Tank safety should always be on your mind, whether working around, on, or inside industrial tanks. Industrial storage tanks for fuel, fluid, or material can pose unique hazards for all personnel around them.
Keep these safety concepts in mind:
Always make sure you have the correct type of tank for the suitable material
Remember that not all tanks are made the same. Some industrial tanks are specially designed to hold corrosive fluids better than others, while others are only used for processing and not long-term storage. Tank safety must use the appropriate type of tank for its holding. It would otherwise risk the tank’s structural integrity and storage ability, resulting in leaks or damage that could be catastrophic.
Clean the tanks before anything goes into them
Tank cleaning before material changeovers or maintenance purposes helps ensure tank safety by removing any accumulated material or stale product and dramatically reduces the risk of contaminants inside or outside the tank. Cleaning tanks before pouring into them also ensures no residue leftover from the previous use. Ensure that the procedures in the plant include regularly scheduled shutdowns for cleaning.
Eliminate fire hazards
One of the most significant risks to tank safety is flammable materials. Ensure that all personnel are well informed of the fire hazard area around the tank and install proper flame and detonation arresters. Eliminate all sources of ignition, if possible, from both the tank and the piping connected to it. You also must consider flammable material inside the tank, so you must carefully install protectors against flammable vapors.
Require PPE always
All personnel working in or around the tanks must be in PPE. Depending on what the tanks contain, the appropriate suits for personnel could mean the difference between life and death in the event of an accident. PPEs can also significantly reduce long-term health problems from exposure to the tanks’ toxic material.
Put tank safety first above everything. Through these reminders, protect the tanks, your plant, and your personnel from untoward incidents and formulate an airtight safety plan.
KC Supply Co prioritizes the health and safety of all personnel working around industrial tanks. Visit us today to find safety equipment and more.