Fossil fuels, like petrol, can be extremely dangerous as it is highly flammable and is easily ignited if not handled properly. It also poses a risk to human health and the environment. However, transporting fuel is inevitable, depending on your work activities. For example, if you have vehicles and machinery that require on-site refueling, then you need to get the fuel from the service station and transport it to your workplace. Or you may also need to carry fuel for your portable generator when you go on a camping expedition, but always remember that your safety matters.
As such, read on to learn some of the hazards of transporting fuel and how you can do it safely. Absorbents Online has emergency showers if they are needed.
Hazards of Transporting Fuel
If fuel is not handled safely, it can cause serious hazards, such as explosions and fires that can be dangerous to property and human life. The other thing is that fuel presents some risks to human health as well as the environment. For instance, the fuel consists of mixtures of toxic chemicals that can affect the quality of water if they percolate into the ground. Fuel spills can also pose health threats to aquatic life, wild animals, and the environment in general.
The other issue is that fuel spills can also create traffic hazards since they make the roads slippery. This can lead to accidents if the spilled fuel is not cleaned up from the road using the right chemicals. Vegetation may not grow on soil that is covered by fuel and it would take ages to disappear.
Choosing the Right Portable Fuel Tank
Fuel should be carried and stored in a container that is specifically designed for that sole purpose. As such, if you want to get the right portable fuel tank, there are different factors to consider. Make sure that the container meets the country’s standards for storage and transportation of fuel. Portable fuel tanks vary in terms of quantity and you can get the right size that suits your needs. Fuel tanks that are easy to load in the back of your truck range from 210 liters to 500L.
If you do not require a bulk fuel tank, you can consider a poly tank since the material used is ideal for the purpose. Also, fuel containers made of plastic or metal do not easily degrade due to exposure to ultraviolet radiation. The containers are also lightweight and durable such that you can use them over a long period. On top of that, quality fuel tanks are corrosion resistant and they require low maintenance. This will help you to save money in the long run. More importantly, portable fuel tanks are safe and secure, and they come with securely locked lids.
Filling Portable Containers
When you get the right portable fuel tank, there are safety precautions that you should take while using it. Make sure that there is no source of ignition around when you are filling your tank. It is also crucial to avoid using your mobile device near the fuel containers as this in itself can cause ignition. You should also place the container on a flat surface and slowly fill it. You should avoid overfilling the container. You should leave little space for the expansion of fuel.
Safe Transportation of Fuel
When transporting fuel, make sure the containers are sitting on a level surface at the back of your truck. Make sure that there is no tilted container before you leave the service station. The other safety precaution that you should take is to ensure that the caps are firmly closed, and they do not release any vapor before you leave the premises. The vapor from the fuel containers can be hazardous if they get too close to a heat source.
It is also essential to label all fuel containers so that the people know the contents inside. If you are carrying petrol or diesel, you should correctly label the containers and, if possible, also include a danger warning sign showing the hazard of the contents. This helps prevent other people from mistaking the containers which can also cause unexpected hazards. You should also avoid carrying maximum fuel allowed in containers as well as your vehicle. This is just a safety precaution that should not be underestimated since you can end up in trouble for failing to observe a simple instruction.
When transporting fuel, you should ensure that you have spill kits ready in case of unexpected leaks or spills that can result in an outbreak of fire. You must carry a dry powder fire extinguisher in your vehicle that you can use in the event of a fire breaking out before it damages anything. Your fire extinguisher should be inspected weekly and it is important to service it annually so that you do not run into problems.
Before transporting the fuel, the driver should receive general training in handling emergencies so that their lives are not put in danger. The person transporting fuel should know what to do in an emergency and they should also know how to use a fire extinguisher. When carrying fuel, it is vital to take fire precautions so that you can prevent certain hazards that can cause explosions.
When you reach your destination, you should store the fuel in a well-ventilated area. The fuel should not be stored indoors since this can be dangerous. You should choose a secure place that consists of a free circulation of air to prevent explosion hazards or fire. When refueling your equipment, you should also use the right funnel to ensure that there are no spills that can be hazardous.
Fuel is highly flammable, and it ignites easily if not handled correctly. Fuel can also pose threats to one’s health if it mixes with drinking water underground following a spill. Additionally, fuel spills can also affect aquatic life and vegetation. Therefore, there are many safety precautions that you should take when transporting fuel. As you have observed, fuel should only be transported in the right container and only in the approved safe quantity.