--- title: What Is Diesel Fuel? | Types, Uses, & Hazards description: Find out everything you need to know about diesel fuel. Learn about the different types of diesel fuel, their uses, hazards, and how to store it safely. image: https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/hubfs/What_is_Diesel_Fuel-1.png --- [![Carbon collective](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/CarbonCollective_August2021%20copy/images/carbon-collective-green-investing-logo-white.4f6047d4.svg "Carbon collective")](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/) - About - Employers - [Sustainable 401(k)](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/401k) - [401(k) Comparison Tool](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/401k/plan-comparison-tool) - Individuals - [FAQ](https://www.carboncollective.co/en/knowledge/faqs) - [ETF](https://www.carboncollectivefunds.com/) - Learn - [Sustainable Investing](https://www.carboncollective.co/sustainable-investing) - [Investing Basics](https://www.carboncollective.co/sustainable-investing/investing-basics) - [Blog](https://blog.carboncollective.co/) - [Tools](https://tools.carboncollective.co/calculator/) - Log in - [Carbon Collective](https://app.carboncollective.co) - [Altruist](https://app.altruist.com) [Talk to a human](https://ask.carboncollective.co/f4o5dylkg) [Sign up](https://app.carboncollective.co/sign-up) [Log In](http://app.carboncollective.co/) [![Carbon collective](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/CarbonCollective_August2021%20copy/images/carbon-collective-green-investing-logo.53b28bee.svg "Carbon collective")](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/) - About - Employers - [Sustainable 401(k)](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/401k) - [401(k) Comparison Tool](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/401k/plan-comparison-tool) - Individuals - [FAQ](https://www.carboncollective.co/en/knowledge/faqs) - [ETF](https://www.carboncollectivefunds.com/) - Learn - [Sustainable Investing](https://www.carboncollective.co/sustainable-investing) - [Investing Basics](https://www.carboncollective.co/sustainable-investing/investing-basics) - [Blog](https://blog.carboncollective.co/) - [Tools](https://tools.carboncollective.co/calculator/) - Log in - [Carbon Collective](https://app.carboncollective.co) - [Altruist](https://app.altruist.com) [Talk to a human](https://ask.carboncollective.co/f4o5dylkg) [Sign up](https://app.carboncollective.co/sign-up) [Log In](http://app.carboncollective.co/) **[Home](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/) > [Sustainable Investing](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/sustainable-investing) >** What Is Diesel Fuel? # What Is Diesel Fuel? ![](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/hubfs/zach-stein.jpeg) Written by Zach Stein | Reviewed by [Subject Matter Experts](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/subject-matter-experts) Updated on October 1, 2024 Fact Checked Why Trust Carbon Collective? ### Table of Contents Diesel fuel is any liquid fuel intended for use in a diesel engine. It is a combustible liquid and is often called diesel oil. It is combined with various additives and qualities to optimize its effectiveness. Different nations use different definitions and classifications, and diesel fuel standards vary. ## **Uses of Diesel Fuel** Diesel is used in the majority of diesel engines. The fuel does not burn as hot as gasoline; thus, diesel engines are more efficient at converting their energy into work. Below are some of its uses: ### **Diesel-engine Generators to Generate Electricity** Diesel generators are used as a backup and emergency power source in many industrial sites, huge buildings, institutional facilities, hospitals, and electric utilities. ### **Heavy Machines** When it comes to big machinery, diesel is useful because of its power. It is used in most industries and farm machinery, such as tractors and construction equipment that will require a lot of power. ### **Vehicles Locomotion** In general, diesel is used to power all vehicles around the world. It has a low danger of fire and emits minimal carbon dioxide compared to gas. ### **Marine Equipment** Diesel is used in marine engine-powered systems since it is strong enough to operate the machinery against the sea’s currents. Boats, cruisers, and ships use diesel to travel through water. ### **Telecommunication and Data Centers** Telecommunication companies must be on every day and must prepare for occasional power outages to minimize service interruption. One common way to supply electricity without interruption is to utilize diesel-powered backup generators. These diesel generators start immediately when the power system goes down, ensuring that the telecommunications departments and fields are always up and running. ### **Utilities, Commercial, Businesses, and Education** While it is true that the world is nothing without electricity because it determines and helps in the production process, the power sector is extremely crucial, and this is where diesel comes into the picture. ## **Types of Diesel Fuel** Since its humble beginnings, diesel has progressed into various forms for a variety of purposes, and not all of them are derived from petroleum. These are the different types of diesel fuel: ![Types_of_Diesel_Fuel](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Types_of_Diesel_Fuel.png?width=1920&name=Types_of_Diesel_Fuel.png) ### **Petroleum Diesel** The [most prevalent fuel](https://www.eia.gov/tools/faqs/faq.php?id=33&t=6#:~:text=EIA%20uses%20product%20supplied%20to,day%20over%20consumption%20in%202020.) used in freight trucks, railroads, buses, agricultural and construction vehicles- is sometimes known as fossil diesel. Transportation fuels, heating, electricity-generating fuel oils, asphalt and road oil, and feedstocks for the