Carrying heavy oil containers on cargo can be troublesome on many levels. Firstly, you have to load these oversized containers with gallons of oil on the ship. Secondly, you have to make sure that the oil doesn’t spill into the water. You also need to clean them properly from time to time.
Cleaning tanks on the ship can be very taxing. You need to take care of the spilling of oil. A small mistake and all the oil can spill and harm the water body. Any loophole in the process may as well harm your health and the cargo on the whole. It is, therefore, necessary to be meticulous with the cleaning process.
Here are the safety measures to follow while cleaning tanks on the ship:
Always use personal protective equipment:
When you enter the oil tank, do not forget to wear personal protective equipment. An oil tank is a confined space, and entering this space without wearing any protective gear can put you in a lot of danger.
A PPE kit with a helmet protects your face and other organs of the body from coming in direct contact with the oil. Do not neglect this basic safety procedure. Entering the oil tank after wearing a PPE kit makes it comfortable to perform the cleaning process.
Gather the necessary equipment:
You need to gather all the essential tools and equipment such as buckets, water, scoops, etc. to clean the container.
When you enter the tank with the tools and equipment, ensure not to overcrowd the space. It will enable a faster rescue operation on the account of any emergency. Always be ready in handling the tools properly. Finish the process as quickly as possible.
Keep the tank illuminated:
Cleaning the oil tank in the dark can be daunting. Thus, always illuminate the tank, especially if the size of the tank is massive. You can use some flame-proof lamps to light up the area that you are ready to enter. Always check the wire of the lamp before entering. Ensure that everything is working.
The lamps that you carry inside should also have a hook or any other facility to attach or secure them while you are handling the cleaning tools and equipment.
Take extra care while dealing with chemicals:
You must take extra precautions in all cases where cleaning involves the use of chemicals. All the chemicals so used must be handled accordingly. Always learn about the chemical thoroughly before you decide to take it inside for cleaning the tank.
Keep your first aid kit and medicines handy for any immediate use. Many marine experts suggest using OWS-friendly chemicals to clean the oil tank.
Clear the entire area thoroughly:
Do not miss any part or portion of the tank while cleaning it. Once you are done cleaning the tank, remove all the equipment, tools, and lamps. Remove the waste materials properly. Do not leave the rags behind, for they may clog the pipeline in the long run.
Always learn about the risks involved. Gather information about the rescue procedures. Take care of mishaps such as spilling of oil. Carry some quick solutions such as oil removal wipes to contain an immediate oil spilling. Oil removal wipes offer a speedy solution to control oil spilling. These adsorbents are widely used in cargo as well as on land.
Takeaway:
It is advised to follow the above-listed instructions strictly to handle the cleaning process with care. In case of witnessing any mishap, be attentive to inform your peers. Ask them to take quick action and to minimize the risk immediately. Keep improving all the safety precautions that you have on the ship from time to time.
