By Patrick Donovan, Director of Safety, Northcentral Construction
It is very common to have 100-gallon fuel pods or larger stored on a construction site to facilitate operations. Winter heating season is coming and is often main reason for large LP or natural gas tanks on job sites. Those tanks are very often not properly positioned or protected while on the site. What follows is the requirements for storing combustible liquids on your job site.
All fuels require that:
- Position the pod out of main throughfares, delivery paths, and crane swing radiuses.
- Place on firm level surface with good drainage.
- Prevent the pod from tipping, rolling or other physical damage.
- Keep the area free of weeds, tall grass, dried foliage, trash, or other combustible materials.
- Signage prominently posted stating “Flammable Gas” and No Smoking or Open Flame”.
- All fuel pods should have secured caps or lids.
- Collision Protection – OSHA requires protection from collision damage.
- Place barriers if there is ANY possibility of vehicular traffic nearby.
- Per ATCP 93.430 provide protection from the impact of vehicles or equipment that can withstand 12,000-lb of force at 10 mph.
- Barrier should extend to 3’ above the ground.
- Provide at least 24” between the fuel storage and the barrier.
- Store away from ignition sources (flames, welding, torch work, generators, light towers, electric boxes and vehicle or equipment exhaust), building vents or intakes and all property lines with buildings, and combustible materials.
- Gas – Diesel – Minimum 25’ easily accessible between 25-75 feet from the storage and fueling area.
- Propane up to 500 gallons minimum 10’
- Over 500 gallons minimum25’
- Natural Gas – minimum 20-50 feet
- Fire Suppression – Fire Extinguishers rated at least 20-B:C within:
- Gas-Diesel – easily accessible within 25-75 feet.
- Propane – easily accessible within 10-15 feet
- Natural Gas – easily accessible within 30-50 feet.
- Emergency Response Access:
- You must have a path that is 12’ wide to within 200’ of the pod location accessible by fire truck.
Additional information by type and quantity of fuel.
- Gas/Diesel 5-gallon and smaller cans
- Must be DOT approved, with spout covers, spring closing lids, and built in flame arresters.
- No more than 60 gallons stored in smaller cans unless secured in a cabinet.
- Maximum of 3 cabinets with up to 60 gallons in any one area.
- Gas/Diesel 100 Gallon Pods
- Tank should be double wall design.
- Natural Gas
- Shield the container from direct and prolonged sunlight and extreme heat sources that can increase internal pressure.
- Propane
- Cylinders must be stored in an upright manner and secured from tipping.
- Indoors Use
- Heaters should be placed a minimum of 6’ from cylinder.
- Never blow or radiate heat towards the cylinders.
- If the heater is tank mounted make sure it does not blow on the tank.
- If using multiple heaters, they should be a minimum of 20 feet apart.
- Only cylinders under 100 lbs. should be used indoors.
- During refueling operations ensure that a fire extinguisher is readily available.
- When filling tanks on site only fill to 95% capacity to allow for expansion.
- The storage area and pod/tank should be inspected daily for leaks or damage.
These silent risks are on almost every job site, and it is imperative to have a plan of action should anything happen and make sure everyone knows what that plan is.
