Safety Information and Updates

Proper fuel tank maintenance is crucial for ensuring both the longevity of the tank and the safety of its operation. Whether used for vehicles, machinery, or stationary storage, regular maintenance can prevent damage, mitigate risks, and prolong the life of the fuel tank, protecting your investment and avoiding costly repairs.

One of the most important aspects of fuel tank maintenance is conducting regular inspections to check for visible signs of wear and tear, such as rust, corrosion, dents, or cracks. Inspect the seams and joints closely for leaks, as even minor leaks can escalate into major problems if left unaddressed. Regular inspections help catch issues early, allowing you to perform repairs before they become more serious or even hazardous. Over time, dirt, debris, and water can accumulate inside fuel tanks, leading to potential corrosion and contamination. This buildup can compromise the tank’s integrity and reduce the quality of the fuel inside. Cleaning the fuel tank periodically helps remove any accumulated sludge and prevents rust from forming on the inside.

Even with regular inspections and cleaning, there are some maintenance tasks that require professional attention. Scheduling periodic professional servicing ensures that internal components such as fuel lines, pumps, and gauges are functioning correctly. Technicians can also use specialized equipment to perform non-invasive inspections, such as ultrasonic thickness testing, which can detect thinning of the tank walls due to corrosion. Professional maintenance can catch hidden issues before they become serious problems, saving both time and money in the long run.

When performing any maintenance on fuel tanks, safety should always be the top priority. Ensure that the tank is fully drained and depressurized before beginning any work, and avoid working near open flames or sparks. It’s also a good idea to have appropriate fire extinguishing equipment nearby, especially when handling fuel. Following proper safety protocols minimizes the risk of accidents and injuries.

In conclusion, maintaining a fuel tank involves a combination of regular inspections, cleaning, and proper handling of the fuel inside. By taking proactive measures like using quality fuel, avoiding overfilling, and scheduling professional maintenance, you can extend the life of the tank and ensure that it remains safe and reliable. A well-maintained fuel tank not only ensures operational efficiency but also protects against costly repairs and environmental risks. By investing in good maintenance practices, you’re ensuring the longevity and safety of your fuel tank for years to come.

Understanding Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) and Changes to Hours of Service Regulations

The transportation industry has experienced significant technological advancements over the past decade, with Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) at the forefront of this transformation. ELDs are mandated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to track drivers’ Hours of Service (HOS) electronically, replacing the traditional paper logs. The primary purpose of ELDs is to ensure compliance with HOS regulations, which are designed to prevent driver fatigue, reduce accidents, and improve road safety.

The Role of ELDs in Enhancing Safety and Compliance

Before the ELD mandate, many drivers relied on paper logs to record their driving hours. This system was prone to errors, both accidental and intentional, leading to inconsistencies in compliance. The implementation of ELDs has addressed these issues by automatically recording driving time, engine hours, vehicle movement, and other essential data. This automation reduces the likelihood of human error and manipulation, ensuring that drivers adhere to legal driving limits.

ELDs have also provided companies with better insights into their fleet’s operations. Through real-time tracking and data analysis, companies can monitor their drivers’ performance, manage routes more efficiently, and reduce operational costs. The transparency and accountability introduced by ELDs have contributed to safer roads, with fewer accidents caused by driver fatigue.

Recent and Upcoming Changes to Hours of Service Regulations

The FMCSA continuously reviews and updates HOS regulations to address emerging challenges and improve road safety. Several recent and upcoming changes to HOS rules are expected to impact the industry significantly.

1. Short-Haul Exception Expansion:

The FMCSA recently expanded the short-haul exception, allowing certain drivers to extend their maximum on-duty period from 12 to 14 hours and their operating range from 100 air miles to 150 air miles. This change provides more flexibility for short-haul drivers, particularly those in the construction and agricultural sectors, who often face unpredictable delays.

2. Adverse Driving Conditions:

Another notable change is the modification of the adverse driving conditions rule. Previously, drivers could extend their driving window by up to two hours if they encountered adverse conditions such as bad weather or traffic accidents. The recent change allows drivers to also extend their maximum on-duty period by two hours, providing more flexibility in managing unexpected delays while ensuring they do not exceed their HOS limits.

