Fuel Storage Tank Safety

Talking points

1. Above-ground fuel tanks need secondary containment — a berm, dike, or double-wall tank sized to hold at least the largest tank's full contents, with the common 110% sizing coming from EPA spill-prevention rules and fire codes to allow for rainwater.
2. Post 'No Smoking,' 'Flammable,' and emergency contact signs at all tank locations. Keep ignition sources far from fuel handling — OSHA bans smoking and open flames outright at fueling and dispensing areas, and where Category 1, 2, or 3 flammable liquids are in use it requires no ignition sources within 50 feet.
3. Bond and ground the tank, dispensing equipment, and receiving container to prevent static buildup during fuel transfer. Static sparks are a primary ignition source.
4. Fill tanks carefully — do not overfill. Leave expansion space and use automatic shutoff nozzles. Spills during filling are a common cause of soil contamination and fire.
5. Inspect tanks, connections, and containment systems regularly for leaks, corrosion, and damage. A small, slow leak can contaminate soil and groundwater over time.

Ask the crew

Is our fuel storage tank properly diked, grounded, and signed — and when was the last time it was inspected for leaks?

Standards this talk is built on

• 29 CFR 1926.152

A toolbox talk is a short safety briefing. It supports the training a standard requires; it does not replace it.

Sign-in sheet

Print this page to collect signatures, or run the talk in Jobsite and workers sign in on their phones.

© Jobsite. Free to read aloud, print and use in your own crew's safety meetings. Republishing, reselling or bulk-copying these talks is not permitted.