Fuel is essential to any remote construction site, powering everything from generators to heavy machinery. However, poor storage can lead to delays, environmental hazards, and regulatory breaches. Managing fuel effectively in isolated environments requires careful planning, durable equipment, and strict safety protocols.
This guide outlines key strategies to ensure safe, compliant, and efficient fuel storage for remote projects.
Understand Fuel Needs On-Site
Start by assessing fuel demand. This includes daily usage, refuelling frequency, and fuel types required. Accurate forecasting helps determine tank size, quantity, and whether mobile or stationary storage is appropriate. Remote projects often face supply delays, so it’s safer to store slightly more than anticipated to avoid operational disruptions.
Choose Fit-for-Purpose Storage Tanks
Tank selection must consider durability, site conditions, and compliance. Polyethylene tanks are lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and ideal for transport. Stainless steel options offer superior strength and longevity in rugged environments.
Compliance with standards like AS1940 is essential. Bunded tanks, which feature a secondary containment layer, are strongly recommended to prevent spills, especially where emergency response times are longer. Features such as lockable fill points, breather vents, and accurate gauges improve safety and handling.
Manage Access and Security
Remote sites often lack formal security infrastructure, making fuel theft and misuse real risks. Tanks with built-in locks and secure dispensing systems limit unauthorised access. Digital flow meters and remote monitoring help track consumption and detect anomalies quickly.
Assigning dispensing duties to authorised personnel and enforcing clear usage protocols enhances control. These measures reduce losses and support accurate fuel reporting.
Ensure Safe Transport and Refuelling
Fuel must be transported and handled in line with the Australian Dangerous Goods Code. Using certified Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) designed for fuel ensures compliance and minimises risk.
Stability during transport is crucial. Tanks with internal baffles reduce liquid movement, improving vehicle control. Additional safety features, such as anti-siphon valves, grounding systems, and self-closing nozzles, reduce fire and spill risks during refuelling.
Staff must be trained in safe handling procedures, including emergency shutdowns and spill responses. Well-informed teams are better prepared to manage incidents and maintain site safety.
Prevent Environmental Hazards
Environmental protection is both a regulatory and ethical responsibility. Bunded tanks are critical for containing leaks, especially on unsealed or sensitive land. Spill response kits should be placed near all fuel storage areas to enable immediate action if needed.
Regular inspections of tanks, hoses, and fittings help identify wear or damage early. Preventive maintenance reduces the chance of leaks and extends the lifespan of storage systems.
Adapt to Site Conditions
Remote projects often contend with extreme conditions—intense sunlight, floods, dust, or wide temperature swings. UV-stabilised tanks are essential in sunny regions, while elevated setups protect against floodwater. Dust-prone sites should implement grounding systems to prevent static build-up.
Temperature fluctuations can cause condensation inside tanks, leading to fuel contamination. Water separators and filters help maintain fuel quality and protect engines from damage.
Work with Reputable Suppliers
Working with experienced specialist providers, like TTI Australia tanks and fluid management solutions, ensures that fuel storage systems meet the unique demands of remote construction. From bunded tanks and IBCs to custom-designed dispensing solutions, sourcing reliable equipment is essential.
Providers with industry-specific expertise can offer tailored recommendations, ensuring storage systems are not only compliant but also optimised for performance and longevity.
Mastering Fuel Storage in the Field
Effective fuel storage isn’t just about logistics—it’s essential to operational success, safety, and compliance. By choosing the right equipment, securing storage, and adapting to environmental conditions, remote construction teams can keep their sites running smoothly and responsibly.