3. 30-Minute Break Requirement:

The FMCSA has also revised the 30-minute break requirement. Previously, drivers were required to take a 30-minute break after eight hours of continuous driving. The new rule allows drivers to count any non-driving time toward this break, offering more flexibility in meeting the requirement. This change has been particularly well-received by drivers who can now break up their driving hours more efficiently.

4. Split-Sleeper Berth Provision:

The split-sleeper berth provision has been updated to allow drivers to split their required 10-hour off-duty period into two segments: one of at least seven hours in the sleeper berth and another of at least two hours off-duty. This change provides drivers with more flexibility in managing their rest periods, enabling them to better adapt to their schedules and minimize fatigue.

Anticipated Impact on the Industry

These changes to HOS regulations are designed to offer greater flexibility to drivers while maintaining safety on the roads. However, the industry must stay vigilant in ensuring that these regulations are implemented effectively. ELDs will continue to play a crucial role in this process, providing accurate data that helps both drivers and fleet managers comply with the new rules.

As the transportation industry evolves, it is essential for companies to stay informed about regulatory changes and adapt their operations accordingly. With the ongoing advancements in technology and continuous updates to regulations, the future of the trucking industry promises to be safer and more efficient for all stakeholders involved.

This article provides an overview of the importance of ELDs in ensuring compliance with Hours of Service regulations and highlights the recent and upcoming changes that will impact the industry. These changes reflect the FMCSA’s commitment to improving road safety while offering drivers the flexibility they need to perform their jobs effectively.

Every year, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) holds a weeklong International “Road Check” to both remind us all of how crucial safe driving and regulatory compliance is in the trucking industry, and to dial in on a topic with roadside stops to get a picture of the level of compliance nationwide, as well as removing from service vehicles or drivers in violation. Each year, the CVSA focuses on a specific topic or portion of regulations. This year, Road Check will take place from May 14-16^th in the US, and the focus topics are Tractor Protection Systems, and Controlled Substances. 

Tractor Control Systems will focus on tractor protection valves, trailer supply valves, and anti-bleed back valves. According to the CVSA, items like these are often skipped or missed in pre/post trip inspections because of how much time and effort they can take to properly inspect. This is the type of topic that Road Check usually focuses on, but they have added Controlled Substances to this years’ stop topic to highlight the importance of both having a controlled substance policy in place and managing strict adherence to it by personnel.

As we’ve discussed previously, the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) instituted a “clearinghouse” or online database of CDL drug & alcohol violations, as well as if drivers have completed all required steps of the return-to-duty process in order to return to work legally after a violation. The emphasis in this years Road Check on confirming Controlled Substance regulations are followed, as well as that operators are aware of the rules around substances and reporting should serve as a good reminder of how important Controlled Substance policies and compliance are for safe driving.

If you're curious, this is the link to read the official announcement from the CVSA: CVSA's International Roadcheck is Scheduled for May 14-16th 

Gas stations are busy places. Cars and trucks fuel regularly, and most drivers fill their vehicles without giving it a second thought. How often have we all stood at the gas station and watched as another motorist filled their tank while talking on a cell phone, or was scrolling through social media, or doing some other mundane tasks while waiting for their tank to be full? When the nozzle clicked, and the process was complete, the driver would simply go on their way. For most, refueling is almost as routine as walking or chewing gum.

Boats need fuel too but their refueling process can be very involved. There are several regulations surrounding marine fueling, and many things to take into consideration. Spilling fuel on the ground is a big deal, and cleaning up a spill is a very complex process. Spilling fuel in the water and cleaning up after a marine fueling spill takes that to an entirely different level. For that reason, there are many additional considerations, regulations, and precautions.

If a vessel has a total capacity, from a combination of all bulk products, of 250 barrels or more, the refueling process is considered a Coast Guard regulated delivery. One barrel of oil is 42 gallons, so if the vessel has a total capacity for all bulk tanks, greater than 10,500 gallons, there are a lot of hoops to jump through, for both the vessel and the delivery vehicle.

Both the vessel and the delivery vehicle or “mobile facility” (as the Coast Guard calls it) are required to have a designated “Person in Charge” or “PIC”. PICs are required to receive annual training and must have specific experience making fuel deliveries.

Before a fueling operation is allowed to commence, the Coast Guard’s Captain of the Port (COTP) must be given advanced written notice in the form of an “Advanced Notice of Transfer”. This is required to be sent at least 4 hours before the delivery begins and must outline the time and place of the delivery, and prior history of any spills that may have taken place in the past.

