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Why is it important to carry out regular inspections on storage tanks?
Regularly inspecting storage tanks is crucial for any organisation that stores materials in large quantities, especially hazardous materials such as:
- Fuel or oil
- Chemicals or acids
- Liquified gases
Due to the potential risks these substances pose to public health, the environment, and employees, frequent inspections are necessary to detect any early signs of corrosion, leaking or damage. If any defects are found during the inspection, then steps can be taken to repair the tank and avoid incidents of tank failures.
The consequences of not regularly inspecting a storage tank can be severe; spills or leaks could lead to soil, water or air contamination, fires, explosions, or chemical exposure.
Storage tanks are used to house hazardous materials to minimise the risk of exposure to the public, the environment, and to workers. These storage tanks need to be suitable in their design, installation, and maintenance to prevent any serious incidents from occurring.
When would I need a Storage Tank Inspection?
There are several reasons a storage tank may need to be inspected. It could be that:
- The storage tank is showing signs of early corrosion, in which case an inspection will be needed to assess the condition of the tank and carry out any necessary repairs.
- If your tank has been in service for many years, it may be necessary to carry out an in-depth inspection to assess the structural integrity of the tank.
- If your tank has recently been modified or repaired, an inspection may be needed to confirm the storage tank is suitable for use and any repairs have been carried out correctly.
- If your tank is reaching the end of its life service, more frequent inspections may be needed to determine the safety of the tank or assess if it needs to be decommissioned and replaced.
- If you plan to change the type of material being stored in your tank, then an inspection will be needed to evaluate if the tank is suitable for the new material being stored.
- An inspection may be due at regular intervals to stay compliant with any storage tank regulations and insurance purposes.
How often should a storage tank be inspected?
The frequency of a tank inspections will vary depending on the type of tank, what materials are stored in it, and the environment that the tank is located. For example, API 653 recommends that as a minimum, NDT testing and inspection should be carried out every 5 years for external inspections, and 10 years for an out of service inspection.
However, it is generally recommended that an inspection is carried out at least annually to ensure appropriate maintenance and repairs, compliance with regulations, and demonstrating good quality control measures.
What are some of the commonly used storage tank regulations?
Engineering Equipment and Materials Users Association (EEMUA) 159
EEMUA 159 applies to businesses using above-ground storage tanks, which are made of steel. This provides guidelines and advice on safely operating storage tanks that hold oil, petroleum, chemicals and gaseous materials. It also offers advice for regular inspections and maintenance of storage tanks.
EMMUA 159 is the most in-depth guide for Storage Tank Inspections and maintenance and used by most industries as a good practice guide. API 653 is the American equivalent and is often used in collaboration with EMMUA 159. Although EMMUA 159 and API 653 are not law, they provide a clear direction into the safe practices for storage tanks.
Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) Regulations 2015
If your storage tank is used to store hazardous materials, you must comply with COMAH regulations. This and provides advice and guidance on storing hazardous materials and give advice and guidance on how to deal with the effects of major incidents involving dangerous substances. This is particularly relevant for facilities storing mass amounts of hazardous materials.
COMAH is a legal requirement within the UK. Failure to comply with these regulations could result in fines and penalties for breaches of COMAH requirements, operational restrictions or site shutdowns until compliance can be demonstrated, and even legal action due to negligence.
Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) (England) Regulations 2001
Businesses that use storage tanks to store more than 200 litres of oil must make sure they are compliant with Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) Regulations 2001.
These organisations may include:
- Fuel distributors of petrol, diesel, jet fuels, gasoline and other fuels and oils
- Agricultural and farming industries that use oil for heating and machinery
- Manufacturing and industrial facilities for machinery and hydraulics
- Transport and logistics that use oils and fuels for transportation
This is a legal requirement, which outlines the rules around storage tank design, installation, and maintenance to ensure the storage tank is safe to use and has safety measures in place to prevent leaking. The main aim of this regulation is to protect the environment from oil pollution, especially in areas where oil leaks could contaminate water resources.
Environmental Permits
Businesses that store hazardous substances such as oil and chemicals may need to obtain environmental permits from the Environment Agency. These permits may vary depending on the type of material and quantity being stored. These permits usually specify appropriate storage, maintenance and inspection requirements, depending on the facility and the hazardous materials being stored.
What are the consequences of not having a storage tank inspection?
Not following these guidelines could have serious implications for businesses;
- Storage tanks that are not properly inspected may develop structural problems, resulting in leaks, spills and failures. Without regular inspections, the lifespan of the storage tank will rapidly decrease, which will then result in additional costs for replacements and repairs.
- If a failed storage tank causes contamination to the environment, then environmental agencies could impose significant fines for non-compliance.
- A failed storage tank due to non-compliance could mean that insurance premiums may increase or deny future coverage, resulting in higher operational costs.
- Failed storage tanks could lead to unplanned downtime while the storage tank is repaired or replaced, and any spills or leakages are cleaned up. This could also impact the supply chain of upstream and downstream operations, which can be costly for all organisations involved.
- Reputational damage is another consequence of non-compliance. Customers and investors will lose trust in organisations that do not follow the legal requirements for storage tanks, as this demonstrates poor management practices.
Get Storage Tank Inspection support with BES Group
We help businesses with Storage Tank Inspections and maintenance to minimise the risk of tank failure or leakages and ensure compliance with regulations for underground and above-ground storage tanks.
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