
The distance between the oil tank and the station building should be 4 meters. The safety distance between the oil tank and open flames or spark-emitting locations should not be less than 18 meters. The safety distance between the oil tank and outdoor substations should not be less than 18 meters. Overhead power lines should not cross over the oil tank, and the safety distance should not be less than 5 meters. "Petroleum Storage Safety Management Regulations" 1. Strengthen Management: To enhance the safety production and supervision of petroleum storage facilities, prevent and reduce production safety accidents, and safeguard people's lives and property, these regulations are formulated in accordance with laws and administrative regulations such as the "Work Safety Law of the People's Republic of China" and the "Regulations on the Safety Management of Hazardous Chemicals." 2. Scope of Application: These regulations apply to the safety management and supervision of the construction, renovation, expansion, and production operations of petroleum storage facilities. The term "petroleum storage" in these regulations refers to above-ground storage facilities used by oilfields, refineries, sales, and transportation enterprises for the receipt, dispatch, and storage of crude oil, liquefied petroleum gas, refined oil, semi-finished oil, solvent oil, lubricating oil, and heavy oil. Petroleum storage facilities used for national defense research and production, as well as those within port areas, are not subject to these regulations. 3. Responsibility Attribution: The production and operation unit to which the petroleum storage belongs is the main body responsible for safety production. Its principal responsible person must ensure that the investment meets the needs of safety production and is fully responsible for the safety production work of the unit.

Over the years, I've used quite a few diesel storage tanks in rural areas, and safety distances are absolutely not something to be taken lightly. Generally, the standard requires above-ground tanks to be at least 5 meters away from buildings, roads, or ignition sources, while underground tanks require even more distance, roughly around 10 meters. This is all to prevent chain reactions in case of leaks or fires. I've personally witnessed a neighbor's tank being too close, where diesel vapors nearly caught fire—luckily, it was handled in time. I recommend checking local regulations when setting up, as rules vary with tank capacity. For example, small household tanks may only need 3 meters, but larger ones require protective installations as per regulations. Regularly check the tank seals, and don’t compromise safety just to save space.

We have a diesel tank in our backyard for refueling farm vehicles, so I pay special attention to safety distances. After consulting professionals, the standard requires the tank to be at least 3 meters away from living areas and more than 5 meters from fire sources like barbecue grills. Although diesel is not as flammable as gasoline, there is a significant risk of leakage with prolonged exposure or high temperatures, especially with kids running around. I always remind my family not to smoke or light anything nearby and to check if the ground is level to prevent tipping. It's advisable to add a fence for isolation, making maintenance safer and more reassuring.

There is no uniform safety distance for diesel tanks, as it depends on the specific scenario. Generally, small civilian tanks should be at least 3 meters away from buildings, while for large commercial tanks, the distance ranges from 5 to 10 meters according to national regulations. The reason is straightforward: to prevent fire and static electricity, as diesel vapor can explode when exposed to sparks or high temperatures. Ensure the tank is placed in a well-ventilated area and avoid blocking pathways with debris. During maintenance, check for aging pipelines, as even a large distance won't guarantee safety if the pipes are worn out.

Ensuring the correct placement of diesel storage tanks is crucial, with a minimum standard distance of 3 meters away from flammable materials. For instance, stricter requirements apply around gas stations due to the potential risks posed by crowds. I recommend conducting environmental assessments before routine tank usage, such as avoiding proximity to power sources or heat sources, and keeping clear of rainwater accumulation areas. Remember, insufficient distance can accelerate corrosion and oil leakage, even contaminating groundwater. Regular inspection of protective measures is the best practice.


