Some things just need protection!
No matter how carefully placed your above-ground petrol tanks are, by their very nature they are at risk from impact by vehicles.
Petrol itself is an everyday commodity and it’s easy to forget how dangerous it is. When it’s involved in an accident, it can easily catch fire and cause explosions, severe burns or death.
We’ve all seen horrific fuel explosions in the movies, and while they’re often dramatised in that form, it is not altogether fictional as some real-life tragedies can attest.
Any public business or private enterprise storing petroleum must consider the risks of vehicle impact and take all necessary steps to avoid disaster.
For this above-ground tank, we recommended Tru-Gard™ Standard Bollards at the business end where vehicles frequently pull up to re-fuel. These are slimline bollards, which provide the necessary impact-resistance while keeping a subtle and unobtrusive profile, well out of the way of the functional purpose of the tank. (Tru-Gard™ Large or Extra Large Bollards would also serve the same purpose, however they do require a little more room on the surrounding concrete base, so the site can often dictate the size choice. Tru-Gard™ Standard Bollards have been fully impact-tested and meet AS/NZS 1170.1, 3.8, standards for car parks, so are more than adequate). Similarly, we have a range of barrier options to protect the long sides of the tank. A happy medium is the 610-1 configuration used here. This option installs 610mmH posts with one barrier rail, which provides excellent protection, whilst remaining inconspicuous and not creating access difficulties. (Depending on a tank’s location and the vehicle risk factors around it, we may also suggest 610-2, 910-2 or even 910-3 configurations for added peace of mind, if required by the client).
Protecting dangerous goods with Tru-Gard™ is in everyone’s best interests. If you have concerns over petroleum storage, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us for advice.