This document ’TANKDOCS’ is merely a reminder and a tool to prevent any general damage and/or injuries and is not complete. The tasks mentioned in this document may only be performed by skilled technical staff holding the VCA certificate.​

NOTES RELATING TO THE STORAGE TANKS OF STAES.COM:

1. GENERAL INFORMATION: (Also refer to the related offer).

1.1. TYPE OF MATERIAL:
The end-user must make sure that the type of material the storage tank is made of, including any seals the storage tank is equipped with, are suitable for his product.

1.2. CODE OF CONSTRUCTION:
The end-user must make sure that the code of construction used (in case the tank was built according to a code of construction) is suitable for his application!!

1.3. LEGISLATION RELATING TO STORAGE:
All storage tanks delivered by Staes.com are only suitable for storing liquids that are neutral, not dangerous and not subject to specific legislation relating to the storage of liquids, such as VLAREM, ATEX, or other laws (unless if mentioned differently in our offer for the relevant tank).

1.4. ATMOSPHERIC STORAGE TANKS:
Unless if mentioned differently in the offer, the storage tank is only intended for the atmospheric storage of liquid products with a density of 1 kg/dm3 at ambient temperature. An atmospheric storage tank is a non-pressurised tank that is only suitable for storing a liquid product under hydrostatical pressure.

1.5. CE LABEL:
The storage tanks delivered by Staes.com are not equipped with the CE label, unless if mentioned differently in our offer for the relevant tank. If a CE label is required, the end-user must adapt the tank to make it CE compatible (if possible). If a document is required in accordance with directive 2006/42/CE relating to machines, this can be supplied for certain tanks. Usually the CE label is required for rotating/moving components and/or tanks falling within the scope of PED (European pressure equipment directive for gasses and liquids). Given that a tank is part of a complete installation, the client must draw up an operating manual and a safety directive for the whole in accordance with his industry and with the general safety directives of his company.

1.6. DECLARATION SUITABILITY FOR FOOD PRODUCTS:
If the end-user wants to use the tank for food products, this must be mentioned to Staes.com in advance in order to allow Staes.com to advise the client on the relevant tank and if possible to draw up a declaration relating to the suitability for food products in accordance with directives 80/590/EEC – 89/109/EEC – 89/107/EEC – 80/590/EEC – 89/109/EEC.

1.7. CLEANING:
Before using a storage tank, the client must clean the tank thoroughly. This applies both to new and second-hand tanks. Tanks that were previously used for chemicals must never be used for food products, not even if they have been cleaned thoroughly. Make sure to use the suitable cleaning products that will not affect the tank and its seals.

1.8. FOUNDATION:

• The end-user must make sure that the foundation is suitable for the (concentrated) load and the total load of the full tank, also taking into account the wind load.
• Storage tanks that are placed outdoors must be anchored by a certified company.
• Storage tanks in vertical position must be placed perpendicularly.
• The foundation must be level and smooth.
• Tanks with a flat base must be fully supported.

1.9. OPERATORS:
A storage tank must only be operated by skilled technical staff.

2. SAFETY AND USE:

2.1. ENTERING THE INSIDE OF A STORAGE TANK:

• A task and risk analysis must be performed before entering a storage tank.
• Storage tanks must only be entered by healthy and skilled staff holding the VCA certificate.
• Never enter the inside of a tank unless it has been ventilated, cleaned and neutralised. If one is not sure that this has happened, the necessary measurements need to be performed in advance. - Never enter a storage tank that has not been earthed without making sure that the tank has been statically discharged.
• Only enter the inside of a tank while a second person is supervising.
• Only enter a tank when wearing clean and neutral shoes with rubber soles.
• If the tank has been fitted with an agitator, the electric power of the latter must be turned off completely at the power supply before entering the inside of the tank.
• If the tank has been fitted with a filling pump, the electric power of the latter must be turned off completely at the power supply before entering the inside of the tank.
• If the tank has been fitted with a heat exchanger, the electric power of the latter must be turned off completely at the power supply before entering the inside of the tank.

2.2. STEPPING ON THE ROOF OF A STORAGE TANK:

• A task and risk analysis must be performed before stepping on the roof of a storage tank.
• Only step on the roof of a storage tank if the tank has been specifically designed and calculated for this type of operation. Never step on the roof of a storage tank without having checked this and without being absolutely sure.
• Never step on the roof of a tank without wearing a safety harness with external lanyard, even if the tank is equipped with a safety rail.
• Product fumes may corrode the roof from the inside out, rendering it too weak to carry an external weight. This must always be checked in advance. Never step on the roof of a tank unless the situation is safe.
• Only healthy and skilled staff holding the VCA certificate should step on the roof of a storage tank.
• Only step on the roof of a tank while a second person is supervising.
• Only step on the roof of a tank when wearing clean and neutral shoes with rubber soles.
• Never step on a storage tank that has not been earthed without making sure that the tank has been statically discharged.
• Never step on the roof of a storage tank while the tank is being filled or emptied. 2/5
• Always take into account the ventilation on top of the tank when stepping on the roof of the tank. The ventilation must not be covered.
• If the tank has been fitted with a heat exchanger, the electric power of the latter must be turned off completely at the power supply before stepping onto the roof of the tank.

