5 seasonal tips to maintain your fuel tanks

As a lot of us wave heater season goodbye to welcome Spring, now’s a great time to remind ourselves of the simple checks and housekeeping needed to keep tanks risk-free and ready to refuel.

Every week, the area around your tank should be cleared of debris or vegetation – especially if you’re using a stationary unit or leave a transportable tank in one place for a long time. It’s a quick piece of routine maintenance that means drips, leaks or spills can be identified straight away.

A weekly check for water or product in the containment area may mean you have to remove an accumulation of rainwater and fuel. This requires competence and the appropriate PPE. Any waste should be treated as hazardous and disposed of under your local regulations.

Ball valves, vents, fittings and pipelines should also be visually checked every week for signs of leaks, and see that signage isn’t worn or damaged, every month. If you have firefighting media fitted, check everything is in place weekly – and remember to make a diary note to test and record their pressure and function every 6-months. This is a good time to do your twice-yearly physical check for bolt tightness and paint deterioration, too.

These simple service steps will guarantee you’re ready for action, whatever our weather might throw at us.