Tank security

Michael Ong, technical adviser for the Federation of Petroleum Suppliers, looks at ways to deter fuel theft

Fuel security affects many areas, from the car or van in the street, the Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) parked overnight in a layby, the domestic central heating oil tank, the oil storage tank at a commercial premises, farms, building sites or public building. All have a risk either from theft, vandalism or a leak.

Minimise risk
Vehicle fuel theft is very rare. In the case of cars, the risk of explosion trying to siphon or remove petrol is such that most people would not attempt the operation.
    
For LGV vehicles, companies should consider parking locations in their risk assessment to minimise risk to the driver, vehicle and load when parking overnight. Regular inspection for vehicles should include safety and security of the fuel tank and feed lines. Lockable filler caps on all vehicles and consideration when building LGVs to enclose the running tank or protection by the side guards all discourage opportunistic theft.

Pollution prevention
For oil storage tanks, whether at residential or commercial premises, simple inspection and preventative maintenance will reduce the chance of tank failure.
    
Metal tanks need painting and all storage tanks should be kept clear of foliage and debris. The area around and under the tank (if the tank is raised on piers) must not be used for storage. This allows inspection to be made easily and decreases the risk of failure as the tank will not be hidden or allow the tank to remain damp for long periods of time.

Theft and vandalism
As prices rise or the economy slows, theft becomes an issue. Tanks in remote or quiet locations, such as village halls, farms or commercial premises where the storage is not easily visible all become a risk. Similarly, the type of fuel affects the level of risk. For example, road diesel is at a greater risk from theft than heating oil, which is a lower value product. In urban areas, vandalism is a greater risk as there is little observation from the public or police.
    
A number of proprietary solutions are on the market place. In essence, they all buy time. The more time the thief/vandal has to spend to gain access to the fuel, the more likely the crime will be observed or they will decide on a location that is less secure.

Possible solutions
Solutions must consider the likelihood, cost and risk before money or time is spent. As part of this process, consideration should be given to what happens if, during the incident, fuel is allowed or happens to enter a water course causing pollution. The owner could face a large cleanup cost or even prosecution. An impervious bund or double skin tank would minimise the risk. See the Environment Agency’s publications Pollution Prevention Guideline 2 (PPG2), which is available for download at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/business/topics/pollution/39083.aspx.
    
Solutions may be simple, complex, or a mixture of both. A lock on the fill pipe and the vent, secure fencing around the tank (do not forget that the delivery driver needs access) or the site, audible alarms, CCTV. Companies that plan shutdowns over, for example, Christmas may decide to delay refuelling until they return. Similarly, if the need for fuel is seasonal, tanks can be left empty or a bowser used so that fuel is only on site during working hours. Large storage can be protected by arranging irregular visits by a security company, installing a sophisticated computer based systems that monitors the level of fuel in the storage tank continually or 24-hour on site attendance.