If your business is running industrial facilities, cryogenic tank repair and maintenance are of utmost importance. Proper storage tank upkeep can help you avoid environmental damage, as well as protect the people around your facility.
What are Cryogenic Tanks?
Cryogenic tanks are containers that have liquids or vapors inside and are used in industrial operations. This is the ideal equipment to store liquid gases with a boiling point of below -100°F. Examples of these include the following:
- Liquid oxygen
- Liquid nitrogen
- Liquefied natural gas
Some liquids and vapors can cause distinct hazards, such as the following:
- Damage to the tissues in the eyes
- Thermal burn
- Pressure buildup
- Frostbite
- Asphyxiation
These are the main reasons they should be kept in a sturdy container. Moreover, these tanks should be properly handled by professionals. Of course, keeping them clean is imperative.
Making Your Business Safe and Efficient
To ensure that fatality and injuries are prevented, the “Occupational Safety and Health Administration” is implementing safety rules in the proper handling of cryogenic tanks. This is an authoritative entity that ensures that every work environment is safe for workers and the people surrounding the premises.
Even if you have a small business, say, for example, with only one employee, you still must comply with OSHA guidelines. In fact, you will be obliged to stick the OSHA-compliant poster on the wall to inform your workers of their rights under OSHA.
Sometimes, a business inspection can be scheduled. Do you know that OSHA typically conducts unannounced inspections? You must always be prepared for you not to suffer the consequences, especially if your business entails hazardous substances.
What Every Employer Should Know About OSHA
Here’s what will happen if you were found guilty violating the regulations:
- You’ll be fined up to $13,260 for each violation. But, the penalty is discretionary. In other words, the penalty may either decrease or increase, depending on the circumstances.
- For repeated violations, they will charge you up to $132,598 for each violation.
- Failure to comply with the OSHA-compliant poster corresponds to a fine of up to $13.260 as well.
- If someone has committed the highest criminal category, for example, the result caused the death of an employee; the person will be fined and will be in custody.
Securing Your Industrial Tanks
If your business involves cryogenic tanks, keeping it well-maintained should be your priority so that you can avoid the circumstances mentioned above. Inspect your tanks regularly. Replace old tanks and those with leaks. In addition, your tanks must be properly labeled for proper handling. Lastly, they must be placed in secure environments. Make sure that they will remain in place and will not roll over in times of earthquakes or natural phenomena.
Protecting Your Employees
As part of your precautionary measures, professionals who take care of your industrial tanks must be properly equipped with safety gear, particularly to protect their eyes and skin. They should have these:
- First-grade gloves
- Safety glasses
- Face shield
- Lab apron
Of course, an organized and clean working environment is important. This will ensure that your employees can work with ease and become more productive. Make sure your workplace is well ventilated to avoid oxygen depletion and flammable gas buildup that can cause trouble.
You can prolong the service life of your tanks if you have the right maintenance plan. You can find a trusted company that specializes in the maintenance of cryogenic tanks.
