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Fuel management

Fuel is a valuable and easily traded commodity. Keep close control of fuel purchase andconsumption. The temptation to steal fuel is often do not increase it by making theft easier. Checkfuel consumption ~ using the figures from the log book entries. Cross-check with fuel and oil receiptswhere drivers purchase fuel. Immediately investigate high fuel consumption and any similardiscrepancies, such as the frequent topping-up of oil. An oil consumption of 1% of the fuel

consumption can be regarded as fair. Check current and expected fuel consumption against thefuture availability of fuel. Local fuel supplies may be erratic and vary from reliable to non-existent.Plan ahead to cope with potential fuel shortages. Consider ordering in bulk and establishing safe andsecure storage facilities.

There are advantages and disadvantages between obtaining fuel from local f illing stations orarranging agency purchase and storage:

Local fuel supply

No capital outlay for facilities, Less administrationLower security and theft risk

Own fuel supply

Immediate local availability, Better controlLower fuel cost

In some cases, a lead agency (such as UNHCR) may provide fuel supply facilities for use by otheragencies and this is usually the best option if it is available.

Ensure that the legal requirements for the storage of fuel, especially petrol, are met. In mostcountries, the volume of petrol which can be stored above ground is limited by law.

If you have to store fuel, observe the following guidelines:

To reduce the risk of confusion, do not store petrol and diesel together . .Store fuel as farfrom any office and accommodation as possible.

Display a clear notice in relevant languages -'DANGER, NO SMOKING'. .Minimize the useof drums. See guidelines below.

Petrol: Do not store petrol in small, vented above ground tanks as it is a major fire risk.Petrol can deteriorate quickly in high ambient temperatures. Therefore, arrangesystematic use of all petrol stored and organize low volume, frequent deliveries. ,

Diesel can be safely stored above ground for up to six months before it shows signs ofdeterioration, even in high ambient temperatures. Beware of diesels which do not containanti-waxing additives as they may form wax globules and block supply lines when storedbelow freezing. Figure 17.4 shows a typical diesel storage tank arrangement. The mildsteel tank may be cylindrical or rectangular. Do not use internally galvanized steel fordiesel tanks or pipework as the diesel will attack the zinc.

Ensure that suitable fire fighting equipment is always available and that staff know how touse it. Do not use water to control a f ire, as the water will turn to steam, creating a fire ballwhich spreads the blaze. Have earth or sand available to extinguish the flames and ablanket in which to smother some- one on fire.

Avoid refuelling from a storage tank that has been filled in the last 24 hours as f illingcreates turbulence stirring up sediment. Allow time for the sediment to settle.

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Figure 17.4 Typical diesel storage tank arrangement

If possible, provide shade for fuel tanks to avoid temperature differences to reducecondensation.

Oversee fuel deliveries and prepare in advance for the tanker arr ival. Check volume of fuel in tankbefore and after delivery. Sample fuel and check quality (see below for method). Ensure tankerdelivery hoses are well earthed to prevent a build up of static electricity which could cause a spark.

Drum storage

In many circumstances there is no alternative but to store fuel in drums. Guidelines for safe storageinclude:

Store drums in a secure, ventilated, shaded and accessible area. .Erect 'DANGER, NOSMOKING' signs in relevant languages.

Clearly separate diesel, petrol, lubricants and other fluids. Mark all drums to Showcontents and date of purchase, or arrival in store. Use the oldest drums first. Mark drumswith recognizable coloured symbols.

If a vehicle tank is filled with the wrong fuel or fluid, always completely drain and clean the

tank. Petrol supplied to a diesel engine is dangerous and will cause severe damage to theengine.

Do not stack drums more than two high. .Wear gloves when handling drums.

Keep drums tightly sealed except when drawing contents.

Clean and dry drums before opening to avoid contamination. Open hot drums slowly toavoid the rapid release of pressurized contents.

Avoid pumping from the bottom of a drum where contaminants collect. Pump fuel througha filter or, if not available, a cloth. Use separate pumps, hoses, fi lters and funnels for each

fluid.

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Handle drums with care. Roll drums off trucks down a plank. If this is not possible, old tyres can beused to cushion the fall. Figure 17.5 shows an improvised method of handling fuel and oil drums, orany other awkward or heavy object.

Figure 17.5 Handling fuel and oil drums

Use a no-spark dipstick -a length of wood -to check the volume of fluid in a drum (18 mm -1 gallon).A full drum should reach to about 30 mm from the top. Check delivered drums for water.Condensation can cause water and rust to accumulate in a fuel drum or tank even when only cleanfuel has been placed inside. Tanks may need to be drained to remove the water occasionally. To

prevent condensation in vehicle tanks, fill them nearly full (allow space for expansion) at the end ofthe day.

Use a semi-rotary or diaphragm barrel pump to remove the contents of a drum. Check thecompatibility of pump materials with the fluid before use. A nitrile rubber diaphragm is suitable forpumping diesel. To avoid the mixing of sediment, water and other contaminants, do not move a drumprior to dispensing.

To take a sample from a drum without disturbing the contents use a 'drum thief'. This can be made upfrom a length of c lear plastic hose. To take a full length 'section', dip the hose to the bottom of thedrum, place a thumb or stopper over the top end and withdraw. Look at the sample and note the fluid

layers. Discharge each fluid layer into a container and try to identify it by smell. 'If necessary, and ifequipment is available, weigh measured volumes of each liquid and identify it by the specific gravity.

Using a longer flexible tube, this method can be adapted to siphon fuel from a variety of tanks. Thisavoids the need to suck the end of the pipe and the danger of getting a mouthful of fuel.