How to Properly Inspect an Oil Tank

Visual Inspections of Oil Tanks for SPCC

When performing visual inspections of oil tanks and other containers, you should:

• Visually inspect the exterior;
• Check for external pitting and corrosion;
• Look for noticeable distortions, buckling, denting, or bulging;
• Examine bolts, rivets, seams, and welds for signs of damage or leakage;
• Evaluate repairs for risk of brittle fracture;
• Look for visible signs of leakage around containers and tanks—even as little as a visible sheen in the surrounding area;
• Check designated storage areas, and make sure mobile and portable containers are stored properly;
• Examine the bottom of the tank where it is in contact with the ground and no cathodic protection is provided;
• Evaluate the stability of the tank and the structural integrity of the foundation;
• Examine anchor bolts in areas where required;
• Look for accumulation of water or oil in secondary containment, including interstice of double-walled tank or in spill container;
• Make sure the tank is hydraulically sound;
• Check for debris, spills, or other fire hazards in containment or storage areas; and
• Check the security of fencing, gates, and lighting around tanks and container storage areas to make sure they are functional.

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How to Tell If You Have a Leak

Common indications of a spill or leak include:

• Soil or other surface around tank soaked with oil;
• Soil or other surface around the fill pipe stained;
• Drips from pipes, fill connections, valves, and other appurtenances;
• Noticeable odor of oil around the tank area;
• Oil sheen on the ground or nearby water;
• A sudden decrease in tank’s oil level; or
• When an overfill or spill alarm is sounded.

 

Coming Soon! NEW SPCC Compliance Solution from BLR®

Whether you’re responsible for 150 tanks or just 1, the federal and state SPCC regulations can be confusing. Which plan should you use?  How can you show you followed every section of the rule pertaining to your facility? What type of training should you create and deliver?  And, who do you call in the event of a spill?

BLR’s NEW EHS compliance solution, TRAC360 for SPCC, delivers those answers and more through an easy to use online product. Our users quickly write compliant SPCC plans, create facility specific inspection checklists, and deliver training that matters while reducing the time spent monitoring state and federal regulations. By stepping EHS managers through a guided format, subscribers apply best practices to reduce risk.

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The SPCC module was built to save you time and money while avoiding the high cost of EPA and state agency fines. This powerful application provides all of the professional engineer-written and reviewed templates that you need to create your facility-specific required plans, checklists, and training.

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