Safety Information and Updates

As the weather warms and winter transitions to spring, fuel delivery operations face unique challenges that require proactive safety measures to protect workers and equipment. One of the most significant adjustments to consider is managing the risks associated with thawing ground, mud, and water accumulation. These seasonal hazards can create unsafe working conditions, and it is crucial to adapt and plan for these changes.

Thawing ground can be particularly hazardous, as it creates soft, unstable surfaces that increased the risk of slipping, equipment getting stuck, and even vehicle rollovers. Mud and water accumulation often result in drainage issues, which can lead to standing water or flooded areas on job sites. If not controlled and managed properly, standing water can be introduced into the underground storage tanks and compromise the integrity of the product inside the tank, or make it impossible to deliver to the tank until the water level lowers. To mitigate these risks, it is important to conduct thorough site assessments before work begins, looking for areas that may be particularly affected by thawing conditions.

Using appropriate equipment, such as mud mats or gravel, can help stabilize work areas. Where possible, implement better drainage systems to direct water away from work zones. If standing water poses a risk, consider the use of water pumps or sump pits to reduce the hazard. Additionally, mark and cordon off especially treacherous areas to ensure workers avoid potential danger zones.

Seasonal hazards require tailored safety briefings that emphasize the specific risks of thawing ground, mud, and water accumulation. Safety briefings should be clear, concise, and focused on educating workers about the potential dangers of the season, as well as best practices to stay safe. These briefings should address how to recognize slippery surfaces, the importance of proper footwear, and guidelines for handling equipment on unstable terrain.

Emphasize the importance of situational awareness. Employees should be encouraged to report unsafe conditions immediately and make sure they have a clear understanding of how to deal with unexpected weather or ground changes during the day. Reinforcing personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements, such as high-traction boots and waterproof gear, can also help prevent injuries.

The lessons learned from winter operations can be invaluable when planning for spring. During winter, workers often face challenges with ice, snow, and low visibility. These lessons, such as the importance of regular equipment maintenance, ensuring proper de-icing procedures, and enforcing heightened vigilance during inclement weather, can be carried over into the spring season. While the specific hazards may change, the need for thorough preparation and continual risk assessment remains the same.

As the ground thaws and the season changes, it’s important to stay proactive in identifying and managing seasonal hazards, particularly in fuel delivery operations. By conducting comprehensive site assessments, preparing workers through effective safety briefings, and incorporating lessons from winter operations, you can ensure a smooth and safe transition into spring, reducing the risk of accidents and promoting a culture of safety throughout the season.

Winter fuel deliveries come with unique challenges that require special attention to safety. As temperatures drop, fuel delivery drivers face the risk of frozen spill buckets, inaccessible lids, and slippery, ice-covered areas increasing the chance of slip, trip, and fall accidents. These hazards not only threaten the safety of drivers but can also lead to environmental risks, equipment damage, and costly service delays. This blog explores the most common winter hazards and offers practical solutions for ensuring a safe and smooth fuel delivery process for our drivers.

1. Dealing with Frozen Spill Buckets Full of Ice

Spill buckets are essential for containing any overflows or leaks during fuel deliveries. They are designed to catch and hold any spilled fuel, preventing contamination of the environment. However, when temperatures drop, spill buckets can freeze, rendering them ineffective.

The risks associated with frozen spill buckets include:

• Inaccessible Buckets: Ice and snow buildup can block access to the bucket, making it impossible to check for leaks or safely store any spillage.
• Overflowing Fuel: If a spill bucket is full of ice or frozen shut, it may not function properly during a delivery, leading to spillage on the ground and potential contamination.

To address these risks:

• Inspect Spill Buckets Regularly: Prior to deliveries, inspect the spill bucket to ensure it’s clear of ice and snow. If ice has built up, safely remove it with warm water.
• Heated or Insulated Spill Bucket Covers: Consider investing in heated spill bucket covers or insulated models. These covers prevent ice from forming inside the bucket, ensuring it remains operational even during the coldest months.

2. Frozen Spill Bucket Lids: A Potential Safety Hazard

Frozen spill bucket lids pose a different set of challenges. When the lid becomes frozen, it can be impossible to open, rendering the spill bucket unusable and preventing proper spill containment. If the lid is forcefully opened, it could damage the equipment and create further hazards.

