Having a reliable power source, whether you’re in the city or the outback, is crucial, especially in times of emergencies or unexpected outages. Generators provide a convenient solution, offering backup power when you need it most.
However, ensuring your generator has a steady supply of fuel is essential for uninterrupted operation. Properly storing fuel is not only a matter of convenience but also a safety concern.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the best practices for safely storing fuel for your generator, ensuring its efficiency and longevity.
Understanding the Importance of Safe Fuel Storage
Before delving into the specifics of fuel storage, it’s essential to grasp why safe storage practices are crucial. Improperly stored fuel can pose significant risks, including:
- Fire Hazard: Fuel vapours are highly flammable, and improper storage can lead to accidental ignition, resulting in fires and explosions.
- Environmental Contamination: Spills and leaks from poorly maintained fuel storage can contaminate soil, water sources, and air, causing harm to the environment and wildlife.
- Equipment Damage: Contaminated or degraded fuel can damage your generator’s engine, leading to costly repairs or premature failure.
- Health Risks: Exposure to fuel vapours and fumes can pose health risks to humans and animals, causing respiratory issues and other health problems.
By implementing proper fuel storage practices, you can mitigate these risks and ensure the safety of your property, yourself, and others.
Essential Tips for Safe Fuel Storage
Tip 1: Choose the Right Container
Selecting the appropriate container for storing fuel is the first step in ensuring safety. Choose containers that are specifically designed for fuel storage, such as approved fuel cans or tanks. These containers should be made of durable materials that are resistant to corrosion and leakage.
Tip 2: Location Matters
Where you store your fuel is just as important as the container itself. Choose a well-ventilated, cool, and dry location away from direct sunlight and sources of heat or ignition. Ideally, fuel storage should be located outdoors in a dedicated storage shed or cabinet designed for this purpose.
Tip 3: Keep it Secure
To prevent unauthorised access and potential tampering, ensure that your fuel storage area is always securely locked. This helps prevent accidents and reduces the risk of theft or vandalism.
Tip 4: Practice Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance of your fuel storage containers is essential for optimal performance and longevity. This includes inspecting containers for signs of damage or corrosion, ensuring proper seals and closures, and promptly addressing any issues that arise.
Tip 5: Labelling and Documentation
Properly label fuel containers with the type of fuel they contain and the date of storage. Additionally, maintain detailed records of fuel inventory, including purchase dates, quantities, and usage. This helps track fuel consumption and ensures timely replenishment.
Tip 6: Rotate Fuel Supply
To prevent fuel degradation, implement a rotation schedule for your fuel supply. Use the oldest fuel first and replenish your stock regularly to maintain a constant supply of fresh fuel.
Professional Fuel Tank Services for Peace of Mind
While following these tips can help ensure safe fuel storage, sometimes it’s best to leave the job to the professionals. Fuel tank services offer comprehensive solutions for maintaining, cleaning, inspecting, repairing, and testing fuel storage tanks, ensuring optimal performance and compliance with safety regulations.
Fuel Tank Maintenance
Regular maintenance is essential for keeping your fuel storage tanks in optimal condition. Professional maintenance services include cleaning, inspection, and preventive maintenance to identify and address issues before they escalate. The maintenance of fuel tanks is a regulatory requirement by the Australian government and something that WA Refuelling offers in the form of tank inspection and audit services for fuel stations, transport companies, rental and courier fleet operators and even marine facilities.
Fuel Tank Cleaning Service
Over time, fuel tanks can accumulate sludge, sediment, and contaminants that can compromise fuel quality and performance. Professional fuel tank cleaning services in Perth, WA utilize specialised equipment and techniques to remove debris and ensure clean, contaminant-free tanks. At WA Refuelling, our experienced team can also implement fuel cleaning and microbial growth removal and treatment as part of a comprehensive fuel tank maintenance plan.
Fuel Tank Inspection Service
Regular inspections are necessary to identify potential issues and ensure compliance with safety regulations. Professional inspection services involve thorough visual inspections, leak detection, and testing to assess the integrity of fuel storage tanks. Our fuel tank inspections cover fuel sampling, full inspection reports, compliance, audits and inspections for leaks or damage, corrosion, rust or crack, warping or deformities, and vents and gauges, ensuring that we won’t miss any potential issues with your fuel tank.
Fuel Tank Repair Service
In the event of damage or deterioration, prompt repairs are essential to prevent leaks and ensure the safe storage of fuel. Professional repair services offer timely and effective solutions to address issues such as corrosion, leaks, and structural damage.
Fuel Tank Testing Service
Periodic testing is necessary to assess the structural integrity and performance of fuel storage tanks. Professional testing services include pressure testing, leak testing, and integrity testing to identify potential weaknesses and ensure compliance with safety standards.
Have a question about fuel storage? Ask us at WA Refuelling
Safely storing fuel for your generator is essential for ensuring reliable backup power and minimising risks to property and safety. By following the essential tips outlined in this guide and utilizing professional fuel tank services when needed, you can maintain a safe and efficient fuel storage system.
Whether it’s routine maintenance, cleaning, inspection, repair, or testing, WA Refuelling is your dependable fuel storage partner. To book your next fuel tank inspection or have a chat about your fuel requirements, contact us on 08 9359 1988