PICs have specific duties and responsibilities during the transfer of fuel. They must communicate with one another prior to the transfer to ensure they’re on the same page and are each required to complete a thorough checklist to ensure the vessel and the mobile facility are in safe working order, and adequately prepared for the transfer to begin. Once both PICs have signed off, only then can the delivery process begin.

While vessels with an overall capacity of less than 10,500 gallons are not regulated by the US Coast Guard, they still require a great deal of vigilance and preparation.   Permits are required to fuel commercially, and there are several regulations and training requirements. In all cases, regardless of whether a fuel transfer is Coast Guard regulated or not, there cannot be any hose connections over the water. If multiple hoses are required, the connections must be either on land, or on the vessel. It’s imperative that any hot work, sparks, flames, or other heat sources be removed from the area or stopped during the transfer. This sounds like common sense, and like something that would be easy to accomplish, but for working vessels, often the only time they must make repairs is when they are at the dock refueling, so vessel staff often try to multi-task or “kill two birds with one stone”. Delivery drivers must always remain vigilant to ensure the safety of all involved.  

Optimizing Operations is a big part of how we maintain a culture of Safety at Dennis K Burke. That entails all sorts of things, from the obvious items like making sure trucks and drivers have proper permitting, licensing and hazmat, all the way out through the far less obvious things like upgrading tablets and servers in the office so drivers can work more effectively. Our Operations team includes Safety, Dispatch, Lube Ops, and Fuel Ops teams working together with drivers, Customer Service, finance and IT to always focus on the upgrades and process changes we think will have the maximum benefit for our customers, employees, and of course, enhance our drivers' ability to make safe deliveries. Upgrades we've made in the past few years that have made a major impact include:

• GPS Monitoring on Trucks. This enables real time route tracking and allows dispatch to adjust upcoming loads as needed without interrupting drivers
• Custom Dispatch program. This allows visibility into details of customer sites, and feeds delivery information and scheduling to driver tablets
• Barcode scanner systems for fueling. These slow detailed gallon reporting info on all tanks filled in addition to touch fueling. 
• Barcode systems for lubricant products 
• Electronic dispatching to driver tablets - eliminates phone calls and status updates, and allows easy tracking of products on the customer side

These are just a few examples that we think highlight some of the process improvements we've made to establish a working environment for our drivers that is as safe and efficient as possible. We believe that it is important to focus on making the day-to-day job of fuel transport drivers as painless as possible, and a substantial part of making that happen relies on the operations team, as well as the technology updates we implement. 

We went into more detail about the process updates we made and how we see them making an impact for this months issue of Oil & Energy Magazine. You can read that in full here: Optimizing Operations: Best Practices for terminal and fuel transport operators 

Since 2010, diesel vehicles equipped with “SCR” technology have been running cleaner, and friendlier to the environment thanks to Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF). DEF is a solution made up of approximately 67.5% purified water and 32.5% automotive grade urea. It is not flammable, non-toxic, and is not harmful to the environment. This key component of a diesel vehicle’s selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system is sprayed into the exhaust stream causing it to react with nitrogen oxides (NOx) resulting in the release of harmless nitrogen and water.

Though not dangerous to the environment, or to people handling DEF, there are several precautions users should be aware of in order to avoid damage to the vehicle’s SCR system:

• DEF has an extremely sensitive spec, and caution must be taken to ensure product integrity and performance.
• DEF must only be stored or dispensed from closed systems to avoid any possibility of contamination.
• DEF should only be stored or transported in dedicated DEF containers.
• Foreign matter of any kind (sold or liquid) should never be added to containers.
• When topping off, never use equipment like funnels, jugs, or diesel equipment to fill the vehicle, as any of these could result in contamination and degradation of the product.

In addition to the precautions listed above, users of DEF should be aware that while not “required” to wear protective clothing, many users may prefer to wear gloves to protect sensitive skin. Additionally, DEF is corrosive to copper and brass, so should only be used with materials listed in the ISO 22241 standard.

Because DEF is made predominantly of water, it can freeze. In fact, it will start freezing at around 12º F. Freezing will not affect the quality of DEF, and after thawing, it will perform as required. Should the DEF freeze in a truck when the truck is shut down, simply start the truck as normal, and the SCR heating system will quickly thaw the DEF, returning it to liquid form, and the vehicle will run as intended. If you have any questions about DEF, please reach out to our Sales Team 1-800-289-2875!

