Temporary Fuel Storage & Refueling Method Statement

More than a static template

Unlike a downloadable Word or PDF template, this method statement is an AI-assisted editable starting point connected directly to a matching Inspection and Test Plan. Every section is structured, project-adaptable, and ready to export.

AI-assisted drafting — Customize every section with AI for your specific project scope.
Linked ITP — A matching inspection and test plan is generated alongside the method statement.
Multiple export formats — Download as a formatted PDF or editable Excel spreadsheet.
Editable starting point, not a final document — Review, verify, and adjust all content against your project requirements before use.

Static template vs. Quollnet workflow

Feature	Static template	Quollnet
Project-specific content	Manual fill-in required	AI-assisted customization
Linked ITP	Separate document, no link	Matching ITP included
Export formats	Usually PDF only	PDF and Excel
Structured sections	Free-form layout	13 standardized sections
Saved to your account	Local file only	Cloud-saved, reusable
Content accuracy	You verify everything	AI-assisted, you still verify
Cost	Often free but time-intensive	Free to customize and download

What you can customize

When you save this method statement to your account, every section becomes editable. The following 13 sections are included:

Scope — Defines the activity and its boundaries.
References — Standards, specifications, and drawings.
Responsibilities — Roles and accountabilities.
Resources — Labour, plant, and equipment summary.
Materials — Materials and compliance requirements.
Equipment — Tools and equipment details.
Prerequisites — Hold points and pre-conditions.
Method sequence — Step-by-step construction sequence.
Safety controls — HSE risk controls and PPE.
Environmental controls — Environmental mitigation measures.
QA/QC — Quality inspection and test requirements.
ITP — Inspection and Test Plan table (has its own page).
Attachments — Referenced drawings and documentation.

Why this method statement is used

This method statement is used to define and communicate the approved procedure for carrying out method statement: temporary fuel storage and equipment refueling operations on site. It ensures the work is planned in advance, the correct resources and controls are in place, and all personnel understand responsibilities, sequence, quality requirements, and safety controls before work begins. It aligns site execution with the documented scope and acceptance expectations.

Who uses this method statement

This method statement is used by contractors, site supervisors, project engineers, QA/QC engineers, HSE officers, consultants, and client representatives. It serves as a shared reference for planning, execution, supervision, inspection, and approval of the activity on site.

When it is prepared and submitted

The method statement is prepared before the work activity starts and submitted as part of the pre-construction documentation package for review and approval.

Who reviews or approves it

The method statement is usually submitted to the client representative, consultant, resident engineer, or project management consultant for review and approval before the work commences.

Important approval note

This method statement is an AI-assisted editable starting point, not a pre-approved document. Before use on any project, all content must be reviewed and approved by the relevant parties (superintendent, principal contractor, or client representative) in accordance with your contract and project quality plan.

For example: if your specification requires a departure from a referenced standard, that departure must be documented and approved separately — this method statement will not capture that automatically. Always verify against your applicable drawings, specifications, and regulatory requirements.

Method statement content

Scope

Overview

This method statement defines the requirements and step-by-step procedure for establishing and operating temporary fuel storage and refueling areas on . It covers:

Selection, placement, and installation of aboveground fuel storage tanks (ASTs)
Bunding/secondary containment and impermeability verification
Fire prevention and emergency preparedness
Fuel transfer systems (pumps, hoses, nozzles, meters) and earthing/bonding
Refueling operations for plant, vehicles, and equipment
Spill prevention, containment, and response
Environmental monitoring and controlled discharge of bunded rainwater
Permit-to-work (PTW) controls and supervision
Inspection and testing plan (ITP), QA/QC verification, and records

Exclusions

Entry into tanks or confined spaces (separate confined space permit and method required)
Permanent fuel facility design approval by Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)
Fuel quality certification beyond supplier COA (additional testing if required by project specs)

Key Performance Objectives

Zero spills to ground or water
No fire/explosion incidents
Full traceability of fuel receipts, issues, and inspections
Compliance with applicable codes and project HSE/Environmental plans [Verify per project HSE plan and local regulations]

