BMP 3 – Storage and Handling of Petroleum Products and Allied Products
Petroleum-based fuels and lubricants represent hazardous substances used by some exploration programs that may present significant risks associated with health and safety, and environmental impacts.
All petroleum products present obvious fire hazards, and all have the potential to degrade the environment through contamination of water and soils placing local plant and animal life at risk. Given the risks of fire and spills, it is important to have emergency response plans in place to adequately address spills and accidents, should they occur. Please see Example of Emergency Response Plan template
Each jurisdiction has specific and detailed regulatory requirements for the handling and use of petroleum products. It is the responsibility of an individual or company to be aware of and abide by requirements that apply to specific activities or work. In Manitoba, the requirements for the handling and use of petroleum and allied products apply to activities conducted both on Crown Land and in Provincial Parks.
The following document provides guidelines for lowering the risk of fires or spills in the storage, transport, and handling of fuels and petroleum products. Products covered are those most common to mineral exploration activities, which include:
- Gasoline
- Diesel
- Kerosene
- Jet fuel
- Lubrication oils
- Transmission oils
- Hydraulic oils
- Waste oils – see also BMP 4 – Hazardous Substances, Wastes and Dangerous Goods
NOTE: Propane and other liquefied gases are covered under BMP 4 – Hazardous Substances, Wastes and Dangerous Goods.
Hazard Mitigation
Petroleum products and allied petroleum products should only be used for their intended purpose and as recommended by the manufacturer. It is important to understand the risks associated with these products. All appropriate Safety Data Sheets (SDS) pages are to be reviewed and available at site.
With respect to their fire hazard, all fuels and petroleum products must be handled with care. Any activity with open flames, including smoking, should always be conducted at a safe distance from any fuels and petroleum products. In addition, all vehicle and equipment operators should ensure that ignitions are turned off before refuelling.
There are differences in the potential for fire hazard between various fuels and petroleum products, which are divided into flammable and combustible groups with further division into sub-classes. These divisions are based on the flashpoint, which is the lowest temperature at which the vapour above a liquid can be ignited in air. Ensure fuel or oil stored in tanks or containers are not exposed to conditions where the temperature could rise to the liquid’s flashpoint.
NOTE: In some English usage, and in French and Spanish usage, “inflammable” is the same as “flammable”.
Storage of Fuels and Petroleum Products
Almost all exploration programs require some fuel storage, whether it is a few cans of oil, or large tanks of diesel to support a drill program. The risk of spillage or release can be mitigated by following good fuelling procedures, using well-designed tanks, and building containment areas to prevent a major spill from escaping the storage area.
Storage site
The first step in fuel and oil storage is selecting the site. Assess and manage the risk potential at all remote fuel storage areas. Storage areas should be located at least 100 metres from:
- A flood area, a wetland, or high-water line
- Power lines
- Public roads
- The recharge area of a water well
A storage area may be located closer than 100 metres to a Water Body if it is intended to supply boats or float planes. However, the storage area must be located above the high-water mark.
It is recommended that a storage site be in an area that has:
- Low traffic and a buffer zone from traffic;
- A ground slope of not more than 5 per cent; and
- Minimal dead vegetation, grass or other combustible material that could present a fire hazard.
In addition to appropriate site selection, the storage area should be equipped with proper spill control measures and spill response materials. Warning signs prohibiting smoking or using any open flames in, or near storage areas should also be displayed.
Fire extinguishers must be available on site. Refer to Work Permit conditions for fire extinguishers size requirements or see BMP 5– Fire Prevention] for more information.
Storage tanks
Most exploration programs are temporary, so there is no need to bury storage tanks, which can instead be located aboveground.
Petroleum storage containers with a capacity of 230 L or less must meet appropriate design standards, be clearly marked and be equipped with adequate spill containment. The condition of the containers and spill containment equipment should be inspected regularly.
The storage of petroleum products and allied products in tanks 230 L and greater must comply with the Storage and Handling of Petroleum Products and Allied Products Regulation, the Regulation pursuant to The Dangerous Goods Handling and Transportation Act.
Aboveground tanks greater than 230 L and less than 5000 L are subject to partial application of the Regulation, as per Section 3. Aboveground tanks must be ULC certified and must have approved secondary containment.
NOTE: Underground storage tanks and aboveground storage tanks with a capacity greater than 5000 L are subject to additional requirements set out in the Storage and Handling of Petroleum Products and Allied Products Regulation, including the requirement to obtain an operating permit from the Department of Environment and Climate Change.