The information contained above was obtained from the Dennis K. Burke, Inc and Yara websites.

At Dennis K. Burke, Inc. we consider Safety one of our top priorities. We aim to deliver products to our customers in as safe a manner as possible, while making sure our drivers make it home safely to their families at the end of each workday.

Winter weather brings a unique set of challenges to our industry, from making deliveries in inclement weather, winter driving, and safely accessing customer locations. Below are a few reminders from our Safety Department on how to ensure customers can ensure they’ll receive the products they need as reliably as possible.

If you’re a generator customer, please be sure the generator has a working gauge or whistle. Delivery drivers are not permitted to fill a tank without ensuring they know how much product will fit safely. Oftentimes our drivers arrive to fill generators and discover either the gauge is broken (i.e. not responding when fuel is delivered), or the tank is equipped with a whistle that does not sound. If the driver is unable to determine how much fuel is in the generator, the delivery will have to be stopped until the matter is resolved. This is to protect the customer’s property and avoid having a fuel spill.

We kindly ask all customers to provide safe access for our drivers, so they can gain access to the fills. This includes removing and or treating any snow and ice that may have accumulated, as well as other items that might be stored near the tanks we’re filling. Sometimes snow falls during the delivery, so there might be a fresh covering, making it difficult for a driver who might be unfamiliar with a location to locate a below ground fill. If possible, please mark fills with traffic cones or other objects to make them easy to spot!

Finally, a tip from DKB Safety - Remember to clear all snow and ice from your vehicle when traveling on the roadway. Motorists are responsible for anything that comes from their vehicle, including loose snow or ice. Clear the entire windshield so the driver has a clear field of vision while seated in the driver’s seat, and make sure you have plenty of washer fluid.   During winter travel it’s a good idea to bring an emergency bag just in case you get stranded. A change of clothes, bottle of water, and a snack, and even medication, in case of emergency could be the difference between a tragic outcome and a positive ending to a roadside emergency.

On behalf of DKB Safety we want to wish all our customers a Safe, Happy, and Healthy Holiday Season.

National Truck Driver Appreciation Week (NTDAW) takes place each year in September and is organized by the American Trucking Associations. This annual tradition began in 1988 and continues each year, recognizing truck drivers as an essential part of the supply chain for their role in ensuring goods and supplies make their way to people all across the country. This year, NTDAW was celebrated September 10^th - 16^th.

According to the American Trucking Associations, in the United States alone, there are nearly 3.6 million truck drivers who safely and efficiently deliver goods nationwide. These truck drivers ensure shelves are stocked in the stores where we shop, hospitals have the needed medical supplies, and businesses have the equipment and supplies necessary to keep things running smoothly.

It’s difficult, if not impossible, to identify a location in the United States not impacted by truck drivers. Nearly 80% of U.S. communities rely exclusively on trucks to meet their freight transportation needs. From food, clothing, and medicine to household products, construction materials and heavy-duty equipment, nearly everything and anything one can think of spent some portion of its existence on a truck, and we have truck drivers to thank for getting these items to their ultimate destinations.

According to US Cargo Control, “Truck drivers are the backbone of our society.” They play a critical role in, “keeping the gears of our nation’s economy turning smoothly.” Without truck drivers, “our economy would come to a grinding halt.”

There are plenty of ways to express gratitude to truck drivers for all they do, and this appreciation need not be limited to just NTDAW. A simple “thank you”, goes a long way. Recognizing a truck driver for their hard work at a truck stop, or when they are making a delivery to a store, gas station, or business not only shows the drivers they are appreciated, but also demonstrates recognition of the importance of their profession.  

At Dennis K. Burke, Inc. we’ll be hosting “Driver Appreciation” meetings next month. At these meetings, drivers will be recognized for their hard work and longevity with the company. We’ll provide a catered breakfast and give out some highly coveted DKB swag. I’m happy to report that 29 of DKB’s more than 90 drivers have been with us for over 10 years! We have another 5 drivers with over 20 years of seniority, and TWO who have been here over 30 years! Congratulations to our senior driver who celebrated his 38^th year with the company in August!

