Homes, businesses, and farms require fuel for cooking, heating, and running equipment. It’s essential to understand how to properly store everything from diesel to heating oil to ensure your family and livestock are safe. Here are four tips to help you store fuel safely.

How to Practice Fuel Safety

1. Avoid Contact

If heating oil or other types of fuel touch the skin or eyes, they can cause irritation and redness. Short exposure shouldn’t cause long-term issues, but it’s critical to wear rubber gloves, pants, a long-sleeve shirt, and boots when handling these liquids to limit your risk of contact. If you are exposed to fuel, immediately remove clothing that has absorbed the material and toss them in the washer—don’t mix them with other clothes. Then, rinse your arms and hands with soap and water to mitigate the effects.

2. Store in Original Containers 

It’s critical to keep fuel in its original container, as these canisters are explicitly created to hold these special substances. They offer the most protection and are also properly labeled, noting that the contents are flammable and combustible to ensure no one mistakes it for something else. 

3. Make Use of Shade

When above-ground tanks are in sunny spots, their contents may evaporate at high temperatures. It’s critical to provide natural shade with trees or to build a canopy over the tank to prevent this loss. Additionally, you can install a pressure-vacuum relief valve on the tank to limit the evaporation process.

4. Place Underground Tanks Carefully

Homes and farms that feature underground fuel storage tanks should be installed several feet away from buildings and feature vent piping that is placed far away from a heat source. It’s also recommended to write out an emergency action plan in case of a spill to ensure that your family and staff are prepared to limit resources in case of an accident.

Those looking for professional fuel delivery should contact State Fuel Company Inc. in Monroe County, NY. The family-owned and -operated business has served residents since 1939 and offers reliable, efficient delivery. Call (585) 247-2380 to schedule a delivery or visit the website for information on their residential and commercial services.