How to Properly Store Fuel for Your Farm

Gasoline and diesel are vital in keeping your farm running smoothly.  From tractors to generators, high quality fuel and service from your fuel provider are essential for keeping your farm up and running.

Improper storage and handling of gasoline and diesel can pose serious safety risks and lead to inefficiency across your operation. In this article, we’ll discuss the best practices for storing and using gasoline and diesel on your farm to ensure safety, efficiency, and longevity of your equipment.

Proper Storage is Essential

Before digging into the specifics of storing gasoline and diesel on your farm, it’s crucial to understand why proper storage is critical. Gasoline and diesel are highly flammable liquids that can pose hazards if not handled properly. Improper storage can lead to leaks and spills. Exposure to moisture and contaminants can degrade the quality of the fuel, leading to engine issues and decreased performance.

Gasoline Storage

When it comes to storing gasoline on your farm, follow these guidelines to ensure safety and longevity:

1. Use Approved Containers: Store gasoline in approved containers specifically designed for fuel storage. These containers should be made of high-quality materials that are resistant to corrosion and leakage.
2. Keep Cool and Ventilated: Store gasoline in a cool, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, sparks, and heat sources. Elevated temperatures can increase the risk of vapor buildup and combustion.
3. Avoid Overfilling: Do not overfill gasoline containers to leave room for expansion. Overfilling can cause spills and increase the risk of vapor release.
4. Label Containers Properly: Clearly label gasoline containers with the date of purchase and type of fuel to avoid confusion and ensure timely usage.
5. Regular Inspection: Periodically inspect gasoline containers for signs of damage, corrosion, or leaks. Replace any damaged containers immediately to prevent accidents.
6. Contact Foster: Foster Fuels can assist with proper storage of gasoline and assist in setup as well as fuel delivery.

Diesel Storage

Similarly, proper storage of diesel is crucial for maintaining its quality and safety. Here’s how to store diesel effectively:

1. Choose the Right Tanks: Use dedicated diesel storage tanks made of materials suitable for long-term fuel storage, such as steel or fiberglass. Ensure that tanks are installed on stable ground and comply with local regulations.
2. Prevent Water Contamination: Diesel can easily become contaminated by water, leading to microbial growth and fuel degradation. Install water separators and regularly drain accumulated water from storage tanks to prevent contamination.
3. Monitor Fuel Levels: Keep track of diesel fuel levels in storage tanks and refill them before they run empty. Running out of diesel can introduce air into the system, potentially causing damage to engines and fuel lines.
4. Filtration: Invest in a quality filtration system to remove impurities and contaminants from diesel fuel. Regularly replace filters according to manufacturer recommendations to maintain optimal performance.
5. Emergency Preparedness: Have a comprehensive emergency response plan in place in case of fuel spills or leaks. Provide appropriate training to farm personnel on handling and containment procedures to minimize risks.
6. Contact Foster: At Foster, we have experts to monitor fuel quality of your diesel, as well as setup a consistent delivery schedule to meet your diesel needs.

Safety Tips

In addition to proper storage, safe handling practices are essential for minimizing risks associated with gasoline and diesel. Always follow these guidelines:

1. Avoid Smoking and Open Flames: Never smoke or use open flames near fuel storage areas or while handling gasoline and diesel. Even a small spark can ignite.
2. Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear appropriate PPE, such as gloves and safety goggles, when handling fuel to protect against skin contact.
3. Grounding Equipment: When transferring fuel from storage tanks to equipment, use grounded containers and equipment to prevent static electricity buildup.
4. Spill Cleanup Kits: Keep spill cleanup kits readily accessible near fuel storage areas to contain and clean up any accidental spills promptly.
5. Regular Maintenance: Schedule regular maintenance checks for fuel storage tanks, dispensing equipment, and machinery to detect and address any issues early on. Foster will work with you to make sure your fuel needs are taken care of and your farm continues to run smoothly.

Foster has more than 100 years in business not only because of the quality of the product we offer but, also because of the service we back it up with. Our knowledgeable staff can ensure you have the fuel you need to run your business efficiently and effectively.

Gasoline, Diesel, Lubricants, Motor Oils, & Beyond

We offer a complete line of automotive, industrial, commercial, and aviation lubricants, motor oils, greases, anti-freeze, coolants, DEF, potable and non-potable water, fuels, and more to keep your equipment running smoothly. Our expert team works to get you the best prices and solutions and wants to be long-term partners in helping you grow.