Businesses with on-site petroleum tanks must make sure that they are maintained in accordance with strict regulatory standards. This not only ensures that the tanks remain in good working order for as long as possible but also that operators are safeguarded against potential leaks and the escape of toxic fumes.
Choosing the right petroleum tank maintenance company
Canada has a robust regulatory framework governing the maintenance of tanks containing potentially hazardous materials, and maintenance providers must adhere to strict guidelines set by specific federal, provincial and territorial authorities. The Canadian Environmental Protection Act outlines the way in which hazardous materials must be stored and containers must be maintained.
Complying with these standards is a legal requirement, and the most important part of selecting a maintenance company is finding one that is certified and experienced. They must have a thorough understanding of the law, demonstrate a commitment to environmental protection, and assure companies of their procedures and protocols for conducting maintenance in a safe and responsible manner.
A reputable storage tank maintenance firm should possess certifications from industry institutions such as the CPPI or the PEI. This demonstrates that they are committed to excellence and compliant with legislation governing the activities they will undertake.
Questions to ask your chosen maintenance provider
You should ask your chosen maintenance provider how they plan to help your business mitigate risks and extend the life of the tanks on your site. They should provide you with information about industry standards, the importance of regular inspections for identifying minor issues before they escalate, and the benefits of proactive inspections.
It is vital that you are choosing a provider who can conduct the work safely and effectively, protecting themselves, your personnel and the environment. They should address any concerns you have about disposing contaminated waste, explain how they will deal with any spills that could occur, and outline the measures they will implement to reduce the environmental impact of their activities.
A modern maintenance provider may use technology to minimize the time and cost of repairs and conduct initial assessments. It may be useful to discuss any concerns you have about the use of such technology and to allow the provider to explain what tools and techniques they intend to use and why they are needed. They may recommend implementing predictive analytics or advanced monitoring systems to deliver greater efficiency and long-term cost savings.
Another important question to ask is what the maintenance provider’s emergency response plan is and how it will be enacted if the maintenance results in a major spill, leak or other emergency situation. It is possible that you and your staff will need to play a part in containing the incident.
Businesses that are employing a maintenance company to perform upkeep on their storage tanks should follow this tested paradigm to assure themselves of the competence, certification and preparedness of their chosen provider. This will allow them to maintain regulatory compliance, personnel safety and environmental responsibility. It also ensures that they are prepared for any situation that may arise and that they understand the measures they must take in the event of unforeseen circumstances arising.