Safety Information and Updates

Fuel tanks play a pivotal role in various industries, providing the necessary storage for liquid energy sources. To guarantee their longevity and ensure the safety of both the storage facility and the environment, proper maintenance is paramount. Here are some crucial tips for the routine upkeep of fuel tanks:

1. Regular Inspection Routine: Initiate a consistent and comprehensive inspection routine for your fuel tanks. Regular visual checks can help identify potential issues such as rust, corrosion, or leaks. Pay close attention to seams, joints, and any external signs of wear and tear. Catching problems early on can prevent costly repairs and mitigate the risk of fuel spills.
2. Tank Cleaning: Over time, sediment, water, and other contaminants can accumulate at the bottom of fuel tanks, compromising fuel quality and leading to corrosion. Regular cleaning is essential to remove these impurities. Consider scheduling professional tank cleaning services to ensure a thorough and efficient process.
3. Fuel Quality Monitoring: Invest in a fuel quality monitoring system to assess the condition of the stored fuel. Regularly test for water content, microbial growth, and particulate matter. Addressing fuel quality issues promptly not only ensures optimal engine performance but also protects the tank from corrosion caused by contaminants.
4. Protective Coatings: Implement a proactive approach to corrosion prevention by applying suitable protective coatings to the tank's exterior. This is particularly important in regions where exposure to harsh weather conditions or corrosive substances is prevalent. A well-maintained coating acts as a barrier, extending the lifespan of the tank.
5. Leak Detection Systems: Install advanced leak detection systems to identify and address potential leaks before they escalate. These systems can provide real-time alerts, allowing for swift intervention and preventing environmental damage or safety hazards.
6. Ventilation & Pressure Control: Ensure proper ventilation to prevent the buildup of pressure inside the tank. Excessive pressure can lead to structural damage or leaks. Implement pressure relief valves and regularly inspect them to ensure they are functioning correctly.
7. Documentation & Compliance: Maintain detailed records of all maintenance activities and inspections. This documentation is not only crucial for tracking the tank's condition but also for compliance with industry regulations. Regularly review and update maintenance procedures to align with the latest safety standards.
8. Professional Maintenance Services: Engage qualified professionals for periodic maintenance and inspections. These experts possess the knowledge and skills to identify issues that might go unnoticed during routine checks. Their expertise ensures that your fuel tank remains in optimal condition.

By prioritizing proper maintenance, you not only extend the life of your fuel tank but also contribute to a safer and more sustainable operation. Regular attention to these key maintenance aspects safeguards the integrity of the tank and promotes the responsible storage and use of vital energy resources.

Our Dennis K. Burke Inc. dispatch team operates seamlessly through the integration of our advanced tank monitoring program, ensuring precise communication with our dedicated truck drivers. This technology enables real-time tracking of tank levels, guaranteeing that our drivers are equipped with the correct quantities of fuel and lubricants required. Once on a customer's site, our drivers must employ a secondary method to confirm that the correct product will fit the specific requirements. This includes utilizing tools like gauges and listening for characteristic whistles, ensuring an extra layer of accuracy and reliability. This dual-approach strategy not only exemplifies our commitment to precision but also underscores our dedication to meeting and exceeding customer expectations at every step of the process. Tank monitoring is a cornerstone of responsible and efficient operations across various industries. By providing real-time data and enabling early defect detection, it ensures both safety and sustainability.

1. Preventing Overfills and Spills
   One of the primary benefits of tank monitoring is its ability to prevent overfills. Overfilled tanks can lead to spills, which not only result in environmental harm but can also pose serious safety risks. Tank monitoring systems use sensors and technology to provide real-time data, allowing for precise control of filling levels and preventing accidents.

2. Minimizing Environmental Impact
   Environmental responsibility is a paramount concern across industries. Tank monitoring ensures that storage facilities operate within their designated capacities, reducing the likelihood of leaks, spills, and contamination of soil or water bodies.

3. Enhancing Operational Efficiency
   Efficient resource management is key to any successful operation. With tank monitoring, businesses can optimize their inventory levels, minimizing unnecessary refills and associated costs. Additionally, it enables timely scheduling of maintenance, ensuring that tanks are in good condition and preventing unexpected downtime.

4. Early Detection of Leaks and Defects
   Regular monitoring allows for the early detection of leaks or defects in tanks. Whether caused by corrosion or faulty equipment, identifying problems promptly can prevent costly repairs, safeguarding both the environment and personnel.

