Fuel Oil Safety

Fuel oils are mainly non-volatile burning fluids, but they may also contain volatile fractions and therefore present a risk of fire and explosion. The fuel oils may cause long-term harm and damage in water environments and present a risk of contaminating the soil and ground water.

Prolonged or repetitive contact with the skin may cause irritation and increase the risk of skin cancer (polyaromatic hydrocarbons, etc.). Fumes that are irritating for eyes and respiratory organs, such as hydrogen sulphide or light hydrocarbons, may be released during loading bunkering.

NOTE
Study the safety instructions provided by the fuel oil supplier.

 Safety precautions for fuel oil handling

● Isolate the fuel oils from ignition sources, such as sparks from static electricity.

● Avoid breathing evaporated fumes, for instance, during pumping and when opening storage tanks. The fumes may contain toxic gases, for instance, hydrogen sulphide. Use a gas mask if necessary.

● Keep the handling and storage temperatures below the flash point.

● Store the fuel in tanks or containers designed for flammable fluids.

● Note the risk of methane gas formation in the tanks due to bacterial activities during long-term storage. Methane gas causes risk of explosion, for instance, when unloading fuel and when opening

storage tanks. When entering tanks, there is a risk of suffocation.

● Do not release fuel into the sewage system, water systems or onto the ground.

● Cloth, paper or any other absorbent material used to soak up spills are a fire hazard. Do not allow them to accumulate.

● Dispose of any waste containing fuel oil according to directives issued by the local or national environmental authorities. The

waste is hazardous. Collection, regeneration and burning should be handled by authorised disposal plants.

Personal protection equipment for fuel oils

-) Protection of respiratory organs:  Against oil mist: Use respirator with combined particle and gas filter.

-) Against evaporated fumes (hydrogen sulphide, etc.): Use respirator with inorganic gas filter.

-) Hand protection: Use strong, heat and hydrocarbon resistant gloves (nitrile rubber for example).

-) Eye protection: Wear goggles if splash risk exists.

-) Skin and body protection: Wear facial screen and covering clothes as required. Use safety footwear when handling barrels. Wear protective clothing if hot product is handled.

 

First aid measures for fuel oil accidents 

-) Inhalation of fumes: Move the victim to fresh air. Keep the victim warm and lying still. Give oxygen or mouth to mouth resuscitation if needed. Seek medical advice after significant exposure or inhalation of oil mist.

-) Skin contact: If the oil was hot, cool the skin immediately with plenty of cold water.

Wash immediately with plenty of water and soap.

Do not use solvents as they will disperse the oil and might cause skin absorption.

Remove contaminated clothing.

Seek medical advice if irritation develops.

-) Eye contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of water, for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical advice. If possible, keep rinsing until eye specialist has been reached.

-) Ingestion: Rinse the mouth with water. Do not induce vomiting as this may cause aspiration into the respiratory organs. Seek medical advice.

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