Gas Free Certification for Industrial Tanks
Introduction
Industrial tanks are used to store liquids where necessary. They are intended to be used in specific industrial applications, such as chemical plants and big factories. Industrial tanks must meet certain requirements to ensure they can handle the type of liquids they will be storing.
These requirements include using the right materials and following industry standards that have been developed over time through research and experience.
When a site is being decommissioned, all tanks onsite require gas free certification to enable both a safe and legal removal to a metal recycling centre or road transportation. As this is a strict legal requirement, most metal recycling centres will not accept tanks without the correct information and documentation proving their “gas free” status.
Tank Gas Free Certification
A gas free inspection is a method of testing for the presence of combustible gases in tanks and vessels. The test confirms that no flammable atmosphere exists within the tank, vessel or pit, thereby preventing explosive mixtures with air or oxygen from forming.
The following are some of the benefits that accrue from using a tank gas free inspection and certification:
- It helps to ensure product quality and safety by ensuring that the storage area is safe to work in.
- Gas freeing prevents damage to equipment, stopping any explosions that may have been caused by overheating or excessive pressure generated during transfer operations (e.g., pumping fuel into an underground storage tank).
Obtaining a gas free certification is often required by insurance companies, local authorities and for safety
Gas free certification is often required by the law, local authorities and companies to ensure safety. Gas freeing confirms that no flammable atmosphere exists within the tank. To obtain a gas free certification, it is necessary to carry out a gas free inspection and determine whether there are any leaks using both barometers and gas detectors.
The gas free certification confirms that no flammable atmosphere exists within the tank. A barometer measures the pressure of gases in a tank, while a gas detector can detect many different flammable gases, including LPG and methane. If any gas is detected, it means that there is an unsafe concentration of flammable gasses inside your tank and this could lead to an explosion if exposed to a spark. Gas freeing is an essential activity when utilising storage tanks.
The Confined Spaces Regulations 1997
Employers and independent contractors have additional duties under the Confined Spaces Regulations of 1997 (click here to find out more) to eliminate the presence of any potentially hazardous substances in confined spaces under their supervision. Both extreme heat and low oxygen levels are addressed by the law.
Bio Clean Jetting Ltd offers an unrivalled, gas free certification solution for most tight places, ensuring the safety of employees and customers alike – including the following:
- Industrial tanks – our tank cleaning services often go hand in hand with our gas free inspection and certification services
- Storage tanks
- Diesel tanks
- Water Tanks
- Chemical Tanks
- Interceptors
- Vessels
- Pits
- Underground Tanks
- Ballast tanks
Safety First
We Safety check the pressure within the tank, which will ensure that there is no vacuum before entering.
Full atmospheric check inside the tank prior to beginning work, after which we will confirm our findings in writing.
Staff always enter with the relevant equipment to carry out any necessary work, including breathing apparatus and safety harnesses.
Staff always enter with the relevant equipment to carry out any necessary work. All staff are trained to use the equipment and hold all relevant certification to do so safely. We will also make sure they have the appropriate PPE and clothing, as well as anti-contaminants and first aid kits.
All staff are trained to use the equipment, their breathing apparatus and hold all relevant certification to do so safely. We will also make sure they have the appropriate PPE and clothing, as well as anti-contaminants and first aid kits.
Highly Skilled and Fully Trained
Our trained staff have completed many projects for both public sector bodies and private companies, with each job receiving a high level of attention and care to ensure that it meets all regulations and standards set by governing bodies.
How do we ensure this?
Our team of engineers has a lot of experience in the field. We work hard to make sure that your gas free tank meets all requirements from the relevant authorities, such as DEFRA or HSE. We are also able to provide assistance if you need advice on how to meet these regulations, as well as helping you with other aspects of your business such as health and safety training or waste management systems.
Gas free certification ensures that you are working in a safe environment
A gas free certification ensures that you are working in a safe environment. The following standards have been defined:
- No flammable atmosphere
- No toxic atmosphere
- No explosive atmosphere
- Oxygen deficient atmosphere
- Corrosive atmosphere. This standard is used to assess the atmospheric conditions in work areas where corrosive gases or vapors may be present due to either process operations or chemical storage. Its purpose is to ensure employee safety by establishing a means of identifying and controlling those atmospheres that could expose employees to potentially harmful concentrations of corrosive substances. It covers the testing methods used for determining whether an air sample meets the requirements specified in this standard.
Safety is one of our main priorities and we always ensure that any gas free certification is carried out by fully trained, qualified and experienced staff. We understand the importance of this work, which is why we are able to provide a high level of service to all our clients who require this type of certification.