Combatting the Dangers of Tank Cleaning During Plant Shutdowns or Equipment Decommissioning

If you utilize tanks for storage, you are presented with the unfortunate task of having them cleaned on a regular basis (regular has different definitions depending on what you are storing in them, but we have cleaned them for customers as often as once per year and as long as once every 5 years). Our team of professionals has the training and experience to complete tank cleanings in a timely manner while keeping your tank, your property, the surrounding environment, and our employees safe.

The Dangers of Tank Cleaning

1. Dangerous Gasses

The first danger is that tanks can contain dangerous gasses. The confined space of a tank allows for the increased risk from other hazards, such increased density of toxic gas and oxygen shortages due to lack of airflow.

2. Contaminants

The second danger is that tanks often contain contaminants that are harmful to the environment, can cause an explosion or be harmful to the health of those that breathe them in. can contain the perfect chemical makeup for an explosion. The residue found at the bottom and on the sides of tanks can increase the risk of fire and explosion, along with threatening the health and safety of employees and the surrounding environments. Contaminants react with the contents of the tank, creating a sludge that forms on the bottom and sides. This resulting material can affect the integrity of the tank, especially if it has oxidized, decreasing its efficiency and lessening the overall life of the tank.

3. Disposal

Improperly handled and disposed materials can cause issues for the environment at large, especially if it is close to a waterway. If improperly disposed of, it can cause issues for the air we breathe, the land’s ability to produce, the water in the area and more.
The material must be tested prior to being removed so that we know where to take it. To protect the environment, the employees performing the work and the people around the site, we will always test the material and get the proper instruction for how to remove it and where to dispose of it once the cleaning begins. Sometimes the sludge can be taken to a reclamation facility, other times a special disposal site is needed. The tank contents must be tested every time we clean the tank to ensure that the chemical composition has not changed.

How We Combat the Dangers of Tank Cleaning

The material must be tested prior to being removed so that we know where to take it. To protect the environment, the employees performing the work and the people around the site, we will always test the material and get the proper instruction for how to remove it and where to dispose of it once the cleaning begins. Sometimes the sludge can be taken to a reclamation facility, other times a special disposal site is needed. The tank contents must be tested every time we clean the tank to ensure that the chemical composition has not changed.
We have a trained team that has the specific knowledge and training to clean tanks with many different purposes. We equip our team with different types of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) depending upon the contaminates and gasses found within the tank.

Benefits of Hiring Clear Air to Complete Your Tank Cleaning

Clear Air Enviro-Services works with each company to develop a plan for tank cleanings, covering all aspects of the process from coordinating with tank inspections during shut-downs to mitigating risks to employees and the surrounding environments.
Clear Air Enviro-Services trains employees in risk mitigation and safe cleaning and disposal practices for tank cleanings, ensuring the safest and most efficient process to minimize downtime. As a standard part of service, trained cleaners will test the material in the tank, select PPE for use during cleaning based upon test results, and dispose of the material extracted from the tank during cleaning.

The standard safety practices, experienced staff, knowledge of local disposal regulations, and established connections of professional cleaning companies mean quicker coordination of efforts and a quicker turnaround time to getting back to business as usual. Not only can we help save time and lower the stress associated with coordinating efforts, but the established processes and connections help to ensure the associated costs are minimized overall.
If you own a tank and are in need of a cleaning or would like to set up a regular maintenance plan, contact Clear Air Enviro-Services today!