Staying safe, preventing theft and avoiding disruption with effective fuel management

Rebecca Swann, Product Manager at Certas Energy.

Many in the farming community are sadly all too familiar with the disruption that can be caused by a compromised fuel tank, with over 20% 1 of UK farmers falling victim to fuel theft and one in ten experiencing a fuel spillage.

The agriculture sector is particularly exposed to the rise in fuel theft due to the difficulty of securing farm land against trespassers. If a fuel tank is not effectively monitored or secured, it can become an easy target for opportunistic thieves.

Poor tank maintenance can also cause interruption to a farm’s day-to-day business. Without regular maintenance, tanks can develop cracks that can result in costly leaks and spillages. Additionally, most reputable fuel suppliers will refuse to deliver to tanks considered to be unsafe - such as those with cracks or leaks.

This extends to tanks that are kept at a hazardous elevation. With falls from height the second highest cause of death in agriculture, elevated tanks can not only pose a health and safety risk to suppliers seeking to deliver fuel, but also farmers looking to access and maintain their tank. Giving your tank an MOT

When it comes to staying fuel safe and avoiding costly interruptions to productivity, prevention is often the best cure. Smarter, safer storage starts with a fuel tank health check.

First, inspect the area around your tank. Ensure it is well lit and that all foliage is cut back. While a hidden tank can deter thieves, don’t be tempted to block off the tank with plants or fencing, as this can make it impossible or even dangerous for fuel to be delivered. There should also be a spill kit close to your tank that includes commercial sorbent products.

Moving on to your tank, ensure that it is watertight and check for any cracks and leaks. Test valves, gauges and locks to ensure they remain functional. If your tank is kept at height, ensure that it is not elevated above three metres to receive fuel deliveries. For best practise fuel storage, consider investing in a bunded tank that can be kept at ground level. If anything seems amiss, call an OFTEC-registered engineer to perform a full inspection.

Five steps to long-term fuel safety

On a busy farm, fuel management is just one of many competing responsibilities. However, the right solution can offer peace of mind that your fuel supply is protected – enabling you to focus on your business. Here’s how to keep your fuel safe all year round:

1 Never miss a drop – over half of farmers admit to struggling with fuel management. Install a telemetry system that alerts to any sudden drop in fuel levels that could be caused by theft or a spillage

2 Lights, camera, action – keep tanks in a well-lit area and deploy CCTV to help deter thieves

3 Upgrade and maintain – opt for a close shackle padlock or a tank with in-built locking mechanisms to protect against theft and make sure your tank is regularly checked for cracks and foliage

4 Sound the alarm - tanks can be fitted with alarms for as little as £100 to scare off thieves. There are also locks, fobs and key codes available to provide additional protection

5 Protect vehicles and machinery – anything with a tank is a target, so fit equipment with float-valves that allow fuel to flow into the tank, but not out