating fuel regularly. This can be said in other words, “first-in and first-out.” You should also prevent the heating machine from any kind of fuel expansion.

Storing fuel from 30 litres to 275 litres: When you store the domestic fuel in a quantity of less than 30 litres you do not need to have any permit. Nevertheless, for storing fuel above 30 litres like 275 litres you need to inform the local PEA or Petroleum Enforcement Authority.

Fuel storage from 275 to 500 litres: When you store fuel that will be in the quantity of 275 litres to 500 litres you need to have a fuel tank that will be of medium size. This quantity of fuel is used in various home appliances like generators. You also need to inform the local authority about the location and size of the tank.

Storage from 500 litres to 3500 litres: When you tend to store fuel to nearly 3500 litres you need to have a certificate or license for petroleum storage. You also need to follow the OFTEC regulations and regulations and guidelines of Control of Pollution 2001.

Storage of gasoline: If you want to have domestic fuel storage like gasoline you can store it at room temperature. The tank used for storing it should be approved and inside the tank, some place should be kept blank for fuel expansion. The fuel container should be packed or sealed completely.

Storage of kerosene: People use kerosene as a domestic fuel at higher levels. It should be stored inside a shed or in a garage. It should not be stored inside the home. You always should have the safety kit with you. Keep the “no smoking” sign board in the area of storage of kerosene.

Storing fuel for homes: In the homes where you and your family stay all safety precautions should be taken for domestic fuel storage. The room where the tank is kept should have proper circulation of air and there should be outdoor access. You should know the limits of the container’s fuel retention that you are using.

Storing fuel for farms and business: In offices or workplaces, many people are working, and thus, in such places, the container of fuel should be kept in a protected place. The container should be labeled well and should be approved. You should train the employees of the workplace to solve the issues of any kind of sudden risk.

The Bottom Line

Proper domestic fuel storage will remove all your stress of mind, as this will reduce the chances of hazards of oil spills or even fuel run-outs. In this, you need to take some initiative.

In the first step use a container that is proper and keep it in a safe location. Always try to verify whether there is any kind of overfilling. Keep an eye on the tank whether it is working well. Any kind of deterioration can lead to risks.

Use the fuel in rotation and follow the rules as per fuel types. Cheque what are the measures to prevent any kind of accidents. Keep the fuel stabilisers ready with you. Your best practices of domestic fuel use and storing should be added with being regulatory compliant and being friendly to the climate.