chemicals, polyester, and artificial materials that make up everything we use are all petroleum products. ### **Synthetic Diesel** Synthetic diesel has outstanding features such as a very high [cetane number](https://www.cenex.com/about/cenex-information/cenexperts-blog-page/fuel-efficiency/cetane-number) and no sulfur content. They may be utilized without modification in current diesel engines or blended with petrol. ### **Biodiesel** Vegetable oils, recycled restaurant grease, or animal fats make biodiesel, a renewable fuel alternative to petroleum-based diesel. It can be mixed with petroleum diesel. ### **Hydrogenated Vegetable Oils and Fats** Hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO) is a renewable diesel produced from various vegetable oils and fats that contain triglycerides and fatty acids. The term "HVO" refers to fuels derived through hydrogenation and hydrocracking of feedstocks such as tall oil, rapeseed oil, waste cooking oil, and animal fats. ### **Dimethyl Ether** DME or Dimethyl Ether is a colorless gas with a mild ethereal odor. You can get frostbite if you get your hands in the liquid. It can easily cause a fire. Moreover, it can lead to asphyxiation due to air displacement, and exposure to fire or extreme heat for an extended period may break the containers. ## **The Hazards of Diesel Fuel** It is only safe to work with fuels and other dangerous materials if you know what they are made of and how they are hazardous. These characteristics impact how you should handle diesel fuel responsibly and safely. ### **Flammability** It is important to remember that diesel fuel is highly combustible petroleum. To minimize exposure to flames and sparks when it is used as fuel, it must be stored, transported, and handled with proper caution. If not handled deliberately, there is a risk of fire or explosion and the possibility of property damage, serious bodily injury, or even death. ### **Environmental Impact** Diesel engine emissions can lead to ozone formation in the atmosphere, which is very harmful to crops, trees, plants, and other living organisms. It can also create acid rain, impact the land, lakes, and streams, and infiltrate the human food chain through water, meat, and fish. ### **By-Product Exhaust** The number of particles that enter the lungs rises due to exposure to diesel exhaust fumes, triggering the risk of lung infections and illnesses. Diesel exhaust particles have also been associated with lung cancer and other infections. ### **Irritant Potential** When exposed to human skin, it can cause rashes and allergic responses. Skin cancer and central nervous system problems have also been linked to long-term exposure to diesel fuel. If the fumes from the gas build up, they can cause dizziness, sleepiness, and, even worse, fainting. ## **Recommended Storage** Fuel is one of the first resources to be depleted during an emergency; thus, maintaining an adequate fuel reserve can be useful for an unexpected power outage, especially if it is a lengthy one. The storage standards of the [National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 30](https://www.nfpa.org/Assets/files/AboutTheCodes/30/30_FAQs.pdf) are determined by the fuel flashpoint, which indicates whether the liquid fuel is "combustible" or "flammable." In the presence of an ignition source, the fuel flash point is the lowest temperature at which it will result in ignition. Conventional diesel fuel has a flashpoint that generally runs between 126°F and 204°F. (52.2°C and 95.5°C). As a result, diesel fuel is categorized as a combustible liquid. Unfortunately, diesel begins to oxidize as soon as it leaves the refinery. Storing your diesel fuel at a lower temperature will eventually help slow down the oxidation process. On average, diesel fuel can only be kept for 6 to 12 months, although it can last up to a year under the best conditions, depending on the circumstances. ## **Final Thoughts** It is important to remember that diesel fuel can be beneficial during an emergency, but it needs to be handled with care. For example, you need to use caution when using diesel as a source of power, especially if it involves the fueling of generators. Keep in mind what will happen if there were a fire or some other type of emergency if you use this type of fuel. Remember that you should never use a generator indoors as diesel fumes will build up quickly, potentially leading to health concerns and even death. It is essential to store your fuel outside, preferably in an area with excellent ventilation, so the diesel fuel vapors do not accumulate. You will also need to store your fuel away from children and pets. As a result, you should only purchase the amount of diesel fuel required for short-term emergencies. More importantly, it is important to review the NFPA 30 codes and standards for proper storage practices. ## **FAQs** ### **1. What is diesel fuel?** Diesel fuel is any liquid fuel intended for use in a diesel engine. It is a combustible liquid and is often called diesel oil. ### **2. What are the NFPA 30 codes and standards for diesel fuels?** NFPA 30 is a set of codes and standards to help regulate how diesel fuels should be handled, including using proper ventilation in an emergency. ### **3. How do you handle diesel fuel leaks?** It is important to handle leaks as soon as possible. You need to contain the leak area and clean up any spilled fuel. ### **4. What can be done if a diesel fuel spill occurs?** If a spill occurs, you will need to prepare for an emergency. You should shut down any equipment that might start on its own and try to cut off the fuel source if possible. Afterward, clean the area of the spilled diesel fuel. ### **5. What is the proper way to store diesel fuel?** When it comes to storing diesel fuel, you should ensure that the area where it is being stored is safe and secure. 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