Routine inspections afford the opportunity
to find and correct problems with the fill pipes,
vent pipes and caps, tank legs, fuel lines, tank
gauges, tank bottoms, etc. Many of these
problems can be easily repaired or remedied
preventing releases which can cause financial,
environmental and customer-relations problems.
Appendix I at the end of this book can assist
companies with tank inspection programs.
Local codes or company policies may dictate
changing or customizing this form.
Pre-Delivery Inspections
Fuel delivery personnel should perform a
brief visual inspection before and after each
delivery. While this inspection normally isn’t
documented, it’s important that fuel drivers
understand the need to verify addresses and
check tank components accessible from the fill
location for obvious defects before and after
delivery. NORA provides a sample Delivery
Report (see Appendix I at the end of this book),
only to be used when defects are discovered.
With USTs and basement tanks, some of
the following may not be practical. For example,
only those components outside would
be inspected when the tank is located inside a
home or building. In those cases the inspection
procedure should cover as many of the steps on
the form as possible.
Before beginning to deliver:
• Verify the address, delivery instructions
and tank location
• Confirm that the tank, fill and vent caps,
gauge, legs and pad or foundation are in
satisfactory condition, as appropriate for
the tank installation site
• Make sure that unused openings are
properly plugged
38 National Oilheat Research Alliance
NORA recommends a
“No Whistle—No Fill” policy!
This is an example of a house where the tank was removed and
the fill and vent pipes were left in place. An expensive cleanup
ensued because a driver continued to make a fuel delivery
when there was “no whistle!”
During delivery:
• Verify that the vent alarm is working
properly
After delivery:
• Check the tank and exposed fuel line
for leaks
Report any discrepancies to the office
immediately.
General Maintenance
Tank maintenance involves correcting
deficiencies identified during tank inspections.
This can help prevent minor issues such as
cracked gauges or missing fill caps from
contributing to larger issues if left uncorrected.
If for any reason the tank must be moved
during maintenance (or at any other time,)
make sure it’s empty before attempting to
move it.
The exterior coating of some above ground
tanks should be repainted as necessary. Follow
manufacturer's instructions for rust removal
and specific tank maintenance.
Presence of water in tanks
With a properly pitched above ground tank
with a bottom fuel feed, water will normally
flow from the tank and be collected by the
filter.