Best Practices for Chemical Tanks Owners to Mitigate Risk
There is not one person who owns or oversees a chemical storage site who wants to see a disaster occur. That is why it is important that chemical tank site owners should take affirmative action to ensure the safety of their facility, their workers and their public by taking the proper and necessary steps to maintain the integrity of their storage systems. When managing your chemical tanks, here are the best practices for a chemical tank owner.
- Maintain a regular inspection schedule:
Monthly and annual inspections are critical in maintaining the condition of your tanks and in protecting your workers and the public from a potentially catastrophic chemical spill. These inspections should be documented and performed by well-trained staff. Regular inspections to identify debris removal, tank temperature, fitting and valve checks, and a proper cleaning schedule will help maintain the integrity and safety of your tank. Ensure a documented inspection procedure is in place to report concerns promptly and with swift resolve.
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Evaluate Older Tanks:
Even the sturdiest of tanks is not meant to last forever. You should always be proactive and ready to replace aging tanks when necessary. Periodically use methods like ultrasonic testing or X-ray inspection to assess the structural integrity of the tank material of older tanks. Regularly measure the tank wall thickness to detect potential thinning or corrosion. Remember, the cost of an accident far exceeds the cost of replacing an old tank.
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Proper Installation is Key:
Hiring an experienced tank installation contractor is imperative. When purchasing and installing a new tank, you will need to have properly sized offloading equipment to lift your tank off the truck and to set it in place without causing damage. A concrete pad or crushed gravel is strongly recommended to protect the integrity of your tank. Prepare a level foundation in a safe location for install. Always remember to install per manufacturer’s recommendation to ensure warranty remains intact.
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Understand the Chemicals Stored:
Not all tanks are created equal. It is important to understand the chemical compatibility with the type of resin used in the construction of a wastewater tank and not assume that chemicals can be swapped to different tanks without causing tank degradation or a dangerous chemical reaction. Temperature monitoring is very important with the storage of single or combined chemicals. Always verify the composition of the chemical and location being stored with your tank manufacturer. Clearly label the tank with the stored chemical and relevant safety information.
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Properly Trained Staff:
The people who come in contact with your tanks should be familiar with their functions, storage contents, piping, and appurtenances. Train personnel on proper handling and safety protocols for chemical tanks. Establish a solid Emergency Response Plan in the event of a safety breach. Implement restricted access to the storage area. Make sure to review operating procedures with your staff on a regular basis. Taking these extra precautions can save lives.
The industry has a shared responsibility to store and transport chemical tanks properly, and the costly implications of not adhering to safety rules can be highly detrimental to any business. Selecting qualified transportation providers with expertise in handling hazardous materials and ensuring vehicles are properly equipped for safe transport is essential. Here at PPE Tanks, it is our mission to provide our customers with safe, sturdy and reliable tanks that are custom designed to store chemicals worry-free for years to come.
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