5. Improved Inventory Management
   Efficient inventory management is crucial for businesses dependent on stored materials. Tank monitoring systems provide accurate, real-time data on inventory levels, enabling timely reordering and avoiding shortages or excess stock. This, in turn, leads to streamlined logistics and cost savings.

6. Compliance with Regulatory Standards
   Many industries are subject to strict regulatory standards governing the storage and handling of materials. Tank monitoring helps ensure compliance with these regulations, providing documentation of tank levels, leak detection, and maintenance schedules.

8. Enhancing Worker Safety
   Tank monitoring minimizes the need for manual inspections, which can be hazardous for workers. By utilizing automated monitoring systems, employees are exposed to fewer risks associated with climbing tanks or working in potentially hazardous environments.
9. Real-time Data and Remote Monitoring
   Modern tank monitoring systems provide real-time data accessible from virtually anywhere. This remote monitoring capability allows for prompt decision-making and intervention, even when staff are not on-site.

Embracing tank monitoring not only safeguards the environment and personnel but also contributes to a more cost-effective and sustainable operation. It's a proactive investment in the safety, efficiency, and reputation of any business reliant on tank storage systems!

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!)

Come January 1, 2024, employers across the United States will need to adapt to significant changes as the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rolls out its revised recordkeeping rule. This updated rule aims to bolster workplace safety by refining injury and illness reporting requirements, ultimately fostering a safer and healthier working environment.

One of the central changes involves the classification of work-related injuries and illnesses. OSHA's revised rule aligns these classifications more closely with industry best practices, promoting consistency and accuracy in reporting. This refined classification system is expected to provide employers with a clearer understanding of incident severity and associated risks.

Another key facet of the revised rule is the electronic submission of injury and illness data. Employers with 250 or more employees in covered industries will be required to submit this data to OSHA electronically. By mandating electronic reporting, OSHA aims to improve its ability to analyze and interpret workplace injury trends on a broader scale. This data-driven approach will allow OSHA to allocate resources more effectively, targeting high-risk areas and implementing preventive measures.

Furthermore, OSHA's revised rule places a significant emphasis on anti-retaliation protections for employees. Employers must ensure that their policies do not discourage workers from reporting injuries or illnesses. The rule underscores the importance of fostering a culture where employees feel comfortable reporting incidents without fearing retaliation.

In preparation for the rule's implementation, employers should take several proactive steps. First and foremost, familiarizing themselves with the revised rule's nuances is critical. Employers must understand the updated classification criteria, electronic submission requirements, and anti-retaliation provisions.

Additionally, employers should assess their current injury and illness reporting systems to ensure they align with the revised requirements. This might involve modifying reporting forms, training employees on the new classifications, and implementing mechanisms to ensure compliance with anti-retaliation protections.

Ultimately, OSHA's revised recordkeeping rule reflects the agency's commitment to continually improving workplace safety. By adopting these changes and maintaining accurate injury and illness records, employers can identify potential hazards more effectively, implement preventive measures, and cultivate safer workplaces for their employees.

In light of these newly introduced revisions, Dennis K Burke remains steadfast in its dedication to elevating our internal safety protocols and actively fostering a culture of well-being across our organizational landscape.      

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.  

Spill buckets are liquid-tight containers that surround both underground and above ground fill pipes. They have an important function which is to contain any small leaks, drips, and spills from the delivery hose that may occur during the fuel delivery process. Small drips that occur from a driver disconnecting a hose are common. A leaky hose connection that can produce a more significant release is less common, but the spill bucket is the last line of defense to help contain these types of releases. This is why it is important for customers and delivery drivers to work as a team to ensure spill buckets remain clean, dry, and empty.

Water and/or fuel sitting in spill buckets will damage the buckets over time, causing them to rust or rot out. If the cover to the spill bucket is damaged and not doing its job to prevent water from entering the containment area, it is important to have it replaced. On occasion, the rubber gaskets inside the spill bucket covers become worn and need to be replaced as well.

In colder months, this water can freeze preventing delivery drivers from being able to properly connect to the fill pipes. In the warmer months, the water can enter the tank via the fill pipe which can compromise the integrity of the product stored in the tank. For this reason, it is especially important to always inspect spill buckets after significant rainstorms.

Spill buckets have relatively short lives which are often less than 10 years. If you must replace a spill bucket it might be a good idea to consider installing a double-walled version as the inner bucket can be replaced without breaking any concrete. You can also easily tell if the spill bucket is leaking by checking the space between the two walls of the spill bucket. This type of spill bucket will cost a little more but will save you a lot of money down the road.

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!

Do you ever look in your rear view mirror when you’re on the highway, and see the driver of the car behind you, as if they were sitting in your back seat? Have you ever just randomly scanned other vehicles as they pass, and considered how close they are to the vehicle in front? More often than not, they are WAY too close!

