Attachment 1: Above Ground Fuel Storage Checklist

Aboveground Storage Tank Design Checklist
Project and Location:
This checklist is a guide for reviewing installations of Aboveground Storage Tanks (ASTs) for flammable and combustible liquids. This checklist addresses some, but not all, safety issues involved in fuel tank installations. Most of the design criteria is found in the current NFPA 30 (2018), Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, NFPA 30A (2018), Motor Fuel Dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages, or is established by the State in which the tank is located. These, plus any other applicable codes, need to be referenced for complete details on requirements. Note: The requirements of LPG (propane) facilities are covered under NFPA 58 (2017), Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code, and are not addressed here. Citations below refer to chapters or sections found in NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible LiquidsCode, unless otherwise noted. All items are mandatory unless listed as a recommendation. The following apply to aboveground tanks storing gasoline, diesel, or oil at pressures less than 2.5psig., with a storage capacity of less than 12,000 gallons.
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Design / Construction

ASTs shall comply with NFPA 30, Chapter 21.4 or a specific State requirement(s). (The States and the EPA manage the AST program. In all cases, the stricter rules apply.)

Tanks shall be approved double-wall construction or otherwise meet secondary containment standards.

Emergency vents will be installed to limit pressure to less than 2.5 psig. Vents shall release vapors not less than 12 ft above adjacent ground level and shall be at least 5 ft from any building opening. Must not vent to a point under a roof or overhang.

Vents outlets will be located so that vapors are not trapped by eaves, roofs, or other obstructions.

Each connection to an AST through which liquid could normally flow shall have a valve located as close to the shell of the tank as practical.

Fuel dispensers shall be wired to meet NEC standards for Hazardous Locations. (Class 1 Division 1 within pits; Class 1, Division 2 within 18” around dispenser and within 6” of ground within 20’, etc.).

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Installation / Location

The installation of an AST will comply with NFPA 30, Chapter 22 or a specific State requirement(s).

Installations shall be approved by the appropriate State regulatory agency where required. (States have primacy regarding AST installations.)

Tanks and dispensers shall be protected from vehicular traffic through the use of bollards, setbacks, concrete islands, etc.
Bollards will be a minimum 4 in. diameter steel pipe (3’ high) filled with concrete; buried 3 feet