Safety First!
Safety in the industrial workplace, or an environment that uses heavy power tools such as cranes, welding equipment, and lifts is extremely important. Safety and safety measures become even more important if there is a volatile product being handled or stored, such as fuel. Relying on effective safety protocols in these kinds of workplaces may be the difference between life and death.
Workplace safety must be everyone’s top priority in order to have a successful and healthy work environment, especially in the storage tank world. Below are some of our top safety tips!
1. Structural Testing - The EPA requires that above-ground storage tanks must be tested regularly for structural integrity. The EPA requires a combination of visual inspections and at least one of the following: radiographic, ultrasonic or hydrostatic testing.
2. State Required Inspections - All states implement various regulations in order to promote industrial workplace and storage tank safety. Make sure to check your state’s DEP website for specific information.
3. Staff Training Sessions - All personnel should be fully trained on any safety measures regarding tanks. All employees must know how to visually inspect the tank, as well as any remediation measures that must be taken if there is an accident.
4. Annual Staff Review - We recommend holding an annual meeting where all company personnel are briefed again on safety procedures. It is crucial that all on-site staff is fully knowledgeable in all applicable safety standards.
5. Monitor for Contamination/Integrity issues - Microbial contamination is possible in fuel storage tanks. Make sure to check for any signs of contamination during each inspection cycle by testing fuel purity, as bacteria could be potentially harmful for tanks and humans alike. Additionally, steel tank wall integrity can be compromised if not properly monitored and maintained. When the integrity is comprised an accident becomes more likely.
6. Filling a Tank - Make sure to never fill your tank to more than 95% of the tank’s storage capacity, as space must be left for fluid expansion from temperature changes.
7. Location Matters! - The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends an above-ground tank to be at least 40 feet away from any building. Make sure to properly label any kind of tank.
Now that you know some helpful tips to maintain safe procedures around the industrial workplace, we hope you can care for your tank confidently and safely. At Mass Tank, we have over 100 years of experience, and are happy to answer any inquiries you may have. We offer full-service inspections of storage tanks, as well as fabrication of custom holding tanks. Please reach out to learn more and look into our services!