Occupational Safety and Health Administration Logs

How much space does OSHA specify i need between a tank and a wall?

How much space does OSHA specify i need between a tank and a wall? I have found specs on doorway clearances, but not elsewhere. I have some tanks near the exterior wall on the exterior of the plant. What minimum clearance should there be between the tanks and the plant wall? Reference if you can please! thanks! I am new to this. Tank contain ammonium nitrate solution, and other tanks beside it with various compounds including AN. In another part of the plant, a tank holds oil, while another one holds kerosene. Is there a requirement on tank spacing as well?

Public Comments

What kind of tanks? There also might be local codes that apply as well. Oil storage requires a lot more clearance than a hot water tank. 30" clearance is a minimum requirement for any piece of equipment that might require maintenance. Followup - unless there is more than 10,000 lbs you should fall under these guidelines (2) "Installation of outside aboveground tanks." (i) [Reserved] (ii) "Spacing (shell-to-shell) between aboveground tanks." (A) The distance between any two flammable or combustible liquid storage tanks shall not be less than 3 feet (0.912 m). (B) Except as provided in paragraph (i)(2)(ii)(C) of this section, the distance between any two adjacent tanks shall not be less than one-sixth the sum of their diameters. When the diameter of one tank is less than one-half the diameter of the adjacent tank, the distance between the two tanks shall not be less than one-half the diameter of the smaller tank. (C) Where crude petroleum in conjunction with production facilities are located in noncongested areas and have capacities not exceeding 126,000 gallons (3,000 barrels), the distance between such tanks shall not be less than 3 feet (0.912 m). (D) Where unstable flammable or combustible liquids are stored, the distance between such tanks shall not be less than one-half the sum of their diameters. (E) When tanks are compacted in three or more rows or in an irregular pattern, greater spacing or other means shall be provided so that inside tanks are accessible for firefighting purposes. (F) The minimum separation between a liquefied petroleum gas container and a flammable or combustible liquid storage tank shall be 20 feet (6.08 m), except in the case of flammable or combustible liquid tanks operating at pressures exceeding 2.5 p.s.i.g. or equipped with emergency venting which will permit pressures to exceed 2.5 p.s.i.g. in which case the provisions of paragraphs (i)(2)(ii)(A) and (B) of this section shall apply. Suitable means shall be taken to prevent the accumulation of flammable or combustible liquids under adjacent liquefied petroleum gas containers such as by diversion curbs or grading. When flammable or combustible liquid storage tanks are within a diked area, the liquefied petroleum gas containers shall be outside the diked area and at least 10 feet (3.04 m) away from the centerline of the wall of the diked area. The foregoing provisions shall not apply when liquefied petroleum gas containers of 125 gallons (473.125 L) or less capacity are installed adjacent to fuel oil supply tanks of 550 gallons (2,081.75 L) or less capacity.
Have not done anything with fuel tanks or oil tanks, but we have located tanks right next to a wall with minimal clearance before. Just locate any drains, level transmitters, manways etc where there is adequate access to them. On a recent project wanted to run a 6" line between some clay slurry tanks and the wall, but there was not enough room so had to go over the tanks. If any of those tanks need a containment dyke, the exterior wall might not server as a containment wall. Check local codes.