In our last post, we talked about the essential steps you need to take to make sure your oil storage tank is working efficiently. Part of your tank maintenance routine should be to regularly inspect the condition of your tank, to check for signs of wear and tear. We’ve put together a quick checklist of the questions you should be asking as you complete this:
1 – Is it easy to access the tank for filling, maintenance and inspection? Keep the area around your tank clear of leaves and foliage and make sure there is a safe pathway to the tank.
2 – Are there any risks with your tank’s location? Look out for overhanging tree branches or other physical hazards in their vicinity, and try and keep them away from your tank.
3 – Can you see signs of oil leakage? Check the ground for discolouration, and look for signs of oil around your tank’s valves, pipes and seams.
4 – Is the lid secure? Keeping the lid or cap free from oil build-up between deliveries, and making sure the seal is working properly will help keep rainwater out.
5 – What about the bund? External bunds or spill pallets can fill up with water and dirt, limiting their effectiveness. Keep them clean and empty as much as possible.
6 – Are there any obvious signs of damage? Sun bleaching, deep scratches and rust all compromise the integrity of your tank and should be prevented and repaired wherever possible.
7 – Is the ground still level? Inspect the base to make sure that the weight of the tank is evenly distributed. Pay attention to cracks, bulges or obvious signs of subsidence which can lead to a tank splitting.
We know that it can be tempting to put off repairing or replacing a tank. The perceived effort and cost usually mean people wait until the last possible moment to deal with an issue, even if it was spotted months before! This is a risky strategy, as the cost of refilling a split tank and cleaning up the environment is invariably greater (especially if you are fined).
It’s much easier to contact us straight away if you’re concerned about your tank rusting through or splitting. A quick call to our team here at SG Tanks and we will be at your site as soon as possible to assess your tank’s condition, and arrange a repair or replacement as required.