To prevent issues with frozen lids:

• Check the Lid Before Each Delivery: Make sure the lid can be easily opened. If it is frozen, gently thaw it using warm water. Avoid using excessive force to open the lid, as it could break or crack.
• Regular Maintenance: Check lids and seals regularly, especially after heavy snow or freezing temperatures. Ensure that the lid’s seal is intact and can open smoothly.

3. Slip, Trip, and Fall Hazards in Delivery Areas

Slippery conditions around delivery sites are one of the most common causes of injuries during winter fuel deliveries. Snow, ice, and freezing rain make it easy for drivers and technicians to slip, trip, and fall while walking to and from the fuel tank.

To prevent slip and fall accidents:

• Clear Snow and Ice: Ensure that walkways, driveways, and access areas are cleared of snow and ice. This can include using snow shovels or ice scrapers to remove any buildup, especially around the tank fill area. For added protection, consider applying de-icing salts or sand to reduce the likelihood of ice forming.

Winter fuel deliveries involve unique risks, including frozen spill buckets, ice-covered delivery areas, and slippery conditions that can lead to dangerous slips and falls. However, these challenges can be managed with proactive safety measures. Regular inspections, and proper equipment maintenance can ensure that fuel deliveries continue smoothly and safely throughout the winter. By addressing these potential hazards head-on, costly accidents, environmental damage, and delays can be avoided—ultimately protecting both our drivers and the customers in which we serve.

As winter brings colder temperatures and unpredictable weather, safely receiving fuel deliveries becomes crucial for our customers. At Dennis K. Burke, Inc. we consider Safety one of our top priorities. Here are essential tips from our Safety Department to ensure a smooth and secure process.

We kindly ask that before the delivery, make sure driveways, pathways, and delivery areas are clear of snow and ice. This helps the delivery driver access your location safely and reduces the risk of accidents. Identify a specific area for the driver to unload the product they’re delivering. Make sure this spot is well-marked and free from obstacles, ensuring the driver can deliver safely and efficiently.

Stay in touch. Keep us informed of any special instructions or access issues related to your property. Keeping communication open can help prevent delays and ensure timely, safe and accurate deliveries. Be aware of the weather forecast. If severe weather is predicted, consider scheduling your delivery in advance to avoid any disruptions. Planning ahead can help ensure you have enough fuel to last through winter storms.

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.

Keep an emergency kit handy, including a flashlight and basic supplies, in case the delivery is delayed due to weather conditions. Being prepared can help you stay calm and safe. By following these simple tips, you can ensure a safe and efficient fuel delivery experience during winter months, helping you maintain comfort and safety throughout the season. On behalf of DKB Safety we want to wish all our customers a Safe, Happy, and Healthy Holiday Season.

At Dennis K. Burke Inc., our dispatch team operates with exceptional efficiency thanks to our advanced Tank Monitoring Program. This innovative technology ensures seamless communication with our dedicated truck drivers, enabling real-time tracking of tank levels. As a result, our drivers are consistently equipped with the precise quantities of fuel and lubricants needed for each delivery.

Upon arriving at a customer’s site, our drivers employ a secondary verification method to confirm that the correct product meets specific requirements. This includes the use of tank gauges, vent alarms (often referred to as “whistles”), and stick readings, alongside the relevant tank chart. This dual approach reinforces our commitment to accuracy and reliability, ensuring we meet and exceed customer expectations at every stage of the process.

Tank monitoring is a cornerstone of responsible operations across various industries. By providing real-time data and facilitating early defect detection, it enhances both safety and sustainability.

Benefits of Tank Monitoring

1. Preventing Overfills and Spills One of the key advantages of tank monitoring is its capability to prevent overfills. Overfilled tanks can lead to spills, resulting in environmental damage and significant safety hazards. Monitoring systems utilize advanced sensors to deliver real-time data, ensuring precise control of filling levels and mitigating the risk of accidents.
2. Minimizing Environmental Impact Environmental responsibility is a critical focus across all sectors. Tank monitoring ensures storage facilities operate within designated capacities, significantly reducing the risk of leaks and spills that can contaminate soil and water sources.
3. Enhancing Operational Efficiency Effective resource management is vital for any successful operation. With tank monitoring, businesses can optimize inventory levels, minimizing unnecessary refills and associated costs. This technology also facilitates timely maintenance scheduling, ensuring tanks remain in good condition and preventing unexpected downtime.
4. Early Detection of Leaks and Defects Regular monitoring allows for early detection of leaks or defects in tanks, whether due to corrosion or faulty equipment. Identifying issues promptly can avert costly repairs and protect both the environment and personnel.
5. Improved Inventory Management Efficient inventory management is essential for businesses that rely on stored materials. Tank monitoring systems provide accurate, real-time data on inventory levels, enabling timely reordering and preventing shortages or overstock. This leads to streamlined logistics and cost savings.
6. Compliance with Regulatory Standards Many industries face stringent regulatory standards for the storage and handling of materials. Tank monitoring assists in maintaining compliance by documenting tank levels, leak detection, and maintenance schedules.
7. Enhancing Worker Safety By reducing the need for manual inspections, tank monitoring enhances worker safety. Automated systems lower the risk associated with climbing tanks or operating in potentially hazardous environments.
8. Real-time Data and Remote Monitoring Modern tank monitoring solutions provide real-time data that is accessible from virtually anywhere. This remote monitoring capability enables quick decision-making and timely interventions, even when staff are off-site.

