Professional Fuel Removal Equipment and Why it's Important |
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Melanie Kamdar
February 4, 2014
If you are one of the 400 people a day who misfuel (put the wrong fuel into your vehicle) then you will need a specialist with fuel removal equipment to drain down your tank. Your car is often the most expensive purchase you will ever make after your house so it is absolutely vital that the company that drains the incorrect fuel from your tank is reliable, trustworthy and has proper fuel removal equipment.
If you get stranded on the petrol forecourt because of a misfuelling accident, it is worth ringing a couple of different fuel removal and rescue companies to make a considered choice. Fortunately this article will help you to choose which company you wish to use.
The AA and RAC both offer fuel removal services but these can be very expensive. It is often much cheaper to use a dedicated fuel removal company. They are often more local so can attend to your emergency quicker and will often save you money. It is worth asking a few questions before you choose the company you want to help you. First of all, find out about their equipment. Dodgy equipment may end up causing more expensive and unnecessary damage to your vehicle. Ask about their mobile fuel drain equipment. Is it purpose built by a manufacturer (rather than cobbled together in their workshop) and is it fully CE marked?
The CE mark indicates that the equipment satisfies the essential requisites of the Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008, which implement the European Directive on Machinery Safety 2006/42/EC, Low Voltage Directive 2006/95/EC and the EMC Directive 2004/108/EC.
A purpose built control system will incorporate integrated safety circuits. It will also require many of the following features:-
300 Litre Fuel Storage Tank
UN Approved for transportation of contaminated fuel
Twin 10 metre fuel suction hoses
50 ft Static Earthing Reel
Twin ATEX Approved Fuel Pumps
Remote Control Pendant
Stainless Steel Construction
External Fuel Tank Level Gauge
Audible Tank Overfill Warning Sensor / Alarm
It is also worth asking about their mobile fuel drain technicians. Are they trained specialists? You don't want Uncle Joe (no matter how nice a man he is) fiddling with the engine of your car if he isn't 100% competent.
What qualifications and accreditations do they hold? They will need ADR Class 3 for the transportation of flammable liquids and they should also hold SPA Petrol Forecourt Licenses known as contractor's license (certified to work on garage forecourts). Are they ISO accredited?
Don't be afraid to ask. A reputable company that is proud of its equipment and has spent time and money getting accredited will be proud to show these to you. Trust your gut instinct. If you feel like the company you are speaking to aren't being honest or they seem aggravated by your questions try someone else. Only once you're completely comfortable should you agree for them to rescue you.