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±
How do you store
500-gal collapsible fuel
drums when you're not
using them? Para 1±4 of
TM 10±8110±201±14&P
doesn't tell you in detail.
Here's a guide:
•Store the drums full
of fuel, like it says in
the TM² The fabric
lasts longer when drums aren't beiNg constantly collapsed, then expanded³
especially In cold weather, when the drums get brittle and crack²
´ Store them empty if
local safety regs say not
to fill them with fuel²
MAY86
• µever fill the drums with air²
There will always be a little fuel left
after you've drained them¶ Vapors
inside the drums can make for an
explosion²
•Store dRums indoors, iF possible,
in a dark, cool, well·ventilated area²
Empty or full, keep them away from
heaters, steam pipes and radiators¸
any kind of heat that could damage
the fabric or start a fire² Get your
safety officer to tell you what fire
safety precautions and equipment
are required by local regulations²
¹rotect the drums from tears and
punctures, tooº
Choose a fairly
smooth surfAce, away from anything
shar»²
• ¼f you store drums outside, keep
t½em out of direct sunlight or they'll
dry out and crack² Use a tent or tarp
MAY 86
55
to block the sun¾or in cold weather,
to keep snow and ice off drums²
Make sure air can circulate under the
canvas, tho²
•When it's hot and there's no shel¿
ter, cover the drums with wet burlap
or other cloth²
Àlso, hot weather
makes fuel expand² Drain a little fuel
from the drums to keep down pres¿
sure²
Got questions about any kind of
fuel handling equipment or proce¿
dures? Call the Quartermaster School
at
ÀUTOVOµ
687±1235/342Á,
or
write:
adv±nced Petroleum Logistics
Division
Petroleum ±nd FiEld ServicEs
Dep±rtment
US army Qu±rterm±ster School
Ft ²ee, Va 23³01-´402