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Posted By DFP
Question?
My company has recently re-commissioned an old (previously condemned) sulphuric acid tank. Not being involved in the issue until the tank started to leak, I found it strange that it could be commissioned without any suitable bunding. When questioned I was informed by our Health and Safety team that because it was an old tank, we got away without bunding?
I have strolled through CHiP and other reg's looking for an answer on whether it should be bunded, and a suitable time scale for providing bunding for older storage facilities?
Any pointers to the regs or info would be very much appreciated.
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Posted By holmezy
don't think it would be an acceptable defense to rely on the fact that it was an old storage container and therefore didnt require a bund. Shaky ground.........also, its probably more of a reason to have a bund due to the age and possible degradation of the storage, even after renovation!!
sorry not any help...
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Posted By Chris Bean
The tank sounds as if it could have passesd the end of its useful life. It should not have been recommissioned without first receiving a structural examination by a competent person - materials technologist or equivalent. You must not underestimate the hazards of sulphuric acid it is a very hazarous and corrosive material. In addition to being maintaned in good condition the tank should certainly be bunded -you must not underestimate the serious consequences in environmental terms of sulphuric acid leaking into the ground and contaminating watercourses etc.
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Posted By Ron Hunter
Ah yes, a tank which has been around from a time when risk assessment (environment/H&S) wasn't required, so shouldn't be applied now ;-).The situation as you describe it appears indefensible.
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Posted By DFP
Thanks for the responses.
The tank was given a 5 year endorsement by the inspection engineer's, from legoland I assume.... and leaked within days of being filled, but at leased they only put 200 tonne in it.
It has been emptied down to bottom dip of about 250mm(about 10 tonne)which we will have to neutralise now, or open the man door and suck it out!!!
yes same old story about the tank is older than the legislation, so it is not a requirement. Great stuff.
David
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Rank: Guest
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Posted By Jeffrey Watt
Dav
The oldest reg I know that mentions bunding is the 1972 HFL and LPG regs, not that it matters. Could go back furhter, don't know.
Sulphuric over 25%w/v is also a Class 1 carcinogen if I recall dunno if that helps you at all.
Jeff
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