From professional Formula 1 teams to semi-pro rally teams, one aspect of managing a racing team that should never be overlooked is that of buying, storing, using, and even disposing of fuel properly. There are rules and regulations that teams have to follow, some of which are set out by the governing bodies of major motorsports and some by government bodies, and it is also important to consider the degradation and contamination of the fuel, especially when it comes to long-term storage.
Depending on the location where the fuel will be stored, it may be required that the team has a bunded tank. This effectively means that there is a tank around the storage tank, so that any spillage will be collected within the external tank. These are most commonly used when fuel and oil are being stored close to drains or areas of natural beauty. White plastic is considered a poor quality storage option, because it allows light to effectively contaminate the fuel, reducing its life and its potency.
If a car will be left standing for some time, it should be drained of fuel. Racing teams not only have storage and delivery systems for their fuel, but they also have additional equipment that can be used for the safe handling and transport of the fuel. Commercial Fuel Solutions has a range of this type of equipment, enabling racing teams and other commercial enterprises to buy the equipment they need to safely store and handle fuel.
Most racing teams will use all of the fuel that they store, and the fuel will not be stored long enough to worry about degradation or contamination. However, this isn’t always the case. Most standard fuel can be stored for a period between six and 12 months, while specialist racing fuel can be stored perhaps twice as long. If any is left over, even if it has degraded to an unusable standard, it must be disposed of properly, legally, and safely, usually requiring the safe transport of the fuel to an appropriate disposal site.
Health and Safety
There are other aspects that teams need to consider too. Safety equipment and clothing should be worn, at all times, by those that will be handling and working around the fuel. Flame retardant clothing, emergency equipment, and other items can prevent accidents from occurring, protect individuals from harm if an accident does occur, or can be used to clean up after an accident.