On behalf of the Dennis K. Burke, Safety Department, we thank all drivers for their hard work and dedication to ensuring all needed products are delivered safely and efficiently.

Stay safe!

(The video below we put together for the driver appreciation meetings this coming month - enjoy!)

On May 2, 2023 the Department of Transportation (DOT) published a final rule in the Federal Register authorizing oral fluid testing as a method of conducting DOT controlled drug tests.  This amended rule became effective on June 1st.  

While the rule is now in effect, carriers shouldn’t rush out and start utilizing oral fluid testing as part of their DOT controlled drug testing process just yet.  For an employer to implement oral fluid testing, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must first certify at least two laboratories to conduct the testing.  Unfortunately, this has not been done yet.  

According to a June 1st article by Jason Cannon, chief editor of the Commercial Carrier Journal, the National Drug Screening President, Joe Reilly recently said, “no labs have even applied for HHS approval yet.  I met with all of them last week and all said late 2023 or early 2024 before they expect to be approved and operational with oral fluid testing,”

Once labs do get approved, and the process of using oral fluid for DOT tests can start, there will be several key advantages.  Perhaps the biggest of which is that it is significantly more difficult, if not impossible to “cheat”.  Many experienced drug users are routinely ready or prepared to be selected for a DOT test with either synthetic or borrowed urine that they substitute for their own in order to “pass” the test.  Because the oral fluid test occurs directly in the presence of the tester, who physically swabs the cheek of the person being tested, cheating is virtually impossible, unlike with urine tests which are most often done behind closed doors to protect people’s privacy.  

This brings up another huge advantage.  Oral fluid testing can be done virtually anywhere with no need for an actual restroom.  Satellite locations that might not have a restroom can still be used for oral fluid testing, as long as there is some location for the person being tested to meet the person conducting the test.    Additionally, oral fluid testing virtually eliminates the issue of a “shy-bladder” for those who might not be able to produce enough of a urine sample to be tested.  

There are a few things to consider before implementing oral fluid testing.  While the rule was passed allowing the practice, it doesn’t necessarily mean it has to replace previous methods of testing.  While there are some distinct advantages, blood and urine testing are still accurate and reliable testing methods, and the regulations do not mandate one method over the other, and carriers are not required to pick one method or the other.  Carriers have the choice of which method of testing to use each time a test is needed.  This being said, if a carrier does choose to move forward with oral fluid testing, it’s advisable to update your controlled drug and alcohol testing policy to be consistent with current regulations and practices involving this type of testing.  

At Dennis K. Burke, Inc., we aim to provide our customers with the products they need, in as safe and efficient a manner as possible. This article will review a few things our customers can do to ensure they continue receiving the products they need to keep their own businesses operating smoothly.

Successfully delivering product into customers’ tanks without spilling is obviously a top priority! Our delivery drivers need to be 100% sure all the product they’re bringing can fit into the intended tank every time. We follow the industry standard of not filling tanks beyond 90% of their capacity, so ensuring tank gauges and monitors are working properly is essential. Additionally, emergency shutoffs, alarms and valves need to be working properly too. If tanks are equipped with a clock gauge, or another device that provides the level of product inside the tank, providing a tank chart specific to that tank is extremely helpful. If possible, leaving a laminated copy of a chart, specific to your tank, somewhere near the fill, would be greatly appreciated by our drivers as well as the Safety Department.  

Ensuring tanks are properly labeled for the product they contain is also very important. Many above ground storage tanks look very similar to one another, and because underground storage tanks are buried, only their fills are visible. For these reasons, having tanks and fills clearly and properly labeled helps to make sure the correct product is delivered to the intended tank. Over time, labels, decals and paint colors identifying the product inside the tanks can become faded or worn. This time of year, after the snow and ice has melted, and mother nature’s springtime colors we’ve all been yearning for over the cold New England winter start to pop again, is a great time to revitalize tank labels and make sure they are clearly marked, identifying the product contained inside.

Finally, just like in winter, when we ask that snow and ice be shoveled or cleared to provide safe access, the same is true in the warmer months.   Our drivers make numerous deliveries each and every day. Providing them with safe access to the tanks is an essential part of keeping them healthy, injury free, and able to make deliveries safely without making critical mistakes. Ensuring our drivers return home safe at the end of each workday is very important to us, and we appreciate any effort and support our customers can provide to help make sure that happens.

Stay safe!