 According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), rear-end collisions make up roughly one-third of all multi-vehicle accidents every year, and yet the majority of all drivers follow much more closely than they should. National Safety Council recommends a minimum of three second following distance, and the Smith System of Driving recommends a four second following distance.   

This means, the time it takes the following vehicle to reach a fixed point the leading vehicle passed should take at least three, if not four seconds or more. A very simple way to determine if you are following at a safe distance is to pick a fixed object (bridge, shadow in the road, a sign, or a guardrail). When the vehicle in front of you passes that object, count out “one-thousand one, one-thousand-two, one-thousand three...) until the front of your vehicle reaches the same spot. No cheating. Counting too fast is not allowed! If you don’t reach at least “one-thousand three”, you are following too close, and you should increase your following distance.

Keep in mind, these recommendations are for passenger vehicles operating in ideal road and weather conditions. If you are driving a commercial vehicle, you should add a second, and if the weather is poor, or visibility is bad, add another second.   Additionally, other distractions like texting, reaching for food or drink, or looking at a GPS or other device can also lead to a rear-end collision. Even if you are following at a safe distance, it’s important you not drive distracted.

Following distance is continuously a leading cause of crashes, but with a little effort and understanding, those crashes could all be prevented.

Drive safe, leave enough space, and, don’t forget to buckle up!

Forecasts are predicting sub zero temperatures for the New England area this weekend, starting Friday night and running through Saturday. Temperatures are expected to rebound to more seasonable levels (30 degrees or so) by Sunday, but Friday/Saturday we are projected to run around -7 in the Boston area. Based on the timing of the cold, the major concerns on operability should mainly impact Saturday work, and obviously there is the potential for wider impacts in the event of power outages.

As a general reminder, the below is a helpful checklist we run through ahead of inclement weather that we find helps ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible:

General Winter Operability Checklist:

Ensure that your fleet/equipment is running an appropriate winter blended or additized product, dependent on general weather trends and your geographic location.

Ahead of both cold snaps, predicted snow, or other inclement weather, ensure generators are topped off and operational.

It’s a good idea to top off equipment/vehicle tanks, plug in as needed, and ensure lines are drained of water ahead of the freeze.

Make sure your staff has necessary equipment and weather appropriate gear so they are able to perform their jobs safely. (Don’t forget to factor wind chill in your assessment of gear – while wind chill won’t impact fuel operability, it certainly makes a difference in terms of driver/operator safety and comfort!)

In the event of predicted snowfall, ensure that fill ports are clear, marked per API specifications, and accessible. Below is a chart of the API specifications for reference:

As always, if you need assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to your representative or the office. 

Stay Safe and Warm out there!

On January 6, 2020, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) instituted a “clearinghouse”, or online database where information about commercial driver’s license (CDL) holder’s drug and alcohol violations are maintained. (For a refresher on the Cleaninghouse, go here: FMCSA Clearinghouse )

Despite having a secure online repository providing real-time information about CDL holder’s drug and alcohol violations, potential new employers have still been required to perform inquiries to all DOT regulated former employers where the prospective employee performed a safety sensitive function within the previous three years. Soon this will no longer be the case.

Effective January 6, 2023, the Clearinghouse will turn three years old. This means that for the first time ever, there will finally be three years of information contained in the Clearinghouse, so prospective employers will no longer be required to perform the drug and alcohol portion of the previous employer inquiry. Great news, right? Not so much. Unfortunately, while the Clearinghouse will satisfy the drug and alcohol portion of employment verifications required by 49 CFR §391.23(e), prospective employers will still be required to satisfy the requirements of 49 CFR §391.23(d) pertaining to accident information.

So what does this mean? As an employer of a new CDL driver, you will still be required to perform the previous employer inquiry to any employer the driver worked for as a CDL driver in the past three years. You won’t HAVE to inquire about their drug and alcohol history, but you will have to ask about any DOT recordable crashes they were involved in. Similarly, as a previous employer of a driver who may have left to seek employment elsewhere, you will no longer be required to provide information about the former employee’s drug and alcohol history, but you will still be required to provide answers about their recordable accident history.

While nothing prevents former or prospective employers from continuing to ask for, or continuing to provide drug and alcohol information, the only real change is that this information will no longer be required. Inquiries will still need to be made, and responses will still need to be given. The only change is to exactly what is required to be asked for, and what is required to be provided.  

IFor more information on the clearinghouse and specific requirements, check their site here: https://clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov/