Aboveground storage tanks are essential to industries such as petroleum, chemical, and manufacturing. Despite their usefulness, these tanks pose significant environmental and public safety risks if not properly maintained and regularly inspected. Specifically, aboveground storage tank inspections are crucial to identify potential issues, prevent material and construction failures, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. Today, we will discuss the aboveground storage tank inspection requirements so you can ensure your storage tank meets regulatory standards.
Common Types of Aboveground Storage Tanks
Aboveground storage containers are described as any bulk storage container used to store liquid or gas aboveground. These containers house a variety of products like petroleum, water, chemicals, and hazardous waste materials. They often come in the form of:
- Shop fabricated tanks
- Small field erected tanks
- Portable containers
- Associated secondary containers
Why Inspect Aboveground Storage Tanks?
Federal regulation requires that all aboveground storage tanks be inspected to ensure their compliance with the law. These inspections must be regularly held and should also be scheduled following any repairs to the tanks. Tank owners are responsible for complying with both federal and state laws. Approximately 30 states have regulations and laws about aboveground storage tanks.
Nonetheless, aboveground storage tank inspections are more than a legal requirement. They are best practices for reducing storage-related incidents, lowering costs, and protecting you from the consequences of leaving your tank neglected. Improper aboveground tank storage maintenance can have a devastating impact with a long reach. To avoid these complications, you must ensure your aboveground storage tanks comply with both state and federal law.
Regulatory Offices
With the increase of observable changes to the Earth’s climate, several organizations have increased their push for environmental safety regulations and repercussions against those who violate them. Each organization plays a unique but equally important role in ensuring that all safety standards regarding aboveground storage tanks are met.
Environmental Protection Agency
The EPA has established the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) rule under the Clean Water Act to prevent oil spills that could contaminate waterways. This rule mandates that aboveground storage tanks with a capacity of over 1,320 gallons be regularly inspected for integrity and compliance with containment and spill prevention measures.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
OSHA ensures that businesses comply with safety standards in the workplace and the environment. As such, OSHA requires the inspection of aboveground storage tanks for workplace safety, focusing on structural integrity and the protection of employees and the community.
American Petroleum Institute (API)
The API sets industry standards for the inspection of steel aboveground storage tanks and pressure vessels. The API enforces detailed guidelines for inspecting tanks, identifying defects and vulnerabilities, and determining the extent of repairs or replacements needed.
State and Local Regulations
Depending on your state, you may have additional requirements and regulations to adhere to. Check your local laws and regulations to understand the requirements you must follow before beginning any construction of an aboveground storage tank, as well as requirements for maintenance. A chemical consultant will conduct the required inspection and determine if you are within compliance.
API Standard 653 -Tank Inspection, Repair, Alteration, and Reconstruction
API-653 is the minimum required standard for maintaining the integrity of tanks following their placement, any repairs, modifications, relocation, or reconstruction. This applies primarily to steel storage tanks designed within the specifications of the API650 and API 12 standards.
STI Standard SP001 – Standard for the Inspection of Aboveground Storage Tanks
STI SP001 focuses primarily on the inspection of welded, metal, shop-fabricated, and small field-erected tanks. This standard also covers the inspection of smaller portable containers like intermediate bulk containers and others that are composed of plastic or metal.
Testing
An integrity inspection or testing program typically begins with a visual inspection of the external components, such as the container itself, foundations, and supports. Your inspection may include non-destructive testing to determine certain containers’ integrity. Additional evaluations may also be necessary to assess the container’s suitability for continued use.
Let Ramtox Help You Comply with Aboveground Storage Tank Inspection Requirements
When working with certain materials, you must take special measures to ensure the safety of the workers, environment, and surrounding community. If you have an aboveground storage tank in need of inspection, contact our chemical consultants today to ensure your aboveground storage tank complies with federal, state, and local regulations.