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	Positioning diesel storage tanks in 'safety troughs' is another way operators can salvage leaked fuel and prevent environmental damage.       Diesel suppliers should and generally do keep close tabs on the cleanliness of customer storage facilities, conducting regular cleaning exercises to remove water and other contaminants.

As a leading manufacturer and supplier of diesel to SA's transport sector, Engen has stated that it will invest "over R2-billion in the next five years in the Durban Refinery to further improve the quality of our fuels to meet the ongoing needs of the consumer," according to an official press release, which goes on to offer some sound 'diesel housekeeping tips' for truck operators who fill their storage tanks with Engen diesel.

"Diesel contaminants may be introduced unintentionally at customer base storage tanks due to operational or environmental influences. These contaminants could have a detrimental effect on advanced engine operation and consist mainly of water, bacterial growth from uncontrolled water content and dust or dirt ingress," the release explains. 

"Engen strongly recommends that customers who use bulk fuel installations take certain precautions to ensure that the high quality of cleanliness of its fuels is maintained by the application of good 'housekeeping' principles, which can be summarised as follows;

• Always ensure that you obtain your fuel from an Engen Depot or from a recognised Engen branded Service Station or Truck stop.

• Do not add other fuels or fuel supplements to your diesel without first obtaining approval from the vehicle manufacturer (to do so without that approval may negate any warranty on the vehicle).

• Ensure that all measuring dipsticks are clean and free from dust and dirt before dipping tanks

• Ensure that the dispensing hose nozzle is always clean and returned to the pump bracket after use. Do not allow the nozzle to lie on the ground.

• Test for free water in the bulk storage and vehicle tank by the use of 'water finding paste' on a regular basis and drain any excess water.

• Ensure that tank filling points and 'dip points' have proper seals and are closed when not in use.

• Check the tank 'manhole' for water, if water is present investigate its presence and correct the situation.

• Fill vehicle tanks before the vehicle is parked overnight (this will help stop condensation in the vehicle tank).

• Fit the correct water traps and filters to the vehicle and ensure that they are checked and replaced when required and that regular all other parts of the fuel system are regularly maintained.

• Ensure that tanks are correctly marked as 'diesel' and have the correct ID collars. This will help prevent accidental contamination with other products.

• Make use of fuel monitoring systems to check that 'other' products are not being used in the vehicle.