On Friday evening, after a long hot week, a government-issued alert echoed from our phones with a clear but alarming message: do not undertake “any activity that could start a fire”. This past July has been the hottest on record, with over two thirds of the UK in drought* and the risk of wildfires high. With exceptionally dry conditions, those working on the frontline with flammable liquids like fuel face the pressing need to be ever more vigilant. To help manage the risks, let’s explore where, how and why they may occur.
At the Depot
With large volumes of flammable liquids stored on site, one event could bring disaster for human health, the environment, your assets and your reputation. Whilst some risks may be obvious and easily managed, such as prohibiting smoking and bonfires on site, others are less apparent:
· Where you park matters: Parking your fleet close together may be space efficient but it brings higher risks of low-speed collisions or manoeuvring incidents. Should one vehicle catch fire or be set light to, the others may fall in a domino effect, wiping out your entire fleet and putting your business off the road. Space the tankers, spread the risk.
· Keep your boundaries clear: Consider the positioning of trees and vegetation in relation to your tank farm – what would happen if a wildfire approached your site? Creating a fire break around your depot can limit the damage from neighbouring wildfire risks.
· An empty tanker can be a safer tanker: Fully loaded tankers parked at the depot overnight could mean disaster if an incident happens out of hours. Keep heating oil and DERV tankers empty when not in use to minimise the risk should an incident occur.
· Limit high risk activities on site: Always conduct a thorough risk assessment and limit work which could cause sparks, for instance hot works - have a hot works permit system in place.
· Assess your office set up: The office is not without risks and should a fire start the damage could spread to your fuel storage. Ensure your electrical systems are compliant and inspections are up to date and that your fire extinguishers are regularly serviced.
· Prepare your personnel: Regular fire drills and training are essential and can save lives, don’t skip them. Take this one step further and ensure the fire services are also familiar with your site layout and water supply points.
Unfortunately, sometimes incidents at depots are unpredictable such as arson attacks or even lightning strikes. Having a fire risk management plan and DSEAR Assessment is a must as well as putting an environmental risk management plan in place with clear incident response strategies.
Credit: Sky News
On the Road
Leaving the depot also comes with its own risks. During break times, ask your drivers to choose their parking spot wisely: with a tanker full of highly flammable liquid, be mindful of parking up next to woodlands, heathlands and grasslands which may be extremely dry and vulnerable to wildfires.
Accidents can still happen whatever the weather. With the recent New Forest wildfire starting from a van fire, even a breakdown could cause disaster in dry conditions.** Should your drivers experience difficulties in transit, from major rollovers to minor breakdowns, ensure they act vigilantly and can identify risks to human health and the environment, avoid smoking near the vehicle and raise the alarm in the most appropriate manner.
Credit: Shropshire Fire & Rescue Service
Delivering to Customers
Once your drivers have safely reached their destination, ensuring your team are trained and well versed in handling potential hazards is critical. Despite government limitations on risky activities such as bonfires and disposable barbecues, there is still a possibility these could have taken place. Watch out for hot embers when choosing where to park and the path of the hose and be sure to prohibit smoking near the tanker, hose or oil tank.
When making deliveries, ensure tanks are filled no more than 90% as oil can expand in the heat and cause overflows. Plastic oil tanks can also be more likely to fail on the first fill following periods of hot weather due to the stress of high heat and sun exposure. With customers looking to fill their tanks over the coming months, brief your drivers to look for signs of damage and, if in doubt, don’t deliver.
What if the Worst Happens?
When it all goes wrong is when you need your insurers most. As joint owners of the Oilshield Insurance and Risk Management scheme, Compass Environmental are good people to know. We are available 24-7 to assist Oilshield clients at their time of need. We are ISAS Accredited Spill Managers and Consultants and have direct access to a nationwide network of ISAS Accredited Spill Response Contractors. From arranging emergency response, communication with third parties and regulators, determining and delivering the most appropriate remediation strategy to claim sign off and closure, we are there for you every step of the way.
As well as robust spillage incident management you can depend on; the Compass team can also offer discounted rates to Oilshield clients on Environmental Risk Management services such as Spill Preparedness Reviews and Driver CPC qualifying Spill Response Training to help identify your risks before they escalate. By being insured with Oilshield, you have access to all of this and more, get in touch with our Oilshield team today to find out more.