Practice Guide for Above-Ground Fuel Storage
Farmers have a legal obligation under the Hazardous Substances and new Organisms (HSNO) Act in relation to the safe handling and storage of fuel on farms.
A farm is defined as an area of land of not less than 4 hectares in size, and from 1st April 2007 these regulations including secondary containment, response plans, tank and location certificates and isolation distances must be in practise by farmers to ensure ongoing and safe delivery and storage of these flammable substances.
Who needs what?
Stationary Container Test Certificate will be required by people with above ground storage of DIESEL in tanks greater than 5000lts, and above ground storage of PETROL greater than 2500lts. Also anyone with below ground tanks greater than 250lts will require a test certificate irrespective of product stored in it.
Any certification of these tanks is done by a Test certifier approved to issue test certificates for stationary container systems.
Northfuels has independent and specialised test certifiers we can help you make contact with.
Secondary Containment
Liquid hazardous substances are generally required to be stored in facilities which provide for secondary containment - sometimes referred to as bunding or compounding. For petrol and diesel stored on farms in tanks the trigger quantity for secondary containment is 2000 litres.
A Secondary Containment System means a system in which substances (in liquid form) will be contained if they escape from the container where they are being held.
From 1 April 2007, an existing tank over 2000 litres must comply with one of the following:
Be bunded; or
- Be managed in accordance with a code of practice or compliance plan which sets out a programme for bringing the tank into compliance with HSNO or otherwise provides a satisfactory means of environmental protection; for example:
- Make sure your tank is of sound construction with no sign of leaks
- Make sure your fittings, pumps and hoses are free of leaks and undamaged
- Have an isolation valve fitted on the tank outlet before the dispensing hose to ensure there is a means to isolate the tank contents should the dispensing hose or nozzle develop a leak
- See that your hose is fitted with a proper filling nozzle with a trigger valve mechanism
- Have available an appropriate spill kit for the fuel being stored.
What can be done if I don't comply?
Not all existing tanks or process containers (i.e. generally those constructed no later than 31 March 2004) may be able to comply with the new requirements. In this case, a Compliance Plan will need to be submitted to ERMA New Zealand. A Test Certifier will advise you on how to do this.
All new tanks must have a Test Certificate immediately.
What is a Compliance Plan?
A Compliance Plan is an alternative to meeting the legal requirement for existing tanks or process containers. This plan must specify the steps to:
- Upgrade the Stationary Container System to achieve compliance, and the timeframe to do this, or
- Manage the risks of non-compliance.
- A Compliance Plan cannot be submitted for any new tank.
What is an Approved Handler?
An Approved Handler is a person trained and certified to handle certain highly hazardous substances.
Do I need to be an Approved Handler?
You may need to be an Approved Handler if you have petrol in quantities over 100 litres. The storage of diesel does not require an Approved Handler.
Farmers will not generally need to be Approved Handlers for their farm fuel storage and use, but they must have been properly trained and received guidance on the hazards of petrol, its safe use and handling, and the steps to be taken in the event of spillage or other emergency.
Northfuels staff has the expertise, and the industry knowledge to best advise you of what your current and ongoing needs under HSNO are.
We can provide you with the right information; match it with the right product to ensure that your fuel deliveries, and your farm safety aren’t jeopardized.