Embracing tank monitoring is not just about safeguarding the environment and personnel; it’s a strategic investment in a more cost-effective and sustainable operation. This proactive approach enhances safety, efficiency, and the overall reputation of any business that relies on tank storage systems.

One of the major items that we focus on when it comes to ensuring safe deliveries for our drivers and customers alike is ensuring that sites are assessed for conditions conducive to safety, and any issues that are present are corrected.

Our Sales & Safety departments work with new sites to ensure tanks are compliant, and there are no obvious or foreseeable risks to our drivers, our customers' site, or the environment that would occur in the event of a normal fuel or lubricant delivery. Additionally, drivers report back on site issues as they arise in the field. 

We thought it might be helpful to review some of the main issues we have seen or heard about in the field so they were easily accessible. So, below is a top ten list of site issues you can check for to make sure your vendor can deliver safely to your site

1) Safe access: Ensure there are no trip or fall hazards for drivers or delivery agents. In the winter, this includes making sure access ways are free of snow and ice and that markings are clearly visible and not obstructed by snow.  If your site has an elevated or difficult to reach fill, make sure there is a stable platform or ladder with appropriate railings for drivers to stand on. Pallets, buckets, or other makeshift fixes are not acceptable, as they are unsafe for drivers. 

2) Know your tank: We sometimes come across "blind fills". These are fills where there is no way for drivers to determine the current volume or ullage (aka: space inside) of the tank. A fill can be considered “blind” if its setup makes it impossible to stick to determine the height of product inside.  It could also be “blind” as the result of a malfunctioning/broken gauge, or lack of a tank chart to compare stick readings against. This is a major spill risk, and something to be mindful of when assessing your site compliance. 

3) Clean, empty spill or "overflow" buckets. Spill buckets are liquid tight containers around both underground and aboveground fill pipes. It is critical to ensure they are clean and dry, as the spill bucket is the last line of defense against small drips, or leaks caused by hoses and equipment during a delivery.  Ensuring any rain water that may have collected inside is a great way to help prevent water from contaminating your tank, and help to avoid spills.  (You can read more about spill buckets and their role in safe delivery here).

4) Ensure tank fittings are secure and properly sealed. Tank Fittings leaking small amounts of fuel during deliveries is an avoidable hazard for the environment and your site. 

5) Ensure you have the proper tank fittings and confirm that equipment with your vendor (hopefully us!) This includes Scully fittings, Ever-tite fittings, etc. As a reminder, Dennis K Burke drivers can never straight-pipe gasoline!

6) Ensure that your tank has proper venting and it is working properly. Vent issues are a major cause of spills, overfills, and other avoidable problems, it pays to double check!

7) Make sure your tank is PROPERLY Labeled. Improperly labeled tanks are a major risk for cross-drops, as potentially very unsafe generally. Always ensure you have compliant, correct tank labeling. If you need help procuring tank labels or guidance on what is required, reach out to your rep and they can help. 

8) Make sure overfill prevention devices are calibrated correctly and are in proper working order. Overfill prevention devices are crucial in preventing spills and ensuring the safe delivery of fuel or lubricants. These devices are designed to automatically shut off the flow of product once the tank reaches its maximum capacity, preventing overfills and potential environmental hazards. 

9) Know your tank size and it's maximum volume. Generally, tanks can be filled to up to 90% capacity (ie a 1K tank can take 900 gallons from empty, not 1000g). Keeping this in mind when ordering helps minimize risk of overfill. 

10) Tank maintenance:  Consult with your tank service company to determine the proper maintenance schedule. Like most things, routine maintenance will help ensure your storage tank has a long, safe life. 

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 

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.

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.