References

Document Type	Reference / Number	Notes
Code/Standard	NFPA 30
Recommended Practice	API RP 2003; NFPA 77
Code/Standard	NFPA 10
Standard/Listing	BS EN 12285; UL 142; UL 2085	Select per local approval basis [Verify].
Standard	EN 13616-1
Standard	ISO 1825 or EN 1360	Use hoses suitable for diesel/gasoline as applicable.
Guidance	CIRIA C736	Benchmark for bund water test and detailing.
Standard	ISO 14001; ISO 45001
Standard	EN 590	Alternate: ASTM D975 in some regions.
Contract/Regulatory	[Insert specific documents]	Site-specific values to be verified.

Responsibilities

Role	Responsibility	Name / Party
Project Manager	Approve method, ensure budgets and resources.	Contractor
HSE Manager	Issue PTWs, conduct audits.	Contractor
Site Engineer	Check levels/compaction; coordinate tests.	Contractor
Mechanical Supervisor	Ensure correct assembly, leak testing.	Contractor
Electrical Supervisor	Hazardous area compliance [Verify].	Contractor
QA/QC Engineer	Verify hold/witness points.	Contractor
Fuel Controller	Execute SOPs; maintain logs.	Contractor
Environmental Officer	Interface with regulators.	Contractor
Lifting Supervisor	Safe lifting execution.	Contractor
Third-Party	Independent verification.	Independent

Resources

Resource Type	Description	Quantity
Labor	Fuel Controller/Operator (1–2)	1–2
Labor	HSE Officer (1), Fire Watch (as needed during transfers or hot works nearby)	1–2
Labor	Supervision for installation and commissioning	3
Labor	Monitoring and records	1

Materials

Material	Specification / Grade	Quantity
AST	UL 142/BS EN 12285	1–2
Concrete/HDPE	CIRIA C736	As per design
Pumps/Hoses	ISO 1825/EN 1360	1 set
Earthing kit	API RP 2003/NFPA 77	As required
Instruments	EN 13616-1	1 set/tank
FFE	NFPA 10	As per fire plan [Verify]
Spill kits	Project spill plan	≥1 per refuel point [Verify]
Signage	Local regs	Complete set

Equipment

Equipment	Capacity / Type	Quantity	Inspection Required
Crane/Forklift	≥25 t [Verify]	1	Yes
Compactor		1	Yes
Mixer/Tools		As needed	Yes
Pump set		1–2	Yes
Testers		1 set	Yes
Test kit		1	Yes
		Set	Yes

Prerequisites

Pre-Start Requirements

Approved method statement, risk assessment, and ITP.
Site layout drawing showing tank location, exclusion zones, traffic management, fire points, and drainage paths.
Permits-to-work (PTW): Fuel handling/transfer, lifting operations, electrical works; hot work permit for any ignition sources within the fuel area. [Verify per project HSE plan and local regulations]
Underground/overhead utility survey and clearance; mark no-dig zones.
Ground bearing verification for tank and bund (geotechnical recommendation or plate load test). Minimum allowable bearing pressure to exceed anticipated service load with factor of safety ≥3 [Verify].
Emergency Response Plan (ERP) including spill response, fire response, and communication tree; drill scheduled before first fuel delivery.
Competency and training records for Fuel Operator, Fire Watch, and lifting/electrical teams.
Vendor documentation for tank, pumps, hoses, nozzles, meters, overfill devices, vents/flame arrestors.
Calibration certificates for meters and instruments.
Environmental approvals for temporary storage and controlled discharge of bunded rainwater (if applicable).

