Cleaning a fuel tank requires countless points to be considered. We’ve talked everything about them – they’d keep you safe. Keep reading.
Protective Equipment
You mustn’t just enter the tank. It’s a large container that once held potentially toxic materials. You’d breathe the material in. And the toxic materials might irritate your skin or eyes – the protective gear would keep you safe. A full suit would prevent the chances of you spreading the waste outside, as you can just take it off.
Illumination
Being in such a contained space, there would likely be no light coming in. There’s no way you’ll be able to clean it in the darkness. Make note of the torches you have – the brighter the one the better. Get hold of an option you can attach to your head. It would be a band so your hands would be free.
Don’t use fire or any light source that makes use of it. The lack of ventilation and potential carbon monoxide from the flames could suffocate you. The flame might ignite with the fuel and cause a disaster as well.
Take Breaks
It might be a good idea to hire professionals for fuel tank cleaning. The spaces would be huge – it’d be hard for regular workers to tend to it without getting tired. As you don’t want them to get exhausted, it would be a good idea for them to take breaks whenever they need.
The stench of the fuel can be suffocating. Taking breathers would prevent them from feeling nauseous as well.
Oxygen Level
Countless tools would tell you the oxygen level in a space. Get a hold of one so that you’d be in the tank for as long as oxygen is present. If the supply of the gas runs out and you’re preoccupied, you might not notice it. This could lead to a dangerous situation as you might pass out.
Speaking of gases, have tools that would evaluate the toxic gas levels as well.
Clear the Tank
Once the fuel has been cleaned, did you get all of your equipment out? Check this a couple of times. This is another reason bright light would be needed, as some of your tools (like oxygen sensors) might be small.
Communication
To ensure an accident doesn’t take place, someone needs to be outside the task at all times. They should be great at communicating.
Air Apparatus
You might be using an air apparatus on the job. The engineer on the site should ensure the hoses pumping oxygen are working. There is a major chance you could suffocate otherwise.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning a fuel tank can be an intimidating task. Most people hire professionals. But if you’re not able to, the above points would help. Considering everything discussed, something that’s crucial is the gear you’ll be wearing – have proper PPE. If you’re going to be using an air apparatus, the engineer on the site needs to check the hose so that you get a continuous supply of air.