The Importance Of Chemical Tank Inspections

If you use and store chemicals on your premises, it is your duty to ensure they are kept in safe, well-maintained storage tanks. While most chemical storage solutions have a lifespan of anywhere from five to 20 years, they still require regular maintenance and inspections to keep them in good condition. Regular chemical tank inspections protect on-site workers, help meet strict UK health and safety regulations, and prevent potentially catastrophic environmental disasters.

How often should chemical storage tanks be inspected?

Undertaking regular inspections helps you get the most out of your chemical processing plant equipment and maximise its operational lifespan. The frequency of your chemical tank inspections will depend entirely on the material the tank is made from and the chemicals being stored. The location of your chemical storage tank can also dictate the inspection schedule, as tanks stored outside and exposed to the elements may require more frequent checks.

Chemical tank manufacturers – like Chem Resist, who design, manufacture and install thermoplastic chemical storage tanks across the UK – and regulatory bodies recommend a thorough inspection is carried out at least once a year. An annual tank inspection allows you to monitor any changes within the tank and the surrounding area, schedule routine maintenance, and carry out any repairs that may be required. Having these quality control measures in place by inspecting your tanks for any signs of wear or damage ensures you are working safely, using and producing high-quality products, and complying with regulatory standards.

When your storage tank is first installed on your premises, you should note down the exact measurements and carry out a quick visual inspection, checking that it is safe to use. The best practice for any initial inspections is to also check the secondary containment area and surrounding environment for leaks, spills, or damage. This ensures any early signs of a fault within the tank, containment solutions, or the wider storage area on site can be rectified quickly to avoid a loss of containment incident.

More frequent inspections may be required for some tanks and chemical processing plants, and the Engineering Equipment and Materials Users Association (EEMUA) suggest daily, weekly or monthly chemical storage tank inspections. Keeping a log of your inspections is an easy way to provide evidence and traceability of your maintenance schedules, record any findings, and ensure nothing is missed. The more often you inspect your tanks, the more likely it is that you will spot any signs of wear and tear early, before they pose a risk to your processes. With regular inspections, you can monitor any changes and schedule maintenance to prevent the issue from worsening.

Chemical storage tank inspection regulations

EEMUA 225

While not a regulatory body, the EEMUA have been supporting those in the industrial sector since 1950, conducting in-depth research into the industry to encourage safer practices. The EEMUA 225 is a publication which offers guidance to operators working within the chemical processing and production industry who use above-ground plastic chemical storage tanks. The publication provides practical advice to those in the industry who prefer to use plastic tanks, as these are often seen as ‘fit and forget’ products. Steel tanks were seen as the standard storage solution within the industry for decades, and as more operators switched to plastic alternatives, the EEMUA spotted the gap in the sector’s knowledge. The EEMUA 225 takes into account the specific storage conditions and tank use, offering solutions to help reduce the risk of failure and helping extend the lifespan of your chemical storage tanks where possible.

Environment Agency permits

The Environment Agency work on behalf of the UK government to monitor, regulate and protect the environment. Any business storing hazardous substances and chemicals will likely need a permit from the Environment Agency, depending on the materials and quantities stored. The permits will outline the appropriate storage methods for each substance, as well as the maintenance and inspection requirements for your facility and chemicals being stored. Failure to provide a permit, or not following the regulations stated, may result in a fine or prosecution, especially if you are found to be causing harm or damage to the environment in and around your site.

COMAH

The Control of Major Accident Hazards, or COMAH, is part of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) working alongside the government. If your chemical storage tank is used to house hazardous chemicals, you need to comply with COMAH regulations as a legal requirement.

The regulations state that businesses and organisations must take measures to prevent major accidents involving dangerous substances and limit the consequences to people and the environment should a major accident occur. As COMAH is a legal requirement, failure to comply with the regulations can result in fines, penalties, or prosecution for negligence and breaching regulations. If you are found to be in breach of the regulations, your site may be shut down or restrictions put in place until you become compliant.

COMAH regulations mainly apply to the chemical industry, but they also offer guidance on storing hazardous materials and large volumes of chemicals, and how best to handle incidents involving dangerous chemicals.

What happens if a chemical storage tank fails?

Not following the required regulations and guidelines could have serious consequences for businesses, the environment, and operators. If the government or any regulatory body inspect your site and you are found to be in breach of the required safety restrictions, your site may be shut down, with owners fined large sums of money, and legal action taken. These restrictions and regulations are in place, as health and safety should be taken very seriously when handling large volumes of chemicals and hazardous materials.

If your storage tank fails, spilling harmful chemicals into the environment, not only are you likely to be handed a hefty fine from the Environment Agency, but the cost to your business could also be detrimental. The unplanned downtime required to clean any spills and repair the damaged tank can halt production and impact your organisation’s supply chain. This can damage your reputation within your industry, as customers, clients, and investors may lose trust in your business due to non-compliance and the risk of a serious incident occurring.

If a storage tank is not properly inspected regularly, it can begin to fail without warning. Inspecting your tanks means that the first signs of a fault are spotted early, and if missed, tanks can develop structural problems causing leaks, spills and potentially catastrophic loss-of-containment incidents. A failed tank that results in a loss-of-containment incident can be fatal. Regular chemical storage tank inspections should be on every operator’s list of priorities, as an incident involving large volumes of corrosive, toxic, and hazardous chemicals can become dangerous very quickly.