Article
When you need your backup power source, you don’t have time to deal with a problem that could have been spotted months earlier. Issues with tanks, pipes and stored fuel often build gradually. They often don’t cause immediate trouble. But over time, these small changes can affect performance and lead to avoidable repair costs.
That’s why we recommend that OFTEC inspections be treated as an ongoing fuel care process rather than just an annual compliance task. Done right, they’ll help you understand the condition of your entire fuel storage system, supporting business continuity in the long run.
Above all, they’ll help keep your backup power ready for when you need it most. Here’s how you can get started.
First, it’s important to remember that fuel storage compliance matters. Annual inspections are a key part of good oil storage practice, helping keep your system safe and properly maintained. There are also clear environmental requirements around OFTEC surveys.
But if you’re responsible for keeping a site running, the value of OFTEC inspections can be much bigger than simply ticking a box. Regular inspections can help you build a clear picture of how your overall fuel system is holding up. Think:
Is everything in good condition?
Are there signs of wear, damage or contamination that need attention?
Am I reducing future risk or leaving things to chance?
Those questions matter because fuel storage problems rarely arrive with much warning.
Some faults are obvious. Others are easy to miss during your normal day-to-day operations. An OFTEC inspection includes identifying these harder-to-spot concerns, such as:
Damaged pipework
Corrosion around key points
Water collecting in bunds
Signs of leakage
Areas where the fuel system would benefit from maintenance.
Finding those issues early can make a real difference. It can also help reduce the chances of costly unplanned repair work, or even prevent a problem from affecting generator reliability later on.
Even a well-maintained generator can develop problems if stored diesel has deteriorated. After all, your generator is only as dependable as the fuel running through it.
Fuel that sits for long periods can become contaminated. This can lead to problems like blocked filters, injector problems, poor fuel flow or unreliable starts. You don’t want to discover these fuel management issues when you’re relying on backup power.
So, how do OFTEC inspections help protect against these issues? Having a reactive approach to maintenance often means dealing with faults after they’ve caused issues. But having regular servicing alongside your inspections takes a more proactive approach.
An OFTEC inspection works well alongside best practices like:
Fuel testing
Tank cleaning
Regular condition checks
Together, these help you look after the full system. You’ll no longer be treating the generator and fuel storage as separate concerns. That matters because a generator can only perform reliably if the fuel supply behind it is also in good order.
This proactive approach can help you plan repairs in good time. This will help you pinpoint what needs attention and avoid expensive, rushed decisions later.
An annual OFTEC inspection gives you a valuable professional review and helps minimise risk. However, your fuel system can still benefit from attention throughout the year. Keep an eye out for these issues in particular:
Unexplained changes in fuel level
Any visible corrosion
Strong fuel odours
Standing water in and around tanks
Filter issues
Generators behaving unusually during routine testing
These signs do not always mean there is a serious fault. But they can point to a developing issue that is easier to deal with now rather than in an emergency.
As you make these checks, it’s a good idea to keep clear records. Documenting inspection reports, maintenance notes and remedial work helps you build a clear history of your fuel system.
If you notice anything unusual between inspections, it’s better to investigate it early. Things may only get worse if you wait until the next scheduled inspection. Issues like a change in fuel level, repeated filter issues or signs of water ingress may point to a wider problem within the system.
Acting sooner gives you more control. That might mean arranging for a professional inspection, carrying out fuel testing or planning targeted maintenance before reliability is affected.
Problems with backup power can cause serious disruption to day-to-day operations. But they also have other potential impacts. One of those is environmental.
For example, if fuel leaks and reaches drains, surrounding ground or watercourses, the consequences may include:
Clean-up work
Wasted fuel
Disruption on site.
It can also put pressure on the people responsible for keeping things running. These are among the wider benefits of OFTEC inspections, making sure systems are reliable and not building up avoidable problems.
OFTEC inspections support your compliance needs. But more than that, they help you understand the condition of your fuel system. They’re a great way to reduce the risk of avoidable disruption and keep backup power ready when it matters most. Treated as part of a wider maintenance plan, you can move towards stronger business continuity.
At Dale Power Solutions, we can inspect your fuel storage system, highlight any concerns and take steps to reduce risk. Our OFTEC inspections are designed to support your safe fuel storage and help keep key systems ready for action.