Above-ground storage tanks (ASTs) play a critical role in the handling of petroleum products, particularly in refineries, fuel depots, and bulk distribution hubs. However, their very design and function mean that they present some of the highest fire risks in the energy and petrochemical sectors. ASP Fire, a leader in fire-risk management and safety engineering, is emphasising the importance of specialised fire protection strategies to safeguard facilities, communities, and the environment.
“Unlike underground systems, above-ground tanks are directly exposed to environmental conditions, mechanical damage, and operational hazards,” explains ASP Fire CEO Michael van Niekerk. “This exposure, combined with the inherent volatility of fuels, makes them highly vulnerable to ignition sources. Once ignited, petroleum products stored in bulk have the potential to escalate a small incident into a large-scale fire or explosion.”
Effective protection of AST facilities requires a combination of compliant engineering design, specialised suppression systems, and strict operational controls. South African standards such as SANS 10131, together with international codes from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), provide detailed guidelines on tank spacing, bund wall construction, emergency venting, foam application rates, and fixed versus mobile suppression options.
Fire scenarios at AST sites often involve complex interactions between heat, vapour release, and structural integrity. “If the tank shell is exposed to prolonged radiant heat, there is a risk of boil-over or structural collapse, which can spread burning fuel over a wide area. That is why a properly engineered fire protection system must be in place, not only to detect and suppress flames, but also to prevent escalation,” notes van Niekerk.
ASP Fire’s approach integrates risk assessment, hazard modelling, and system design tailored to each site’s configuration. This includes evaluating the placement of tanks, the volume and type of petroleum stored, ignition probability, and the adequacy of firefighting resources. The company also focuses on ensuring emergency response planning is aligned with the technical realities of AST fires, which often require high-capacity foam delivery, cooling water systems, and coordination with local fire authorities.
“Every above-ground storage facility has unique risks depending on its layout and operating conditions,” van Niekerk concludes. “Our role is to combine technical expertise with practical solutions that deliver real protection. Fire safety in petroleum storage is non-negotiable. It is the foundation of operational continuity and community safety.”
Ends
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Notes to the Editor
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About ASP Fire
ASP Fire operates across the entire African continent from its Gauteng base, providing professional, accredited fire risk management and support to its clients. ASP Fire designs, installs, and maintains a full range of fire detection and suppression equipment suited to clients’ needs. ASP Fire provides a holistic, proactive, and preventative fire solution based on integrated fire risk assessment, training, and consulting, with the installation and maintenance of fire detection and suppression systems that meet SABS, NFPA, FPASA, and SAQCC standards.
ASP Fire Contact
Michael van Niekerk
ASP Fire
CEO
Phone: +27 (0) 11 452 2169
Cell: +27 (0) 83 779 1701
Fax: +27 (0) 86 505 1030
Email: michael@aspfire.co.za
Web: www.aspfire.co.za
Media Contact
Thobile Ndlovu
Senior Account Executive
NGAGE Public Relations
Phone: (011) 867-7763
Cell: 073 574 2931
Email: thobile@ngage.co.za
Web: www.ngage.co.za
Browse the NGAGE Media Zone for more client press releases and photographs at http://media.ngage.co.za
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