• A properly labeled storage tank for diesel fuel.diesel storage tank image by Jim Parkin from Fotolia.com
  
  Diesel fuel is the general descriptive term for several petrochemical distillates. The most common fuel is Number 2 Diesel, used throughout the world in machinery, trains, ships, cars and trucks. These "middle distillates" (between lubricating oils and gasoline) are clear or light yellow in color, and have a flash point of about 125 degrees C. In order for this fuel to burn in an internal combustion engine, it must be injected into the cylinder and subjected to high compression. That high flash point means that the fuel is relatively safe to store, transport and transfer at normal ambient temperatures. Nevertheless, there are serious fire hazards.
  
  

Blended Diesel Fuel

• An industrial refinery of petroleum fuelsIndustrial Refinery image by Chad McDermott from Fotolia.com
  
  Reducing the sulfur content and adding up to 20 percent ethanol to diesel fuel may increase fire hazards. Cummins, a major manufacturer of diesel engines, has warned that such e-diesel blends are "an extreme fire hazard and under certain circumstances an explosive hazard."
  
  

Static Electricity Danger

• New environmental standards require refiners to produce "low-sulfur" fuels. Hess, an important refinery, reports that these fuels can accumulate static electricity, and can flash back and explode in the presence of gasoline vapors.
  
  

Explosive Vapors

• When diesel fuel vapors reach a high enough temperature they can explode.fire image by Dimitar Ivanov from Fotolia.com
  
  Empty tanks should be managed carefully, since the diesel fuel residue may produce explosive vapors. Hess warns against heating, cutting, welding or pressurizing empty fuel containers. Citgo reports that the vapors when mixed with air can result in an explosion.