Planning a Fuel-Tank Replacement in an Occupied Building

Access

Tanks are often in basements or rooms that were built around them. Confirm the route the old tank will leave by and the new tank will arrive by, including door widths, elevators, ramps, floor loading and any need for a crane or lift.

Staging

Plan where equipment and materials will be kept, how the work area will be separated from occupants, and when deliveries can be made without blocking loading areas or emergency routes.

Coordination

• Facility management and building operators
• Fuel distributor for pumping out and refilling
• Electrical and generator service contractors
• Fire-protection contractor if a fire pump is affected
• Consulting engineer where engineering is required

Shutdown planning

Agree when the generator can be out of service and for how long. Schedule noisy or disruptive work, odour-producing activities and lifts at times that suit the building's occupants.

Continuity of standby power

If the generator must remain available, temporary arrangements may be needed — such as temporary fuel provisioning to the day tank or a portable generator. Decide this early, since it affects both cost and schedule.

Commissioning

Before the old arrangements are removed, the new tank, piping, pumps, controls and alarms are tested. The generator is run on the new system, and documentation is provided for the owner and fuel distributor.