Fuel tanks are an essential part of many vehicles and machinery. However, they can also be hazardous if they are not maintained. Fuel spills can cause environmental damage, property damage, and even injuries.
Here are some of the dangers of fuel tank spills:
Environmental Damage
Fuel spills can contaminate soil and water, harming plants, animals, and people. The kind of fuel and the surroundings it spills into will decide the measurement of the damage.
Soil Contamination
Fuel spills can contaminate soil, making it unusable for agriculture or other purposes. The soil can become contaminated with heavy metals, such as lead, mercury, and hydrocarbons. These contaminants can harm plants and animals that live in the soil and pose a risk to human health. For example, a 2017 study by the Environmental Protection Agency found that soil contaminated with fuel can take up to 20 years to recover.
Water Contamination
Fuel spills can contaminate water, making it unsafe to drink, swim in, or use for irrigation. The water can become contaminated with hydrocarbons and additional chemicals added to fuel, such as additives and stabilisers. These contaminants can harm fish and other sea life and risk human health.
In fact, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, fuel spills release an estimated 1.1 million tons of pollutants into the environment each year. This pollution can have a devastating impact on wildlife, ecosystems, and human health.
It is important to take steps to prevent fuel spills from happening. By following the tips in this blog, you can help to protect the environment and keep people safe.
Property Damage
Fuel spills can damage buildings, roads, and other property. The type of fuel and the environment it spills into will determine the extent of the damage.
Building Damage
Fuel spills can damage buildings by seeping into the foundation and causing structural damage. The fuel can also ignite, causing a fire that can demolish the structure. For example, a 2018 National Fire Protection Association study found that fuel spills were responsible for an average of 1,400 fires each year in the United States.
Road Damage
Fuel spills can damage roads by making them slippery and causing accidents. The fuel can also seep into the environment and harm the foundation of the road, driving it to collapse.
Other Property Damage
Fuel spills can damage other property, such as vehicles, equipment, and personal belongings. The fuel can seep into these objects and drive them to become unusable.
According to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), fuel spills in the UK cost an average of £60 million each year in environmental damage and clean-up costs.
This damage can contain the cost of cleaning up contaminated soil and water and losing nature and habitats. Defra also estimates that fuel spills cause an average of £10 million yearly in property damage in the UK.
Fires and Explosions
Fuel spills can be a fire threat, and they can even lead to explosions. The kind of fuel and the surroundings it spills into will decide the size of the danger.
Fires
Fuel spills can ignite, causing a fire that eliminates possessions and harms or kills people.
Explosions
Fuel spills can also explode, causing a blast that can destroy property and injure or kill people.
According to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), fuel spills in the UK cause an average of 100 fires each year. These fires can cause substantial damage to property and infrastructure and pose a threat to human life.
Injuries
Fuel spills can cause burns, respiratory issues, and additional injuries. The type of fuel and the environment it spills into will determine the extent of the danger.
Burns
Fuel spills can cause burns if they come into contact with the skin. The severity of the burns will depend on the amount of fuel that is spilt and the length of time that the skin is exposed to the fuel.
Respiratory Problems
Fuel spills can cause respiratory problems if they are inhaled. The symptoms of respiratory problems can include coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. In some cases, respiratory problems can be fatal.
Other Injuries
Fuel spills can also cause other injuries, such as slips and falls, eye and skin irritation.
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), fuel spills in the UK cause an average of 100 injuries each year. These injuries vary from small cuts and scrapes to serious burns and respiratory problems.
3 Ways to Prevent Fuel Tank Spills
Several things can be done to prevent fuel tank spills. Here are three of the most important:
Choose The Right Fuel Tank
Not all fuel tanks are created equal. Some are more prone to leaks than others. When choosing a fuel tank, make sure to select one that is made from durable materials and has a good safety rating.
Inspect Your Fuel Tank Regularly
Even a well-made fuel tank can develop leaks over time. It is important to inspect your fuel tank regularly for signs of damage. If you see cracks, dents, or other signs of wear, have the tank repaired or replaced immediately.
Install A Fuel Tank Bund
A fuel tank bund is a containment system that helps to prevent spills from spreading. If a fuel tank leaks, the bund will help to contain the spill and prevent it from contaminating the environment.
Additional Tips for Preventing Fuel Tank Spills
In addition to the three tips above, here are some additional tips for preventing fuel tank spills:
Keep Your Fuel Tank Full
This will help reduce the amount of air space in the tank, making it more likely to leak.
Do Not Overfill Your Fuel Tank
This can put pressure on the tank and increase the leak risk.Dispose Of Fuel Properly
Never pour used fuel down the drain or on the ground. Instead, you should take it to a hazardous waste disposal facility.
Contact Total Tanks for Help
If you need help choosing between a single or double walled fuel tank, contact Total Tanks. They have a wide range of experience in the industry, and they can help you find the right tank for your needs.
Visit our website or call us at 01772 338892.
