1. Annual Fuel Quality Test (Mandatory)

• NFPA 110 §8.3.7:
  “A fuel quality test shall be performed at least annually using appropriate ASTM standards.”
• ASTM D975 and related tests are typically used.

1. Documentation Requirements
   Hospitals must maintain:

Generator test logs (monthly, annual, triennial)
Joint Commission surveyors frequently cite missing or undocumented fuel testing as a deficiency.

Annual fuel test results

Corrective actions if fuel fails

Sampling records

Why This Matters for Joint Commission Surveys
Healthcare facilities face overlapping requirements from:

• CMS (federal law)
• Joint Commission (accreditation)
• NFPA 110 (technical standard)
  Fuel quality is one of the most common failure points because hospitals often test generators but not the fuel feeding them.

Action Checklist for Compliance
To be fully compliant for Joint Commission surveys:

1. Perform Annual Fuel Testing

• Use ASTM‑based lab tests
• Document results
• Retain records for survey review

1. Sample Correctly

• Pull samples from the bottom of the tank, not the day tank
• Use proper sampling containers
• Document chain of custody

1. Take Corrective Action if Fuel Fails

• Polish the fuel
• Remove water
• Treat microbial contamination
• Retest and document

1. Keep Records Organized
   Surveyors will ask for:

• Annual fuel test report
• Generator monthly load test logs
• Triennial 4‑hour load test documentation (NFPA 110 §8.4.9.7)

More Information

The post Hospitals and Care Facilities Diesel Fuel Testing appeared first on Dieselcraft.

Consider this scenario:

• A generator requires 24 hours of runtime at full load, burning 20 gallons per hour. You need 480 gallons for full coverage.
• If you run the generator 15 minutes per month, you’ll consume only about 21 gallons per year. Without a major outage, most of your fuel remains unused for 8 years.
• Even if you top off every two years with 50 gallons, the majority of the tank—430 gallons—is old fuel, now 24 months old. Adding new fuel does not fix the problem.

Why Old Diesel Fuel Is a Problem

To comply with NFPA 110 (Standard for Emergency and Standby Power Systems), fuel must remain “clear and bright” and meet ASTM D975 standards.

• After 90 days, diesel begins to discolor and solids form.
• Fuel that is no longer clear and bright can cause engine damage, clogged filters, and failed emergency starts.

Hope is not a plan.

How to Solve the Problem

The best way to maintain emergency generator fuel is:

• Regular fuel testing to monitor quality
• Fuel polishing systems to remove water and solids
• Additives to stabilize fuel and improve performance

For professional solutions, contact Dieselcraft at sales@dieselcraft.com.

The post Why You Should Worry About Your Generator’s Old Diesel Fuel appeared first on Dieselcraft.