Storing Diesel Fuel Safely

Written on: March 18, 2025

Pitmon Oil & Gas Makes Sure You Always Have the Diesel Fuel Your Business Needs

For farmers, fleet managers, construction businesses, school districts, municipalities, and transportation companies, diesel fuel is a critical asset. However, handling and storing it improperly can lead to safety hazards, environmental issues, and costly losses.

Whether you rely on diesel for powering your fleet, running machinery, or keeping commercial generators operational, safe storage practices are non-negotiable.

At Pitmon Oil & Gas, we’ve been serving South and Central Oklahoma communities like Wynnewood with tailored diesel fuel services, including on-road and off-road delivery and high-quality fuel storage solutions. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about storing diesel fuel safely while optimizing your operations.

Why Safe Diesel Fuel Storage is Essential

Diesel fuel is highly valuable, but its improper storage poses a range of risks. From accidental spills and fires to contamination and degraded fuel quality, the consequences can significantly impact your business.

Proper diesel storage ensures:

• Safety for your workers, facilities, and equipment.
• Compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Cost savings by preventing fuel loss, equipment damage, or fines.
• Operational efficiency, ensuring your equipment is ready when you need it.

Implementing safe storage methods not only protects your investment but also helps build a more sustainable operation.

Key Safety Guidelines for Diesel Fuel Storage

1. Choose the Right Storage Tank

The foundation of safe diesel storage starts with selecting the correct tank. At Pitmon Oil & Gas, we offer high-quality fuel tanks suitable for various applications—from temporary tanks for remote job sites to long-term solutions for facilities.

When selecting a tank, consider:

• Material: Steel tanks are highly durable and resistant to corrosion, while polyethylene tanks offer lightweight, rust-free options.
• Size: Choose a tank based on your average fuel consumption and storage needs. Oversized tanks may lead to long storage times and fuel degradation, while undersized tanks could disrupt operations.
• Compliance: Ensure the tank meets local, state, and federal regulations for diesel storage.

2. Store Fuel Tanks in Approved Locations

Location plays a pivotal role in diesel storage safety.

• Ventilation: Store diesel tanks in areas with proper ventilation to prevent vapor accumulation.
• Distance from Structures and Equipment: Keep tanks away from ignition sources, high-traffic areas, and critical structures.
• Secondary containment: Use bunds or spill containment solutions to prevent environmental contamination in case of leaks or spills.

3. Monitor and Maintain Fuel Quality

Diesel can degrade over time or become contaminated, potentially damaging equipment and reducing efficiency. To preserve fuel quality:

• Keep tanks clean: Regularly inspect and clean tanks to prevent sludge buildup, algae, and rust contamination.
• Use stabilizers: Add commercial stabilizers to prolong the life of stored diesel.
• Monitor tank conditions: Use fuel monitoring systems to track storage temperature and moisture levels.

We recommend replacing stored diesel after 6 to 12 months if it hasn’t been used to maintain optimal engine performance and prevent degradation.

4. Conduct Regular Inspections

Routine inspections are key to spotting potential safety risks early on. Check for:

• Leaks in and around the tank.
• Corrosion or structural damage.
• Tank integrity ensuring valves, fittings, and seals work properly.
• Environmental hazards, such as pooling liquids or damage to containment measures.

5. Train Your Team

Ensuring storage safety goes beyond equipment—it’s about the people handling the fuel. Conduct regular training sessions for your team to:

• Understand safety protocols, including handling and transfer best practices.
• Recognize warning signs, such as fuel contamination or equipment malfunctions.
• Respond to emergencies with the proper spill and fire response procedures.

6. Partner with a Trusted Diesel Provider

Partnering with a reliable fuel provider ensures you not only receive clean, high-quality diesel but also expert advice on storage. Pitmon Oil & Gas offers on-road and off-road diesel delivery directly to your site or fleet. Our on-site fueling services help ensure your equipment and vehicles have full tanks every morning, minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity.

How Pitmon Oil & Gas Supports Your Diesel Fuel Needs

At Pitmon Oil & Gas, we know diesel fuel is the heartbeat of your operations, and we’re here to make sure its storage and delivery are seamless. We provide tailored solutions to meet your unique business requirements across Wynnewood, OK, and neighboring South and Central Oklahoma communities.

Our comprehensive services include:

• On-road and off-road diesel delivery: We’ll bring diesel directly to your site, whether it’s for powering fleet vehicles or off-road equipment.
• Fuel for commercial generators: We supply reliable off-road diesel to keep your operations running during unexpected outages.
• Customizable fuel tanks: From short-term projects to permanent storage solutions, we offer premium tanks designed to keep your fuel storage safe and compliant.
• On-site fueling services: Ensure your equipment is ready to go every morning with our convenient on-site fueling services.

Our team brings decades of experience to the table, ensuring your operations run smoothly, efficiently, and safely.

Proactive Tips for Managing Diesel Storage Long-term

To maximize your storage strategy, consider these additional tips:

• Invest in fuel monitoring systems to track consumption and reorder diesel before you run out.
• Keep an emergency spill kit near storage tanks to contain leaks or spills quickly.
• Schedule regular consultations with professionals to assess your storage systems and ensure compliance with evolving regulations.

Safe diesel storage starts with the right partner—and Pitmon Oil & Gas is here to help. Whether you need bulk fuel delivery, high-quality tanks, or professional guidance, our team is committed to your success.

If you’re in Wynnewood, OK, or nearby South and Central Oklahoma communities, don’t leave your storage and fueling needs to chance. Contact Pitmon Oil & Gas today to learn about our customized diesel fuel solutions and get the service and support you deserve. We’ll help you store diesel safely, efficiently, and worry-free, so you can focus on what matters most—your business.