On-Farm Fuel Storage Rules

Most agricultural businesses have some form of fuel storage on the premises. As our businesses grow so have our fuel storage needs as well as our environmental liabilities. Recently, some insurance companies have started requiring agriculture businesses to adhere to the state fire code or be assessed higher premium rates.

Under the current regulations, the Ohio Fire Marshall’s office considers on-farm fuel tanks to fall under the private fleet fueling facility guidelines. A summary provided by the Code Enforcement Bureau highlighted the following regulations.

A permit needs to be applied for if you are removing, installing, abandoning or altering a fuel storage facility. This would apply if you moved the tank from one location on the farm to another. When applying for a permit, a cut sheet from the manufacturer showing the tank is approved for fuel storage use needs to be included. If a cut sheet is not available determination is required to be made on site to show that the tank being proposed to be used is code compliant. A picture of the tank and any labels or UL tags can be submitted showing the listing. If there are no markings on the tanks, the determination would need to be made by the manufacturer (if noted) via a site visit to determine that with a letter from the manufacturer submitted by the manufacturer.

Single walled tanks should be 100 feet from the property line and 50 feet from “important” buildings. Also required for single walled tanks is a spill containment structure. Recommended is some structure that can hold 110% of the tank capacity. Double walled or fire resistant tanks can be 50 feet from the property line and 25 feet from buildings. These tanks do not require a secondary containment structure.

Regardless of tank construction, all tanks should be enclosed in a chain link fence, no less than 6 feet high and 10 feet away from the tank perimeter. A property perimeter fence that is secure will also meet this requirement. In addition to having a secure location, the safety cut-off switch should be located between 20 feet and 100 feet from the tank to allow easy access in the event of an emergency. The Ohio fire code also specifies that at least one portable fire extinguisher be located within 30 feet of the tank.

A permit application can be found at http://www.com.state.oh.us under State Fire Marshal; Forms and applications; Flammable and combustible liquids stationary tank and piping permit application. The regulations are currently being examined and the proposed new Ohio Fire Code should be re-filed in the near future.

If you are planning on changing your fuel storage tanks, it would be prudent to follow the regulations. Doing it right the first time might be a lot less costly than doing it again or being penalized for doing it wrong.

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