Method Sequence

Step	Activity	Description	Responsibility	Inspection / Hold Point
1	Site Layout and Marking	Set out tank pad, bund footprint, access/egress, and 24/7 security fencing. Establish no-smoking boundary and emergency routes.	Site Engineer	Survey check
2	Base Preparation	Excavate/trim; place 150–200 mm compacted crushed aggregate (well-graded) and blinding. For concrete pads, cast slab per design with surface finish to SR2 and slope 1–2% to sump/drain within bund.	Site Engineer	FDT/plate load (as required)
3	Bunding/Containment Construction	Construct RC bund walls/floor or install HDPE liner over smooth subgrade with geotextile underlay; integrate upstand and sealed joints; install sump for rainwater collection.	Site Engineer	Visual; liner spark test (if used)
4	Bunding Capacity/Integrity Test	Hydrostatic test by filling bund with clean water to design high level; retain 24 h; mark gauge points and temperature; inspect for leaks/wet spots.	QA/QC Engineer	Witness (Client/TPA)
5	Tank Delivery and Receipt Inspection	Receive tank on level ground; check nameplate, certification, coatings, fittings, vents, interstitial monitor, and damage.	Mechanical Supervisor	Visual
6	Lifting and Placement	Rig tank using certified slings/spreader as per lift plan; place onto level supports or plinths; install anchor bolts/clips if required by design.	Lifting Supervisor	Pre-lift; spotter in place
7	Separation/Exclusion Zone Verification	Measure distances to buildings, property lines, ignition sources, storm drains; erect barriers and signage.	HSE Manager	Tape survey
8	Piping/Hose Installation	Install suction/dispense lines, filter/water separator, meter, and automatic shut-off nozzle; minimize joints; protect from traffic; provide drip trays at hose/nozzle storage.	Mechanical Supervisor	Visual
9	Earthing/Bonding Installation	Install earth rods and bonding cables to tank, pump, and dispensing nozzle; provide bonding clip for vehicle/equipment during refueling.	Electrical Supervisor	Continuity test
10	Overfill/Vent/Alarm Setup	Fit overfill valve/probe, high-level alarm, normal/emergency vents with flame arrestor as required by listing/code.	Mechanical Supervisor	Functional
11	Fire Protection and Emergency Setup	Install extinguishers, spill kits, emergency stop, call points, and illuminated signage; ensure access and wind-direction indicator.	HSE Manager	HSE check
12	Initial Fuel Receipt and Commissioning	Under PTW, receive first delivery. Bond tanker to tank; verify earthing; slow fill; check for leaks at all joints; verify meter and interstitial monitor; record initial dip/ullage.	Fuel Controller	Witness by QA/QC
13	Refueling Operations SOP	Position plant on level ground; engine off (unless OEM specifies otherwise); apply parking brake; chock as needed; place drip tray; bond nozzle to equipment fill; open cap slowly; refuel at controlled rate; maintain watch; stop at 95% capacity; wipe drips; replace caps; log volumes.	Fuel Controller	Spot checks
14	Bund Water Management	After rain, visually check for sheen; use portable oil-water separator or absorbents; only discharge clean water via controlled point with authorization.	Environmental Officer	Visual/pH (if required)
15	Routine Inspection & Maintenance	Daily: hoses/nozzle leaks, spill kits, earthing lead, signage. Weekly: bund, anchors, vents, extinguisher gauge. Monthly: meter verification, bonding resistance, hose pressure test visual. 6-monthly: full hose pressure test; annual: extinguisher service, tank inspection.	QA/QC Engineer	Per ITP
16	Spill Response	Stop source; activate emergency stop; deploy absorbents/booms; protect drains; notify per ERP; recover waste to UN-rated drums; report and investigate.	HSE Manager	Post-incident review

Health, Safety, and Fire Controls

Hazard Controls (Task-Specific)

Hazard: Flammable/combustible liquid exposure and ignition
Likely Consequence: Fire, flash fire, burns, property damage
Engineering/Procedural Control: Maintain separation distances per NFPA 30/local code [Verify]; no ignition sources within exclusion zone; use intrinsically safe equipment if hazardous area classification dictates [Verify]; install emergency stop and overfill protection; keep vents clear and fit flame arrestors if required by listing.
Required PPE: Anti-static clothing, safety glasses, nitrile gloves, safety boots; flame-resistant coveralls during hot works nearby.
Collective Measures: No-smoking zone; barriers and signage; dedicated fire points with ABC and foam extinguishers.
Inspection/Permit/Supervision: Fire watch during transfers/hot works; PTW for fuel handling/hot work; monthly extinguisher inspections per NFPA 10.
Hazard: Static electricity during fuel transfer
Likely Consequence: Ignition of vapors
Engineering/Procedural Control: Bond tanker to tank and nozzle to equipment prior to opening caps; verify bonding resistance <10 Ω [Verify]; maintain fill pipe contact during fueling; control fill velocity to minimize splash.
PPE: Anti-static footwear and garments; gloves; eye protection.
Collective Measures: Bonding reels/clamps at all points; anti-splash nozzles.
Inspection/Permit/Supervision: Periodic resistance testing; supervision by Fuel Controller.
Hazard: Spill to ground or drains
Likely Consequence: Soil/groundwater contamination; slip hazard
Engineering/Procedural Control: Impermeable bund with capacity ≥110% of largest tank [Verify]; drip trays at all refueling points; drain seals/booms available; routine hose inspection; use automatic shutoff nozzles.
PPE: Gloves, eye protection, boots with slip-resistant soles.
Collective Measures: Spill kits at point of use; drain covers pre-positioned; training and drills.
Inspection/Permit/Supervision: Daily checks; environmental permit for discharge; spill reporting per ERP.
Hazard: Vehicle/plant movement around fuel area
Likely Consequence: Collision, impact damage to tank/lines
Engineering/Procedural Control: One-way traffic plan; crash barriers or bollards to protect tank/pipework; designated parking/refuel bay with level surface.
PPE: Hi-vis, hard hat, boots.
Collective Measures: Banksman for reversing; speed limits; lighting for night work.
Inspection/Permit/Supervision: Traffic management plan approval; weekly checks on barriers/signs.
Hazard: Lifting operations (tank placement)
Likely Consequence: Dropped load, crushing
Engineering/Procedural Control: Approved lift plan; certified crane and rigging; exclusion zone; taglines; level landing area.
PPE: Hard hat, gloves, boots, hi-vis.
Collective Measures: Barricades and spotters; radio comms.
Inspection/Permit/Supervision: Lifting permit; pre-lift meeting; crane inspection records.
Hazard: Manual handling of hoses
Likely Consequence: Strains, sprains
Engineering/Procedural Control: Hose reels and supports; team lift for long hoses; limit hose length to operational need.
PPE: Gloves, boots.
Collective Measures: Ergonomic training.
Inspection/Permit/Supervision: Supervisor oversight; periodic review.
Hazard: Exposure to fumes
Likely Consequence: Headache, nausea
Engineering/Procedural Control: Outdoor refueling only; avoid prolonged idling; ensure cross-ventilation.
PPE: As needed, half-mask respirator with organic vapor cartridges if specified by HSE for confined/poorly ventilated areas [Verify].
Collective Measures: Prohibit enclosed area fueling.
Inspection/Permit/Supervision: HSE monitoring.
Note: No tank internal entry is permitted under this method. Any tank entry will require a separate confined space procedure, gas testing, and permit.

Environmental Controls

Pollution Prevention and Monitoring

Secondary Containment: Bund capacity ≥110% of largest tank or 25% of total volume [Verify per local regulations]; impermeable construction per CIRIA C736; joints sealed; penetrations booted.
Drainage Control: Isolate bund from stormwater system; install lockable drain valve to authorized discharge point; keep normally closed and tagged; maintain drain covers near nearby catch basins.
Rainwater Management: Inspect for sheen before any discharge; use absorbent pads/portable separators to remove hydrocarbons; record volume, date, time, and authorizing person.
Spill Response: Maintain spill kits sized to worst credible spill at the point; train crew; drill at least quarterly [Verify].
Waste Management: Segregate contaminated absorbents/soil as hazardous waste; store in UN-rated drums with labels; arrange licensed transport and disposal; keep manifests.
Soil and Water Monitoring: After any spill >20 L [Verify], take photos, record GPS, and perform soil screening; groundwater monitoring if required by permit.
Air/Noise: Minimize idling; maintain equipment to reduce emissions; use acoustic measures if near receptors [Verify].
Housekeeping: Keep fill/dispense area clean, free of debris; immediate cleanup of drips; maintain clear access to firefighting and spill response equipment.
Documentation: Maintain environmental logbook, bund inspection forms, discharge records, waste transfer notes, and incident reports.

