? Diesel Storage Tanks firewalls, dikes & spill control
mandatory firewalls · fire dikes · non‑combustible materials · spill prevention
Mandatory Firewalls for Indoor Storage
- Strict requirement – when tanks are installed indoors (generator rooms, boiler rooms, workshops), they must be housed in a dedicated, independent room.
- Fire resistance ≥ 3 hours – the room must be separated by firewalls with a fire resistance limit of no less than three hours to contain potential fires and prevent spread.
Fire Dikes for Outdoor Tank Farms
- Equivalent safety measure – outdoor tanks must be surrounded by non‑combustible fire dikes.
- Physical containment – dikes act as barriers to contain fuel in the event of a tank rupture or leak, preventing uncontrolled fire spread or environmental disaster.
Strict Prohibition of Combustible Materials
- Non‑combustible materials only – whether firewalls indoors or dikes outdoors, all structural materials must be strictly non‑combustible.
- Class A finishes – interior of storage rooms must be finished with Class A non‑combustible materials; wood or any combustible materials are absolutely prohibited in the storage space or tank foundation.
Spill Prevention & Drainage Controls
- Indoor anti‑spill facilities – raised thresholds or collection trenches prevent leaking diesel from escaping the storage room.
- Outdoor dike design – must hold the volume of the largest tank; drainage pipes exiting the diked area must be equipped with water seals to prevent fire spread through the drainage system.
● comply with NFPA 30 and local building codes ● regular inspection of fire barriers is mandatory ●