Safety Guidelines For An Iso Tank Container Or Tank Chassis

By Author: Beth Bennett
Total Articles: 3
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When it comes to transporting or storing ISO tank containers, it is imperative to follow any and all safety guidelines and regulations. Tank containers and tank chassis are designed with safety features generally located on the top of the tanks, including manlid covers as well as pressure relief valves. Attempting to access these components can be dangerous, leading to falls or worse. Acquiring a well designed tank, providing proper training to employees, and following recommended safety guidelines and procedures reduces the likelihood of injuries, which can lead to employee absences, insurance claims and potential legal issues.

An ISO standard requires ISO tank containers to be outfitted with an 8-ft ladder on the rear to enable safe access. They must also be outfitted with aluminum catwalks along the top to allow operators to access the different valves. Catwalks and ladders may be poorly maintained and even those in good condition can be slippery when wet. Caution should be taken to prevent falls and injury whenever work at elevations over 6’ is required, including work on an ISO tank container.

How do ...
... we reduce falls from ISO tank containers? Some products require tanks with top discharge; however, if bottom discharge is allowed, it is the recommended method of loading and unloading materials. One of the first things that can be done is to encourage the use of tanks with bottom loading and bottom discharge. This way, there is no need to climb to the top of the container.

A safety harness hooked into a safety cable may also be appropriate for fall protection and could be a lifesaver, literally. Without a harness, a worker that loses their balance, slips, or falls off the top of tank may come crashing to the ground. Wearing a harness hooked onto a safety cable means falling won’t be nearly as detrimental as it could be otherwise. Also, if a worker is inspecting the inside shell of an ISO tank container and slips or loses consciousness, the safety harness allows for them to be pulled to safety or retrieved by another operator.

Most ISO tank containers haul hazardous chemicals. Therefore, they can be very dangerous to enter, especially if they aren’t cleaned properly. Chemical odors and vapors may leave an operator or maintenance worker gasping for air. Unless a tank has been certified empty and cleaned, always take an oxygen level reading prior to entering the inside of the ISO tank container shell. A low oxygen reading should instantly tell an operator that the tank is unsafe to enter.

Another way to promote safety when working around or inspecting the inside shell of an ISO tank container or tank chassis, is to be certain you are wearing the proper clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) for the tank contents.

While we haven’t mentioned all of the safety guidelines for ISO tank containers and tank chassis, these are some of the most important rules to follow for keeping an operator safe while working on or around one. One other note, it is also important to follow all posted safety guidelines and regulations when it comes to ISO tank containers. Better safe than sorry when it comes to ISO tank containers.

Beth Bennett is a freelance writer for Matlack Leasing, L.L.C., a premier ISO Tanks Container, tank chassis, Asphalt Trailers, Stainless Steel Trailers and tank trailer lessor serving clientele nationwide. Learn more about our leasing and purchasing options on our website www.matlackleasing.com