Energy Institute Model Code of Safe Practice Part 19: fire precautions at refineries and bulk storage installations

Sites that store, transfer, or process flammable liquids face a recurring operational question: how do you prevent a small ignition source from turning a routine task into a major fire or explosion? The Energy Institute (EI) Model Code of Safe Practice Part 19 focuses on practical fire precautions for petroleum refineries and bulk storage installations, including control of ignition sources, safe work practices, and management systems that reduce the likelihood and consequences of fires.

This page explains Part 19 in a question-and-solution format and links it to day-to-day ignition control, spill management, drainage protection, and environmental compliance. For ignition control fundamentals, see Ignition Control.

Question: What is EI Model Code of Safe Practice Part 19 and why does it matter?

Solution: EI Model Code of Safe Practice Part 19 is an industry code of practice that provides guidance on fire precautions at petroleum refineries and bulk storage installations. It supports a risk-based approach to preventing fires by addressing common ignition sources, hazardous areas, safe systems of work, and emergency preparedness. In the UK and globally, EI guidance is widely used to demonstrate good practice and to help dutyholders design and operate effective controls.

Operational relevance: Part 19 is typically used alongside hazardous area classification, DSEAR/ATEX obligations, and site operating procedures. It helps ensure ignition control measures are not only specified on paper, but applied consistently across maintenance, loading and unloading, tank farm operations, and contractor activities.

Key source: Energy Institute, Model Code of Safe Practice - Part 19 (fire precautions at refineries and bulk storage installations). For the publishing body, see Energy Institute.

Question: Which site activities create the highest ignition risk?

Solution: Ignition risk increases whenever flammable vapours may be present and an ignition source is introduced. At refineries and bulk fuel storage installations, higher-risk activities commonly include:

• Hot work: welding, grinding, cutting, and use of open flames.
• Vehicle movements: exhaust heat, sparks, static build-up, and refuelling activities.
• Sampling and gauging: opening tank lids, use of tools, and potential vapour release.
• Loading and unloading: hose connection and disconnection, vapour generation, and static.
• Maintenance and electrical work: temporary power, portable equipment, and incorrect zoning compliance.
• Spill response and clean-up: vapour release from pooled product, incompatible absorbents, and poor waste handling.

These are the moments where ignition control, spill control, and emergency readiness must work together. A minor leak can rapidly become a vapour cloud ignition risk if it is not contained and managed quickly and correctly.

Question: How does Part 19 relate to ignition control on site?

Solution: Part 19 reinforces a layered approach to ignition control: prevent release where possible, control ignition sources, and limit escalation if a release occurs. Practical ignition control measures typically include:

• Hazardous area management: correct equipment selection and maintenance for the zone, plus control of temporary equipment.
• Static electricity control: bonding and earthing for transfers, suitable hoses, and disciplined connection sequences.
• Hot work controls: permits, gas testing, fire watch, and post-work monitoring.
• Good housekeeping: removing combustible waste and keeping transfer areas clean and dry.
• Permit to work and contractor control: competent supervision, site induction, and strict adherence to procedures.

For a practical overview of ignition sources and controls, use Serpro's guidance here: Ignition Control.

Question: Where does spill management fit into fire precautions?

Solution: Fire precautions are strengthened when spill containment and clean-up are designed into the operation. Spilled fuel can release flammable vapours, spread fire, enter drainage systems, and increase incident scale. Effective spill management helps you:

• Contain product quickly to reduce vapour generation and limit spread.
• Protect drains and interceptors to prevent fire and environmental contamination beyond the site.
• Keep escape routes and access ways clear for emergency response and firefighting.
• Reduce secondary ignition risk by minimising pooled product and contaminated rags/absorbents.

Practical equipment commonly used around tank farms, loading gantries, and workshops includes bunded storage, drip trays, spill kits, absorbents, and drain protection. See related Serpro information pages for implementation and selection:

• Spill Kits
• Absorbents
• Drip Trays
• Bunding
• Drain Protection

Question: What does good practice look like at a bulk storage installation?

