Proactive Safety Measures for Safe Chemical Storage in Crosslinked Polyethylene Tanks

Ensuring the safe storage of chemicals is of paramount importance, especially when storing hazardous chemicals. Crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) tanks offer several advantages for chemical storage, such as superior chemical resistance, durability, and cost-effectiveness. However, it is crucial to adopt proactive chemical safety measures to prevent potential hazards and to ensure the long-term integrity of the tanks. 

Let’s take a look at some key safety measures that we recommend you incorporate to ensure safe chemical storage in Poly Processing’s crosslinked polyethylene tanks.

Understanding the Requirements

Before discussing safety measures, be sure to have a comprehensive understanding of the specific chemical storage requirements and regulations that apply to your operations. These regulations may vary, depending on the types and amount of chemicals you’re storing. 

Local safety codes will also have an impact on chemical storage regulations. We recommend checking your city, county, state, and federal regulations before making any chemical storage tank purchases.

To mitigate the risks of storing hazardous chemicals, it is crucial to comply with safety standards.

Chemical Compatibility

Before storing any chemical, it is imperative to assess its compatibility with XLPE tanks. Different chemicals may have varying levels of reactivity with crosslinked polyethylene. 

Ensure that your tanks are designed to handle the specific chemicals being stored. Several factors need to be considered, such as chemical concentration, temperature, and potential reactions. 

Regularly review the chemical compatibility chart provided by the manufacturer to ensure safe storage practices.

Tank Design and Inspection

Choosing the appropriate XLPE tank design is fundamental to ensuring safe chemical storage. These tanks are specifically engineered to handle a wide range of chemicals, but selecting the right tank size, shape, and configuration is essential. The type of chemical you’re storing has a significant impact on several factors that go into the tank’s engineering.

We recommend working closely with Poly Processing’s expert technical sales team to ensure your tanks meet the specific requirements of your chemical storage needs.

When designing your chemical storage tank system, be sure not only that the tank can fit in the building, but also that it can be taken out of the building. We’ve worked with several customers who couldn’t remove their old chemical tanks when it was time to upgrade. While we can help resolve the problem, the solution is usually disruptive and expensive. 

After your chemical storage tank is installed, it’s vital to conduct regular tank inspections to identify any signs of degradation, wear, or other structural concerns. Schedule routine inspections to detect potential leaks, cracks, or any other issues that may compromise the integrity of the tank. Always conduct thorough inspections after any significant chemical release or similar event. 

Proper Ventilation and Accessories

Chemical tank accessories are essential for safe and effective chemical storage. While polyethylene tank fittings and accessories have a cost, they help preserve the useful life of your investment into chemical storage. 

For example, proper venting has a small cost, but it helps avoid far more expensive emergencies like premature tank failure or even a catastrophic failure. 

In addition to standard venting, Poly’s SAFE-Surge manway cover ensures that your tank maintains the proper ACFM at all times- even if the primary venting fails. 

For plastic chemical storage tanks located outdoors where fumes are not a concern, the F.S. 2650® Manway Cover is a less expensive option for safely handling any air pressure surges. This combines a vent and manway cover into one engineered lid system that can evacuate air volumes up to 2650 ACFM — well within the calculated maximum potential pressure surges.

Secondary Containment

Implementing secondary containment systems provides an additional layer of safety, especially in the event of a tank failure or chemical spill. Secondary containment options may include concrete containment basins, a double-wall tank, or Poly Processing’s innovative SAFE-Tank. 

Regular inspection and maintenance of secondary containment systems are necessary to ensure long term effectiveness.

Employee Training and Emergency Response

Proper employee training is crucial for the safe handling and storage of chemicals. Regular training sessions should cover topics such as safe chemical storage practices, emergency response procedures, spill containment, and personal protective equipment (PPE) use. 

Employees should also be educated on the warning signs of tank degradation. Instruct your personnel on how to report any potential issues promptly.

Safe Chemical Storage You Can Count on for Years

Proactive chemical safety measures play a critical role in promoting safe storage of hazardous chemicals. By adhering to best practices and following regulations, you can significantly reduce the potential risks associated with chemical storage. 

Prioritizing safety is not only essential for the well-being of your employees and the environment but also for maintaining the integrity and longevity of your chemical storage solution.

To learn more about Poly Processing’s high-density cross-linked polyethylene tanks, get in touch with one of our chemical storage experts today.