2.3. SOME REMINDERS

• If the shut-off valve of a tank is opened, the product will leak out of the tank, also through various pumps fitted to the outlet.
• Atmospheric storage tanks must always be equipped with a ventilation device at the top. One of the connections on top must be used for this purpose. Upon filling and emptying the storage tank a draft ventilation will occur and this should be able to pass via the ventilation device.
• Regularly check if the ventilation device is not blocked, especially when it is freezing.
• Atmospheric storage tanks are non-pressurised storage tanks, even during filling and emptying operations. The flow rates mentioned must be respected.
• Overpressure or underpressure must be avoided in all instances on atmospheric tanks.
• Hot CIP of a tank causes overpressure and underpressure and your tank must be suitable for this purpose. Unless if mentioned otherwise in the relevant offer, no hot CIP must be performed on the tanks.
• Never fill nor blow out an atmospheric tank with compressed air.
• When filling and emptying the tank with flexibles, vibrations and shocks to the tank and its outlet must be avoided.
• The product’s density/temperature must not be higher than the maximum density/temperature stipulated in the offer.
• All storage tanks must be anchored!!
• Storage tanks must only be lifted if they are empty and if they are lifted by all hoisting eyes.
• Storage tanks must only be operated by skilled technical staff.

3. MANIPULATING STORAGE TANKS

3.1. LIFTING/DISCHARGING STORAGE TANKS

• A task and risk analysis must be performed before lifting a storage tank.
• Tanks must only be handled and manipulated by skilled staff/contractors holding a VCA certificate.
• Storage tanks must only be lifted when they are empty, unless if they were built specifically for this purpose (see the offer or contact Staes.com).
• Never lift a tank positioned horizontally from below using the forks of a forklift truck.
• Never lift a tank positioned vertically from below using the forks of a forklift truck.
• Always lift a storage tank from above using hoisting bands, never use steel chains.
• Only use clean nylon bands containing no iron in order to avoid corrosion and/or scratches.
• Always check the hosting bands for wear and tear.
• It is advisable to always lift a horizontally positioned tank by the hoisting eyes at the top and at the feet at the other side. Lifting a storage tank with a cross-road and 2 long flat bands underneath the body of the tank may cause scratches on the body.
• A storage tank must always be lifted equally. If only one side is lifted at the beginning of the hoisting operation, one must lower the tank again and adjust the length of the hoisting bands until the tank is lifted equally.
• It is advisable to always lift a horizontally positioned tank at both ends with 2 separate hoisting devices.
   

Fig. 1	Fig. 2
Fig. 3	Fig. 1 : Ideally use 2 cranes. Fig. 2 : Forklift truck with 2 hosting bands, make sure the tank is raised horizontally. Fig. 3 : NEVER A LIFT A TANK FROM BELOW USING THE FORKS OF A FORKLIFT TRUCK.

3.2. PUTTING A STORAGE TANK IN UPRIGHT POSITION

• A task and risk analysis must be performed before putting a storage tank in upright position.
• Putting a storage tank in upright position must always performed by skilled staff/contractors holding the VCA certificate.
• Putting a storage tank in upright position must always be done using a crane at both ends.
• These manipulation tasks must only be performed on a suitable foundation.
• The foundation on which the tank is placed must be suitable for this purpose, also refer to 1.8.
• Storage tanks in vertical position must be placed perpendicularly.
• Storage tanks with a flat bottom must be placed on a clean and level foundation. If the flat bottom has a specific gradient of slope, the foundation must be adapted to the same gradient of slope. A flat bottom must be fully supported by the foundation.

3.3. LAYING DOWN A SINGLE-JACKETED STORAGE TANK

• When a single-jacketed storage tank is laid down horizontally, it must only be supported at the crosscut side. The crosscut sides are the welding seams where the tank cylinder is welded to the bottom of the tank. This is the only part of the tank that is strong enough to carry its own weight (fig.4) (fig.5). Upon delivery we always supply beams and buffers the client may keep.

Fig. 4

Fig. 5

3.4 LAYING DOWN AN INSULATED STORAGE TANK

• In order to lay down insulated storage tanks without causing any damage, special buffers must be made.

3.5. STORING TANKS AT THE END-USER’S PREMISES

• If the end-users stores the storages tanks in horizontal position at his premises, he needs to make sure that they are positioned wind-proof on the buffers and beams that are supplied.

• After having manipulated, assembled and connected the storage tank it is appropriate to perform a hydrostatic leakage test in order to make sure that all pipes, pumps, seals, ... have been assembled correctly.