Industrial tanks are extra handy. They can store just about everything, from water to fuel to other supplies. They turn up in vacation homes and factories and can provide years of excellent service with basic upkeep. But what sort of dangers do they face and how can you keep them from happening? Here are four hazards affecting industrial tanks and how to prevent them. Here’s what you must consider and do to keep your industrial tank in tip-top shape, whether it’s at your facility or in your backyard.
Cleaning Up
Periodically, your tanks require thorough cleaning. Regular cleaning prevents contamination, residue build-up, and smaller issues that can lead to bigger ones. The problem is that cleaning isn’t just a dirty business, it can be a dangerous one. While doing it yourself is a possibility, it’s better to leave industrial tank cleaning to the experts. Improper cleaning techniques can lead to horrific accidents like asphyxiation, drowning, crushing, fires, explosions, poisoning, and more. Workers improperly dressed for the job are also more likely to suffer injuries and even death. Keep things clean but be safe while performing this task.
Over the Top
“Too much is never enough” only applies to garlic in a recipe. Too much is a health and safety issue in all other cases, especially when they involve industrial tanks. Take pains to ensure your tank doesn’t get more than it can handle when filling it, and topping it off is less of a bonus than a big risk. Tank overfill can lead to damage to surrounding land, equipment, and personnel, leading to at best a major clean-up and at worse someone getting hurt. Ensure you follow every procedure, the loading equipment is up to snuff, and everyone involved is paying attention.
Contamination Problems
Even the most benign contents in an industrial tank—water, food products, and so on—are subject to danger. The tanks are there to prevent contamination by microorganisms, algae, vermin, and other outside elements that can turn good food and water into undrinkable or inedible trash. Keep tanks sealed and require regular inspections to look for points of entry for any creatures or toxins that can contaminate the goods.
Under Pressure
Here’s one more of our four hazards affecting industrial tanks and how to prevent them. Tanks that one does not care for properly can cause explosions, and not just when they contain fuel or other ignitable materials. Food products like sugar, flour, and similar powdery edibles can catch a single spark and explode when they’re loose and flying about. Any tank can buckle and burst the moment the pressure of holding its contents pushes past its limits. Keep track of pressure gauges and look for loose rivets and dented tanks to ensure your tank isn’t about to burst.
