Storing petroleum-related substances involves a lot more than just pouring them into tanks or barrels and putting a tight lid on. The size and type of storage area will determine the equipment that must be used and how it is managed daily.
You must store oil and petroleum-related substances safely and efficiently to avoid spills, leaks, or other disasters, as such an event could cause environmental damage or financial loss. Here are various tips that will help ensure the safety and efficiency of storage facilities for oil or petroleum-related substances.
Don’t Forget Spill Containment
Spills at storage facilities for oil and petroleum-related substances can contaminate the surrounding area. Spill containment measures must be in place to prevent spills from coming into contact with people or wildlife. The area should be marked off to create a safety zone that workers monitor at all times.
Oil or petroleum-related substances may need to be contained with a temporary barrier before being removed from the area. This may include a plastic sheet or a rubber mat blocking the contaminated area.
Ensure the Facility is Designed to Withstand the Weight of Heavy Loads
Offshore platforms and tanker ships require special storage tanks that can withstand large quantities of crude materials. These tanks should be made from strong steel, fiberglass, or plastic materials. Tanks that are used offshore must withstand huge waves and harsh weather conditions at all times.
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Underground Storage Tanks (USTs) for oil and petroleum-related substances should be designed to prevent leakage. Underground storage tanks must also be located at least 50 feet away from any body of water, which requires a special permit in some communities.
Use the Right Equipment
The largest tank or barrel is not always best for storage facilities. You must select a tank or barrel based on the type and amount of oil, petroleum-related substances, and additives. Barrels should also be made from materials that won’t degrade over time like wood or plastic.
People who work in storage facilities for oil and petroleum-related substances must wear appropriate protective gear at all times. This includes a gas mask, safety glasses, gloves, and boots.
Handle Oil or Petroleum-Related Substances Carefully During All Stages of Transport
Oil may contain certain contaminants or other harmful substances when ingested, inhaled, or come in contact with the skin. Therefore, you must use proper containment methods to control spills when oil is transported to storage facilities.
You must not store oil or petroleum-related substances near fertilizers, pesticides, or other hazardous materials. These substances could potentially contaminate groundwater when they contact each other.
Protect the Environment
Storage tanks and barrels for oil and petroleum-related substances should be set up in environmentally safe areas. This means avoiding wetlands, erosion-prone areas, and other natural habitats.
You should store oil or petroleum-related substances in a way that does not place them at risk for contamination. This includes proper equipment, containment methods, and protective gear. In addition, you must carefully handle oil or petroleum-related substances during all stages of transport to avoid accidental spills or leaks. These spills can contaminate land and water when they contact humans or wildlife.
Maintain the Storage Facility
To avoid leaks, spills, or other problems, you must carefully maintain storage facilities for oil and petroleum-related substances. This means that a qualified professional should inspect the facility at least once a month to look for potential issues.
The facility should also be checked during regular inspections of offshore platforms and tanker ships. Inspections should be made on the roof of the storage tanks, too. You must repair cracks or holes in the tank or barrel immediately to avoid contamination or unsafe conditions. People who work in these facilities should use appropriate protective gear at all times. It’s also important for workers to follow specific guidelines, safety rules, and safety messages that their employer provides.
Final Thoughts
Storing oil or petroleum-related substances correctly and safely will ensure spills, leaks, and other disasters are not a concern. This includes using storage tanks and barrels that can withstand the weight of large quantities of crude material on offshore platforms and tanker ships.
As long as oil or petroleum-related substances are stored correctly, they can be safely transported to storage facilities with minimal risk of spillage. However, appropriate containment methods must be in place to protect the environment from an accidental spill. By adhering to the latest safety standards and following company guidelines, oil or petroleum-related substance storage facilities can be safe and reliable.