Above Ground Storage Tanks

Flammable liquids shall be stored in a tank or in a container that complies with 29 CFR 1910.106(b), which includes:

1. ASTs shall be built of steel unless they will be installed underground, or if required by the properties of the liquid stored. Tanks located above ground or inside buildings shall be of non-combustible construction.
2. Tanks must be designed and intended for flammable liquid storage, and approved. Approval is determined by Underwriter's Laboratory (UL) labeling, ASME stamp, or API monogram.
3. Atmospheric storage tanks shall be adequately vented to prevent the development of vacuum or pressure sufficient to distort the roof or exceeding the design pressure in the case of other atmospheric tanks, as a result of filling or emptying, and atmospheric temperature changes. Requirements for vent piping can be found in 1910.106(b)(2)(vi).
4. Every AST shall have some form of construction or device that will relieve excessive internal pressure caused by exposure fires.
5. All tanks, whether shop built or field erected, shall be strength tested before they are placed in service.
   • The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) code stamp, American Petroleum Institute (API) monogram, or the label of the Underwriter's Laboratories, Inc. on a tank shall be evidence of compliance with this strength test.

1. The distance between any two flammable liquid storage tanks (shell-to-shell) shall not be less than 3 feet.
2. Where unstable flammable liquids are stored, the distance between such tanks shall nbot be less than one-half the sum of their diameters.
3. The minimum separation between a liquified petroleum gas container and a flammable liquid storage tank shall be 20 feet. Contact EHS for exceptions noted in 1910.106(b)(2)(ii)(f).
4. The area surrounding a tank or group of tanks shall be provided with drainage, or shall be diked, to prevent accidental discharge of liquid from endangering adjoining property, or reaching waterways.
   • Drainage control and diking is not required for listed secondary containment tanks (i.e. double-walled tanks).
   • The Fire Code Official is authorized to alter or waive these requirements based on a technical report that demonstrates that such tank or group does not constitute a hazard to other tanks, waterways, or adjoining property after consideration of special features such as topographical conditions, nature of occupancy and proximity to buildings on the same or adjacent property, capactiy, and construction of proposed tanks and character of liquids to be stored, and nature and quantity of private and public fire protection provided.
5. The storage area shall be graded in a manner to divert possible spills away from building or other exposures, or shall be surrounded by a curb at least 6 inches high.
   
6. Tank supports shall be installed on firm foundations, and shall be of concrete, masonry, piling, or protected steel (i.e. fire resistant). Wood timber supports should be avoided, if possible.
   • Tank foundations shall be designed to minimize the possibility of uneven settling of the tank and to minimize corrosion in any poart of the tank resting on the foundation.
7. Every tank shall be so supported as to prevent the excessive concentration of loads on the supporting portion of the shell.
8. Where a tank is located in an area that may be subjected to flooding, additional requirements specified in 1910.106(b)(5)(vi) shall be met.
9. Piping, valves, and fittings shall be suitable for the expected working pressures and structural stresses. Conformity with the applicable provisions of Pressure Piping, ANSI B31 series and the provisions of 1910.106(c)(1)(i) shall be considered evidence of compliance.
10. Trash dumpsters must be at least 25 feet from flammable liquid storage tanks.
11. ASTs must be secured to the foundation.
12. Emergency shut-offs must be clearly marked.
13. ASTs must be grounded in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations.
14. Bollards should be installed to protect ASTs from accidental contact or damage from vehicular traffic. Bollards can be piping, wood framing, concrete, concrete wheel stops, or curbing.
    • Pipe bollards must be 4 to 6 inches in diameter, spaced 3 to 4 feet apart, at least 3 feet in height, and installed at least 3 feet from the nearest tank.
15. Equipment grounding conductors must be installed if electrical equipment is allowed within the fuel storage area. All electrical connections to petroleum equipment must be explosion-proof (fittings, wiring, electrical panel). Conduits at each end must be sealed to prevent vapor release.

Sources of Ignition

In locations where flammable vapors may be present, precautions shall be taken to prevent ignition by eliminating or controlling sources of ignition. Such controls include distances, fire-resistance barriers, prohibition of smoking or hot work in the area, and grounding/bonding, etc. Sources of ignition may include:

• Open flames
• Lightning
• Smoking
• Cutting and welding
• Hot surfaces
• Frictional heat
• Sparks (static, electrical, and mechanical)
• Spontaneous ignition
• Chemical and physical-chemical reactions
• Radiant heat

Spills and Spill Kits

A spill kit should be located nearby with absorbent pads, pillows, and socks in the event of a spill. Oil-only pads should be available for diked areas to clean up rainwater that has become contaminated. 

Any spill outside of containment that is not a result of normal operations should be reported to VT EHS by calling 540-231-3600. 

Tank Labeling

Tanks must be labeled as to contents, volume, hazards, and warnings. Signage should be in English and Spanish, as appropriate. Examples include:

• "Gasoline" or "Diesel" (or other contents)
• "Flammable - No Smoking" (within 50 feet)
• "Danger - Flammable Liquid"
• "Dyed Fuel" or "Undyed Fuel"

Signage

Open flames and smoking shall not be permitted in flammable liquid storage areas. A sign should be posted to indicate such.

Tank Registration

DEQ regulates ASTs that hold more than 660 gallons of oil/petroleum. Installation of a new tank, or closure of an old tank, has required documentation in order to meet the requirements of 9VAC25-91. VT EHS will coordinate and submit registration paperwork. Contact the EHS Environmental Engineer at shereean@vt.edu.

Weeds/Vegetation

The area around and under ASTs must be kept free from weeds and vegetation.

Paint

Tanks that are painted should be in good condition to prevent rusting, and must not cover any signage, labeling, or manufacturer's data/information.

Water-reactive Materials 

Materials which will react with water shall not be stored in the same room or area with flammable liquids.

There are additional EPA requirements for flammable liquid/petroleum storage tank(s) (aboveground or underground) over 1,320 gallons. For more information, see the section on "petroleum storage tanks" under EHS' environmental compliance program. 

Incidental storage or use of flammable liquids typically occurs inside of a building where fire code requirements apply. Containers and storage conditions must be appropriate and quantities are limited depending on the structure and location within the building. For more information, see the section on "hazardous chemicals" under EHS' Fire and Life Safety Program.

Is training mandatory? If so, when? No, but it is recommended if you have fuel dispensing tanks.

Class length: 30 minutes

Available online: Yes

When is refresher training required? Never

Please see the online class schedule for more information.

You should implement your spill response plan immediately, and contact EHS' Environmental Engineer or Hazardous Waste Manager as soon as possible at 540-231-2510 or 540-231-2509 respectively.

ASTs may be inspected by the EHS Environmental Engineer periodically, or by EHS inspectors during routine inspections of facilities and spaces. 

Any documentation from the manufacturer of purchased AST should be maintained on site.

Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) of tank contents should be available with the Hazard Communciation Plan.

Contact EHS' Environmental Engineer at 540-231-2510 to discuss any issues, potential problems, and solutions.

Airport Notification of Crane Activities

Mobile Crane Inspection