Solution: Good practice is visible in how the site is laid out, how transfers are controlled, and how quickly a small abnormality is corrected. Examples include:

• Loading gantry controls: bonded and earthed transfers, clearly marked hazardous zones, and spill kits positioned at points of use.
• Tank farm discipline: controlled access, defined parking and no-idling rules, planned routes for emergency vehicles, and robust housekeeping.
• Bund management: bunds kept serviceable and free of debris, with rainwater management that does not allow oil to reach surface water.
• Maintenance readiness: permit controls, pre-job briefings, gas testing where required, and suitable fire extinguishers and first-aid fire response.
• Drain defence: drain covers or drain blockers available and staff trained to use them quickly if product escapes containment.

These measures combine fire precautions (prevent ignition and escalation) with spill control (prevent spread and environmental harm). This is particularly important during out-of-hours deliveries or contractor work, when supervision may be reduced.

Question: How can we use Part 19 to strengthen compliance and assurance?

Solution: Use Part 19 as a benchmarking tool to test whether site controls are adequate, implemented, and auditable. A practical approach is to map the guidance to your management system and then evidence the controls through inspections, training records, and maintenance checks. Consider:

• Risk assessment alignment: confirm ignition controls match the actual tasks and locations on site.
• Permit-to-work effectiveness: sample completed permits and verify on-the-ground compliance.
• Equipment suitability: confirm electrical and portable equipment meets hazardous area requirements.
• Spill and fire readiness: verify spill kits, absorbents, drain protection, and firefighting equipment are accessible, in-date, and appropriate for the fuels handled.
• Training and drills: ensure staff and contractors can implement isolation, containment, and emergency actions quickly and safely.

Where applicable, this supports duties under UK health and safety and environmental regimes, including the control of flammable atmospheres, pollution prevention, and emergency planning.

Question: What should we do if a spill occurs in a hazardous area?

Solution: Treat it as both a spill incident and a potential ignition event. A typical safe response sequence is:

1. Raise the alarm and make the area safe: stop work, control access, remove ignition sources where safe to do so, and follow site emergency procedures.
2. Stop the source: isolate the transfer, close valves, or upright the container if safe.
3. Contain rapidly: deploy absorbent socks/booms and drip trays; protect drains immediately using dedicated drain protection.
4. Clean up with suitable materials: use appropriate absorbents for hydrocarbons and handle waste in safe, closed containers.
5. Report and learn: record the cause, update the risk assessment, and improve controls (for example, connection procedures or hose inspection frequency).

For site teams, the key is speed with control: rapid containment reduces vapour and spread, while ignition control reduces the likelihood of a fire during response.

Question: What products help implement these fire precaution principles?

Solution: Product selection should follow your fuels, volumes, and site layout. Common selections for refineries, terminals, and bulk storage facilities include:

• Hydrocarbon spill kits for loading bays, tank farms, and pump rooms.
• Drip trays for hose connections, sample points, and decanting locations.
• Bunded storage and bunding solutions to reduce escape of product to ground and drains.
• Drain protection (covers/blockers) to prevent oil entering surface water systems.
• Absorbents selected for hydrocarbons and safe handling.

If you need help matching spill control equipment to hazardous area tasks and fire precautions, review the Serpro guidance pages above and build a site plan that positions spill kits and drain protection where releases are most likely (for example, tanker connections, pump skids, and sampling points).

Question: Where can we verify the original guidance?

Solution: Use the official EI publication for the definitive requirements and recommendations, and ensure you are working from the current edition. Start at the publisher: Energy Institute. If you are aligning site procedures with ignition control good practice, cross-check with Serpro's ignition control overview: https://www.serpro.co.uk/ignition-control.

Citations: Energy Institute (EI), Model Code of Safe Practice Part 19 (fire precautions at refineries and bulk storage installations), Energy Institute, London, UK (refer to the current edition). Additional context: Serpro, Ignition Control guidance page: https://www.serpro.co.uk/ignition-control.