It cannot be overemphasized that the need to preserve the integrity of petroleum storage tanks is very critical. Therefore, it is imperative to perform routine checks for guaranteeing that they operate efficiently, do not violate any legislation and that all employees who might come in contact are shielded from the risks that come with handling them.
Safety is a primary concern
Petroleum storage tanks contain large volumes of highly flammable products and therefore a single spillage is capable of exploding, claiming lives, destroying property and causing immeasurable harm to the environment. Periodic checks are important to fix small structural problems which may grow up to be a big threat to safety.
In Canada, it is legally required to adhere to safety protocols, so failure to implement best practices could result in financial penalties, reputational harm and even an end to business operations. Government agencies are entitled to audit businesses to ensure that their practices are compliant with legislation such as the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) and, in particular, the Storage Tank Systems for Petroleum Products and Allied Petroleum Products Regulations.
Benefits of operational efficiency
Well-maintained storage tanks are less likely to suffer from unplanned downtime caused by leaks, structural issues or other failures, and this increased reliability is vital to maintaining continuous operations and meeting targets.
Proactive inspections and maintenance can identify minor faults such as sediment buildup, which if not remedied, can result in petroleum contamination and increase wear and tear on equipment. By addressing these issues at the earliest opportunity, equipment can operate at peak efficiency, and breakdowns can be prevented, saving time and money.
Committed to environmental protection
The petroleum industry must always be seen to be responsible when it comes to environmental protection, so maintaining the integrity of storage tanks and preventing leaks and environmental contamination is crucial to maintaining public trust and support.
Regularly inspecting petroleum storage facilities is the most important step in preventing environmental risks from impacting. Not only can issues be identified and rectified before they pose a risk, but preventing breaches can eliminate the need to fund cleanup operations and safeguard businesses against penalties for non-compliance with environmental regulations.
Regular inspections save businesses money
The cost of performing regular inspections should be seen as a prudent investment in safety, which will deliver enhanced value and long-term cost efficiencies. Indeed, the cost of performing regular inspections pales in comparison with the financial and reputational cost of remedying a major petroleum storage tank failure.
Not only can implementing a program of regular inspections protect business investment, but it can also prolong the life of the storage tank and its associated equipment, extending the period between major refurbishments or equipment replacement programs and translating to increased cash flow stability, substantial long-term cost savings and business growth.
Conclusion
There is no reason to avoid performing regular inspections of your petroleum storage tanks, and indeed, undertaking these inspections offers multiple benefits to your business. Prioritizing the integrity of your petroleum storage facilities demonstrates a commitment to environmental protection, worker safety and legislative compliance, which will serve to enhance your business’ reputation, safeguard its operations and stabilize its long-term financial position.