QA/QC

Quality Assurance and Quality Control Plan

Documentation Control: Maintain current approvals for method, risk assessment, ITP, drawings, and vendor data. Obsolete copies removed from use.
Material Verification: Check tank and equipment certifications (UL/EN), liner certificates, hose ratings, overfill devices, and extinguishers per NFPA 10.
Testing and Acceptance:
Base compaction: ≥95% MDD [Verify]; records of tests.
Bund integrity test: 24 h water test, ≤0.5% corrected loss [Verify].
Hose/line pressure test: 1.5× operating pressure, hold 10 min, zero visible leakage/pressure loss [Verify].
Earthing/bonding: Resistance <10 Ω between bonded components [Verify].
Overfill/level alarms: Trip at setpoint (90–95% typical) with audible/visual indication [Verify].
Meter verification: Check against prover can or calibrated reference monthly; variance ≤1% [Verify].
Calibration: Maintain calibration certificates for meters, test gauges, and electrical testers; do not use out-of-date instruments.
Nonconformance Control: Log NCRs; implement corrective actions; verify closure before operation.
Training and Competence: Keep training matrix and operator authorizations current; toolbox talks prior to first fill and quarterly thereafter [Verify].
Records Retention: Keep ITP records, checklists, calibration, bund discharge logs, fuel reconciliation, waste manifests, and incident reports for ≥3 years or as per contract [Verify].

Attachments

Layout drawing of temporary fuel storage and refueling area (with dimensions, clearances, and traffic plan)
Lifting plan and rigging certificates for tank placement
Tank datasheets, certifications (UL/EN), and nameplate photos
Pump, hose, nozzle, meter, and overfill device datasheets and manuals
Earthing/bonding schematic and test records
Bund design details and hydrostatic test certificate
Fire risk assessment and extinguisher schedule
Spill response plan and SDS for fuels
PTW templates (fuel transfer, hot work, lifting, electrical)
Daily/Weekly/Monthly inspection checklists and fuel reconciliation log templates

This content is a read-only public reference. Download or customize to get an editable version.

ITP preview

The first inspection activities from the linked ITP for Method Statement: Temporary Fuel Storage and Equipment Refueling Operations:

Activity	Inspection / Test	Acceptance Criteria	Responsibility	Record
Base preparation and compaction	Field density/plate load (if required)	Compaction ≥95% MDD; level tolerance ±10 mm; slope 1–2% [Verify].	Site Engineer / QA/QC	FDT reports; survey records
Bund construction and liner installation	Visual/spark test	No defects; full continuity; penetrations sealed.	Site Engineer / QA/QC / Third-Party (as required)	Inspection report
Bund hydrostatic integrity/capacity test	24 h water test	No visible leakage; corrected loss ≤0.5%; capacity per requirement [Verify].	QA/QC / Client Rep	Bund test certificate

Showing 3 of 12 inspection activities. View full ITP →

Related Inspection and Test Plan

An Inspection and Test Plan (ITP) is available for Method Statement: Temporary Fuel Storage and Equipment Refueling Operations. The ITP defines the inspection activities, acceptance criteria, hold and witness points, responsible parties, and records required to verify the work described in this method statement.

View the Method Statement: Temporary Fuel Storage and Equipment Refueling Operations ITP →

Frequently asked questions

Provide a minimum of 110% of the largest tank or 25% of the total stored volume, whichever is greater. Verify per local regulations and project specifications.

Hazardous area requirements depend on local codes and risk assessment. Where classified zones exist, use equipment suitable for the zone. Verify with the project HSE plan and AHJ.

Visually inspect daily, functionally check monthly, and pressure test at 1.5× operating pressure for 10 minutes at least every 6 months, or per manufacturer/project requirements.

Maintain separation distances, provide ABC and foam extinguishers, control ignition sources, install overfill/level alarms, and ensure clear access to fire points with trained fire watch as required.

Only after confirming no hydrocarbon sheen and obtaining authorization; use absorbents or separators as needed. Record date, time, volume, and authorizer in the discharge log.

Method Statement: Temporary Fuel Storage and Equipment Refueling Operations – Method Statement