Managing and storing your fuel safely is important in all environments but none more so than in a farm setting and especially around harvest time.
With increased farm machinery movements and regular re-fuelling requirements it is important to ensure this is done in a safe manner. Having to travel between field and farm to fill up with fuel is a waste of valuable time. We can offer advice and guidance on a range of mobile tanks and bowsers specifically designed for the safe transportation of fuel, keeping moving through harvest.
Refuelling Safety
Refuelling is a task that feels so routine, it’s easy to forget about some of the dangers. Below are basic safety measures to take each time you're at the pump.
- Don’t multitask — refuelling is not the time to complete other chores or tasks.
- Stay close to the tank so you can act quickly if something goes awry.
- Avoid smoking and other open flames while refuelling.
- Don’t overfill the fuel tank — 95 percent full is a good rule of thumb for all vehicle and container types.
- Turn off the engine completely and, if there’s a chance the equipment could roll, chock the wheels.
- Clean up any spills immediately.
Storing fuel in an agricultural setting comes with its own regulations that are different from commercial or domestic regulations. This fact sheet by NFU covers the key points and should you need further advice on fuel storage tanks or fuel stations, we have a range of solutions available to all our CPS customers.
Tinder dry fields
The current heatwave that we are facing has made the risk of fire even more prevalent especially for combine harvesters.
Dust, hot moving parts, electrical wiring and a tank full of diesel provide all the ingredients for a major fire.
Combine fires saw a 35% increase last year, according to NFU Mutual. This puts lives at risk, can spread into crops and threaten surrounding buildings. In hot weather, combine fires could spread even more violently, causing enormous damage to crops and disrupting the farm when farmers can least afford to stop.
NFU Mutual tips to prevent a combine fire this harvest:
- Ensure planned preventative maintenance (PPM) is up to date and in accordance with the manufacturer’s service schedule before using any machinery, including areas where friction or sparks could be created
- Fit a suppression system that meets P-mark status to contain, extinguish and prevent fire
- Regularly clean out dust and chaff from hot spots in combines and balers and check the machine over when you finish use for the day
- Switch off engines and ensure moving parts have stopped before clearing blockages or carrying out maintenance
- Always stop to investigate hot-running engines or bearings
- Have a plan in place in the event of fire including a system for keeping in contact with lone workers and anyone working or living on farm
- Keep mobile phones on you at all times – it’s no use to you if it’s left in a tractor or pickup cab
- Make sure drivers are aware of the locations and heights of power lines and check that you will safely pass under wires
- Make sure there is a fire extinguisher on the combine – and that it is regularly maintained – and that you know where the nearest water source is
- In very dry conditions, keep a bowser filled with water on hand, and be prepared to create a fire break in the event of a crop fire
- Use the What3Words App so that emergency services can find your location easily
- Remind staff to keep well-hydrated, take sufficient rest breaks and monitor for fatigue, stress and mental ill health symptoms.
Commercial Team
Our local depots, knowledgeable delivery drivers and specialist commercial team all share a common goal: To keep your farm, the machines that work it and the men that make it happen, fuelled till the project's done. We've been supplying our agriculture customers, the farmers and landowners of East Anglia, with quality farm fuels for over 50 years.
If you require product information, options, assistance or prices, then please contact our Commercial Team on 01953 713540.
