The investigation comes in the wake of the Buncefield incident where a series of explosions and subsequent fire caused widespread damage in Hemel Hempsted during 2005.

 

The report, entitled Recommendations on the design and operation of fuel storage sites, advises on enhanced safety in a number of areas. Recommendation 13 is of particular interest, stating:

 

“Recommendation 13 Operators of Buncefield-type sites should employ measures to detect hazardous conditions arising from loss of primary containment, including the presence of high levels of flammable vapours in secondary containment. Operators should without delay undertake an evaluation to identify suitable and appropriate measures. This evaluation should include, but not be limited to, consideration of the following:

 

“Installing flammable gas detection in bunds containing vessels or tanks into which large quantities of highly flammable liquids or vapour may be released the relationship between the gas detection system and the overfill prevention system. Detecting high levels of vapour in secondary containment is an early indication of loss of containment and so should initiate action, for example through the overfill prevention system, to limit the extent of any further loss installing CCTV equipment to assist operators with early detection of abnormal conditions. Operators cannot routinely monitor large numbers of passive screens, but equipment is available that detects and responds to changes in conditions.”

 

There is a wide array of flammable gas detection systems ideally suited to protecting fuel storage sites. From devices which utilise catalytic bead detection principles to fail-to-safe infrared detectors, there is a range of options with varying costs and routine maintenance requirements.

 

Steve Forrest, Strategic Marketing Leader EMEA for Honeywell Analytics comments on the need for enhanced safety at fuel storage sites and applications. “It’s important that people take the recommendations on board and invest in enhanced safety, in particular the use of gas detection systems within the bunds where fuel is being stored. When you compare the cost of additional gas detection devices with the potential loss of revenue, life and associated costs that would result from another Buncefield-type incident, additional gas detection is a sound investment. Sites need to do everything they can to ensure that similar incidents don’t occur, and the use of gas detectors in the bunds is one way to enhance on-site safety.”