Receive Fuel Safely

Written by: Brian Pottebaum, Director of Training Services

Fuel delivery into the storage tanks happens a few times a week at the average gas station and can be one of the most dangerous times to be at a facility. Taking proper precautions protects everyone at the facility during this event. Be safe out there!

What To Do Before Filling Your USTs

1. Make and record accurate readings for product and water in the tank before fuel delivery.
2. Order only the quantity of fuel that will fit into 90% of the tank (tanks must not be filled 100% full because of the increased risk of overfill and spills).
3. Ensure fuel delivery personnel know the type of overfill device present at the tank and what actions to perform if it activates.
4. Ensure fuel delivery personnel know what kind of vapor recovery equipment is needed to facilitate delivery (if vapor recovery is utilized at your facility).
5. Review spill response procedures with your staff.
6. Ensure that fuel delivery area is clear with safe access to fill connection.
7. Verify that your spill bucket on the tank is empty, clean, and will contain spills.

What To Do While Your USTs Are Being Filled

1. Keep fill ports locked until the fuel delivery person requests access.
2. Have an accurate tank capacity chart available for the fuel delivery person (they need to confirm there is room for your order).
3. Dedicate one staff member to monitor the delivery, which can take 20-30 minutes to fill a tank.
4. The fuel delivery person makes all hook-ups. The person responsible for monitoring the delivery must remain attentive and observe the entire fuel delivery, be prepared to stop the flow of fuel from the truck to the UST at any time, and respond to any unusual condition, leak, or spill which may occur during delivery.
5. Have response supplies, such as a spill kit, readily available for use in case of a spill or overfill.
6. Provide safety barriers around the fueling zone. Keep traffic and pedestrians away from this area.
7. Make sure there is adequate lighting around the fueling zone.

What To Do After Filling Your USTs

1. Following complete delivery, the fuel delivery person is responsible for disconnecting all hook-ups.
2. Return spill response kit and safety barriers to proper storage locations.
3. Make and record accurate readings for product and water in the tank after fuel delivery.
4. Verify the amount of fuel received (compared to invoice/bill of lading).
5. Make sure fill ports are properly secured.
6. Ensure the spill bucket is free of product and clean up any small spills.