Requirements for an Indoor Diesel Storage Tank?

1/2/2024

We have an indoor amusement park (skiing activities) which has a back of house space where in machines are being repaired and refueled. There is a diesel storage room which a 1,320 gallon tank (5 cubic meters).

The room does not have any fire resistance rated walls and is also used for storing paint thinners (Class 2 flammable liquid). Just outside this room is a welding space.

Is there guidance, somewhere, on what needs to be considered here for fire and life safety?

I tried using NFPA 1, NFPA 30, and NFPA 101, but since this diesel tank is inside the space, I've not been able to find a reasonable solution in terms of fire and life safety requirements.

Thanks for the input.

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11 Comments

Doug Neeley

1/2/2024 08:17:34 am

NFPA 30 should cover what you're asking about.

Pete H

1/2/2024 08:43:23 am

Is the diesel blended with ethanol (E-diesel) to reduce emissions?

That will actually change whether the diesel is a combustible or flammable liquid.

Either way, this was a decent read on the subject, I hope it helps:

https://www.powermag.com/understanding-diesel-fuel-storage-requirements/

Christopher Nelson

1/2/2024 08:50:07 am

Any generators or combustion engines? NFPA 37 has it own storage requirements for flammable liquids

Glenn Berger

1/2/2024 09:41:05 am

All of the standards that you mention have significant parts that would be applicable to your situation. The most hazardous activities would govern the entire building.

Dwight H Havens

1/2/2024 05:04:27 pm

When dealing with any hazardous material and looking for the governing requirements, it is important to determine what the code requirements are (as the inquirer is attempting to do). To do this, first, one needs to determine which codes and standards apply, then how they apply. Many things can impact which requirements apply, from the type of occupancy, the type of construction, the size of the facility, and in the case of liquids that burn, the liquid's classification. As previously mentioned, this inquiry is related to diesel fuel, and as also identified, diesel fuel's classification will vary based on how it is formulated, because it affects its flashpoint.

With respect to the facility itself, as an indoor amusement facility, its primary classification is likely to be Assembly, but with the machine repair and fuel transfer and storage, it would have a Factory/Industrial and Storage component to it.

So what does one do to clarify the requirements? You start with the Building Code, and use the Fire Code, as referenced from the Building Code. Where other codes and standards are referenced from the Building and Fire Codes, you work your way down through the requirements until you find them all (or what you believe to be all). Where conflicts exist, you use the hierarchy established in the codes and standards process, and engage subject matter experts to work through them. Finally you discuss your findings with the AHJ (authority having jurisdiction) to help determine the path forward from there.

Robert Hughes

1/2/2024 05:30:22 pm

Then you bid - LoL
(great info and explanation, thank you -I find the cover page of the drawings usually gives a lot of specific code guidance, if a builder and/or architect is involved. A lot of times you're on your own though, and Dwight's outline is excellent)

Dwight H Havens

1/3/2024 05:00:57 pm

Thank you.

sean

1/2/2024 08:19:48 pm

I would start with the fire code. The IFC has a day tank of 660 allowance then chapter 50 would force you to look at max allowed. It will then push you to IFC 56 and NFPA 30.

Steven W Dube link

1/3/2024 11:25:08 am

NIce job Mr. Havens!

Dwight H Havens

1/3/2024 05:01:36 pm

Thanks.

Mario Monette link

8/20/2024 10:17:22 am

The detailed guidelines are crucial for anyone managing indoor diesel storage to ensure proper handling and risk management. Thanks for providing such important insights!

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Requirements for an Indoor Diesel Storage Tank?

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