An individual or company should ensure that:
- Storage tanks and containers are maintained in good condition and not damaged, rusting or leaking;
- Containers and tanks are adequately sealed with proper fittings lids, caps, bungs or valves to prevent spills and leaks;
- Hoses and nozzles used for dispensing are maintained in good repair;
- Storage containers and tanks are not filled beyond their designed fill capacity;
- Each type of fuel is stored and secured in separate caches; it is important not to mix different types of fuels;
- Personal protective equipment is used when handling dangerous goods;
- Fuel transfers are continuously supervised by qualified personnel;
- Spill containment equipment is used to contain leaks at all connection points during fuel transfers; and
- Empty fuel containers are removed from remote locations and disposed of appropriately.
An individual or company should ensure that storage tanks are:
- Double-walled if available (particularly in wet climates), or single-walled installed within approved secondary containment;
- Protected from collision damage;
- Vented according to manufacturer design;
- Not thin-skinned or have plastic bladders;
- Protected from corrosion with paint and sealant; and
- Marked with a ULC approved tag showing capacity, with additional signage indicating contents.
Transporting Fuels and Petroleum Products
The greatest chance of a serious fire or uncontrollable spill exists from even a minor accident when transporting fuel or oils. The best preventive measure is to use well-trained and rested drivers. Some additional precautions to observe include:
- When moving small amounts of fuel or oil, use only portable tanks or cans that are made of metal or approved plastic, which have tight closures with screw or spring covers, and are equipped with spouts or other means to allow pouring without spilling;
- Never use leaking tanks or containers to transport fuel or oil;
- Secure fuel tanks to prevent slipping or rotating;
- Place fuel tanks and cans on a vehicle in a way that minimises the chance that an impact would cause them to rupture (e.g.: avoid use of rear vehicle mounts which enable storage of fuel);
- Ensure that fuel stored within a vehicle compartment is appropriately vented;
- Avoid storing fuel in locations on the vehicle where they will be exposed to heat;
- If it is necessary to place the fuel container near an engine or exhaust system, shield the container from the heat;
- Display safety marks (labels and placards prescribed in Federal TDG regulations) on containers and means of transport used in transporting to show the nature of the danger;
- Ensure that portable fire extinguishers are accessible;
- Secondary containment is required for a truck box fuel tank; and
- Tanks must meet the applicable design standards of the TDG Regulation (Part 5)
Contact Transport Canada for further information on Transportation of Dangerous Goods.
Handling Fuels and Oils on Water
Since any spillage of fuel or oil are difficult to contain when working on water or ice, it is necessary to take special precautions in these situations.
When drilling on ice:
- Park vehicles and equipment off the ice whenever possible;
- If parking on the ice, place oil absorbent mats below each vehicle; and
- Conduct daily inspections for leaks and spillage.
When drilling from a barge:
- Have a company representative who is trained to deal with a spill, present during refuelling or oil changes;
- Transport fuel to the barge in clean, sealed containers on a service vessel capable of containing any spill;
- Transfer fuel to the barge using a hose enclosed within another hose;
- Make sure the barge has a “lip” and collection tanks, to prevent fluids on deck from escaping into the water;
- Store fuel below decks or in double-walled tanks;
- Always anchor an oil absorbent boom around the barge; and
- Have a boom towed by a separate boat and readily available during moves.
Refuelling on ice or water, or within 100 metres of water, is permitted provided secondary containment of the tank and spill kits are used. Dangerous goods are to be stored 100 metres from a Water Body when not required for fuelling equipment.
Spill Contingency Planning
Spills of reportable quantities of petroleum and/or allied products (Class 3 liquids) must be immediately reported by calling the 24-hour Environmental Emergency Reporting Line (204-944-4888) in accordance with the Environmental Accident Reporting Regulation.
It is important for an individual or company to establish contingency plans with instructions that outline responsibilities and procedures for before, during, and after a potential spill that may include:
Spill Procedure
- Established maintenance and operating procedures to prevent spills or fire hazards that are clearly outlined and posted where all operators can see them;
- Ensuring all operators have been provided with awareness training in fuel handling, storage, and procedures for fuel containers;
- Maintaining a spill response plan and a spill kit capable of containing and absorbing fuel spills that is reviewed with operators; and
- Ensuring that spills are recovered and that all impacted soil or water is removed, treated and/or disposed in accordance with applicable legislation.
Contacts
Department of Environment and Climate Change
Environmental Compliance and Enforcement Branch
Winnipeg Office
204-945-5305
EnvCEWinnipeg@gov.mb.ca
For areas outside of Winnipeg, see Listing for Regional Office Contacts
Related Acts and Regulations
D12 – The Dangerous Goods Handling and Transportation Act
M.R. 55/2003 – Dangerous Goods Handling and Transportation Regulation
M.R. 188/2001 – Storage and Handling of Petroleum Products and Allied Products Regulation
M.R. 439/87 – Environmental Accident Reporting Regulation
M.R. 195/2015 – Hazardous Waste Regulation
M.R. 82/2023 – Manitoba Fire Code
Canada
Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, 1992
Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations