Definition of Ignition Sources
Ignition Sources include anything that could ignite vapour from the fuel storage area. Examples are:
These include fires or incinerators (keep them well clear of the fuel storage area), plus the use of tools such as welders. It also includes smoking – smoking shall never be allowed within 15 meters of fuel storage.
These include electrical fittings such as switches, lights, three-pin plugs and switch boards, plus any electrically powered tools or machines. Also included are electric fences and electric fence controllers.
These include compressors, freezer motors, etc. Vehicle motors shall be switched off when either delivering fuel, or when filling from the storage tank. An exception is the use of approved fuel dispensing equipment.
Any grinders or tools that could cause sparks (e.g. metal drills).
A sufficiently large build-up of static electricity will cause a spark to discharge, and if this happens in an area containing flammable vapours, fire or explosion can result. Build-up of static electricity can be lessened through earthing the fuel tank. Metal tank supports provide a good earth contact, but where tanks are not earthed through a metal support structure, they must always be earthed using an earthing rod.
What to Do in an Emergency
In the case of a spillage or leakage of the fuel, the prime concern is the safety of any persons near the emergency.
The immediate remedial action is to stop the spillage or leakage at the source, if safe to do so.
Then:
- Stop the product escaping to drains or waterways.
- Clean it up (if it is safe to do so).
- Contact your fuel supplier or regional/district council regarding disposal of contaminated material.
- Your local council should be advised of any fuel spillage, especially if it endangers a waterway. Most councils have an Emergency Pollution Hotline.
- With petrol spillage, special care should be taken to avoid any action that could cause ignition of the petrol vapours. This includes not using communications equipment within the danger area.
- In the case of a fire, raise the alarm – phone the Fire Service.
- Fight the fire only if you consider it safe to do so.
- Ensure all people are in a safe area.
- Do not put yourself at risk.
Emergency Response Plans
Where more than a total of 1000 litres of petrol and /or diesel are stored the person in charge of a place must provide an emergency response plan. The plan must be tested at least every 12 months.
What is an Emergency Response Plan?
An emergency response plan is a document which contains the information required to respond to an emergency involving petrol and/ or diesel. The requirements for an emergency response plan are set out in Regulations 27-34 of the HSNO (Emergency Management) Regulations 2001.
In general terms to comply with HSNO regulations, an emergency response plan must:
- Describe all of the reasonably likely emergencies involving the petrol storage facility;
- Describe the actions to be taken in each of the likely emergencies;
- Identify the people with responsibilities for response in each identified emergency, and the skills that they are required to have;
- Specify where to find the information and equipment to respond to each identified emergency;
- Specify how to contact emergency services.
What do I do with my Emergency Response Plan?
After the emergency response plan has been prepared, a copy must be available to every person handling the petrol/diesel, and be available for use by emergency services. Every person who handles petrol/diesel on a farm should also be trained in how to deal with each emergency described on the emergency response plan.
The plan must be tested at least every 12 months, or within 3 months of a change in the plan (including change of staff). A written record of each test is required, complete with the results of the test. This information needs to be kept for at least 2 years.
Emergency Response Plan Guidelines for the Farmer (Person in charge)
Where more than a total of 1000 litres of petrol and/or diesel is stored in a facility on a farm, the farmer shall ensure an emergency response plan has been prepared.
The farmer shall ensure the plan is available for each person who handles fuel on the farm and that they are trained to handle emergencies involving fuel.
The farmer shall ensure that the plan is tested at least every 12 months, and that a record of each test is kept for at least 2 years.
Fire Extinguisher Guidelines for the Farmer (Person in charge)
The farmer shall ensure that the appropriate number and types of fire extinguishers for the fuel stored are available within 30 metres of where the fuel is stored, but not attached to or under a fuel tank.
Between 50 litres and 200 litres of petrol require at least one fire extinguisher (with a 30B rating).
More than 200 litres of petrol, or more than 500 litres of diesel, require at least two fire extinguishers (each a 30B rating).
Recommend two 9 litre foam fire extinguishers.
Fuel Containment Guidelines for the Farmer (Person in charge)
The farmer shall ensure that any fuel stored is located so that any spillage will not endanger any building or flow into any stream, lake or natural water.
Where more than 2000 litres of fuel is stored, the farmer shall ensure that a compound is used which will contain fuel spills if a fuel tank leaks or is damaged. The farmer should ensure that a basic spill kit is available to assist containment and cleanup of spills.
Any compound must include a method for draining water when needed (e.g. a closed valve at the lowest point), and be regularly cleared of leaves and other rubbish so that the capacity of the compound is not reduced.
What is a Location Test Certificate?
A Location Test Certificate verifies that hazardous substances are stored away from other structures, combustible materials, dwellings and ignition sources. They also stipulate emergency preparedness including secondary containment. Location Test Certificates are issued by test certifiers. Location Test Certificate Requirements for Diesel on Farms
- Storage of diesel does not require a Location Test Certificate, regardless of quantity.
Location Test Certificate Requirements for Petrol on Farms
- Storage of petrol above ground in quantities up to 2000 litres will not require a Location Test Certificate providing that:
- Storage must be on a farm of not less than four hectares area.
- Tanks must be compliant with the requirements for design, construction and installation.
- Tanks must be located at least 20 metres from dwellings or other buildings made of combustible materials and at least 6 metres from any combustible materials.
- Tanks must be in a compound (bund) or located so that any spillage will not endanger any building, or flow into any natural water body.
A Location Test Certificate will be required for Petrol if:
- The quantity stored exceeds 2000 litres; or
- Storage is not in compliance with the above conditions (and over 50 litres); or
- Storage is below ground.
Stationary Container System Test Certificates (Tank Test Certificates)
- What is Stationary Container System Test Certificate (Tank Test Certificate)?
- A Stationary Container System Test Certificate verifies that a stationary container system (tank) meets the legal requirements specified in Schedule 8 of the Hazardous Substances (Dangerous Goods and Scheduled Toxic Substances) Transfer Notice 2004 (as amended). The certification of stationary container systems is done by a Test Certifier approved to issue test certificates for stationary container systems.
Stationary Container System Test Certificate Requirements for Diesel
- Above ground storage of diesel in tanks greater than 5000 litres will require a Stationary Container System Test Certificate.
- Stationary Container System Test Certificate Requirements for Petrol
- Above ground storage of petrol in tanks greater than 2500 litres will require a Stationary Container System Test Certificate.
Tank Ventilation
Adequate ventilation of the tank is required to prevent splash back during the filling process and to prevent an unsafe pressure or vacuum developing in the tank. The air vent should be separate from the filling point unless the filling point is of adequate size to allow the safe displacement of the air during the refilling. If a ventilation pipe is required it should not be less than half the size of the filling pipe with a minimum size of 25mm diameter. The ventilation pipe must be kept free of obstructions.
Where air vents are fitted, the air vent shall have gauze fitted of the appropriate size for the fuel being stored. For petrol tanks, the gauze in the vent shall be of a brass wire, of 500 microns gauge. This acts as a flame arrestor should there be a flashback of vapours to the tank. For diesel tanks, the gauze can be coarser as the main purpose is to prevent material going into the vent.
Tank Fill Pipe
Tanks used for the storage of petrol should have a fill pipe extending from the fill point to at least 25mm below the lowest level of the liquid in the tank.
Farm Fuel Storage in Drums (containers less than 250 litres)
HSNO regulations allow for the storage of fuel in drums (e.g. 44 gallon / 209 litre drums). The requirements for farm fuel storage in drums are similar to those for storage in bulk containers.
What are the specific requirements for petrol storage in Drums?
- Storage of petrol above ground in drums and in quantities up to 2000 litres will not require a Location Test Certificate providing that:
- The fuel is stored in one or more secure containers, each individual container with a capacity of less than 250 litres; and
- The container or containers comply with regulation 11 and Schedule 2 or Schedule 3 (as appropriate) of the Hazardous Substances (Packaging) Regulations 2001; and
- The fuel is situated at a distance not less than 15 metres from any area of high intensity land use, or area of regular habitation; and
- The fuel must be situated either in the open, or in a well ventilated building; and
- The fuel must be stored in a compound or located so that any spillage of the fuel will not endanger any building, or flow into any stream, lake or natural water.
- If you cannot meet these requirements, then a location test certificate is required for fuel storage in drums.
- The requirements for emergency response plans, signage, fire extinguishers, training, Approved Handlers and documentation also apply to farm fuel storage in drums.
Check List for Underground Fuel Storage
- Suitable liquid tight and vapour tight fill point present for connection to tank wagon? Yes/No
- Vapour/liquid tight cap provided for fill point? Yes/No
- Fill point readily accessible? Yes/No
- Fill point protected from accidental damage? Yes/No
- Fill point in open air and at least 3 metres from any opening into a building? Yes/No
- Fill point at least 3 metres from any ignition source? Yes/No
- Fill point clearly identified for the tank/contents it relates to? Yes/No
- Is vent pipe of sufficient diameter? Yes/No
- Is the vent pipe clear and of a design to prevent the ingress of water and foreign material? Yes/No
- Does the vent pipe terminate in the open air in a safe location? Yes/No
- > 4 m above the ground? > 2 m from any opening to a building?
- Does the vent pipe terminate in view of the filling operator? Yes/No
- Calibrated dipstick provided? Yes/No
- Dipstick constructed of non-ferrous material? Yes/No
- Is there a fill pipe which extends to the bottom of the tank? Yes/No
- Is there a connection point to enable electrical continuity with the delivery tank wagon? Yes/No
- Allowable maximum fill rate of tank?
< 200 litres per minute? < 300 litres per minute?
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