11 Points to Bear in Mind When Cleaning Ship Tanks

 

Ship tank cleaning in Dubai is a routine task carried out aboard ships. The risks involved in the procedure and the deadly incidents that have happened in the past are well known to those engaged. Even with all the required safety measures and enclosed space access protocols, accidents do happen when ships' tanks are being cleaned.

A complete strategy for carrying out the job, including the period of the work to be carried out, individuals accessing the tank for cleaning, the person in command, etc., is to be drawn out once it is determined that the tank is acceptable for man's entrance. This will enable the task to be completed without delay and securely.

The following list of eleven guidelines for tank cleaning aboard ships is provided for your reference.

Never go inside without personal protection gear

When entering an enclosed place, one should always be wearing the appropriate personal protection equipment. With complete PPE on, especially with helmets, entering a restricted location like a tank of ballast or fuel container will be difficult, but that shouldn't serve as a reason for not having PPE. Even if the workplace is thought to be safer and more comfortable, it is always a good idea to follow basic safety precautions.

Bring all necessary tools and equipment

Bring all the tools and supplies you will need for the job, such as rags, containers, scoops, water, etc. In order to facilitate speedy rescue efforts in the event of an emergency, there should be a minimum number of people entering the tank. A person must be on hand at the entrance to pass necessary tools or to collect garbage, among other things. Make sure you don't waste time looking for tools or asking for them after creating an entry because there is only a certain amount of time for confined space entry. Get the job done, then go as quickly as you can.

Make the tank properly illuminated

The tank where the job is being done has to be adequately lit. Flame-proof lights must be used for this. It is important to check the connecting wire to make sure it is not damaged or has any loose connections. The lights used should have a hook or other attachment to keep them in the proper position while working. Take care not to bring any lights that might catch fire.

Communicate often

While cleaning, someone standing outside the tank must make sure everyone inside is secure. This is accomplished by regular verbal communication or, if available, VHF transmissions, especially while operating within tanks where the existence of dangerous chemicals is certain.

Enjoy breaks

Do not continually operate within the tank. At certain times, take a rest. The cleaning procedure could be slowed down as a result, but by switching up the workers, continuous work can be done. Another person can enter the tank to carry on the task if one exits to take a break. Cleaning may be effectively distributed among crew members as it doesn't demand the same level of competence as soldering or any other task.

Make sure the air supply for breathing is unhindered

When using breathing equipment and getting a constant supply of air from air bottles in the engine bay, the engineer on watch must be notified of the time and location of the job. Before approaching the tank, the pipes must be thoroughly inspected for damage and leaks close to the facemask. A person should ensure that the air supply is uninterrupted. Extra-charged oxygen cylinders should also be stored outside the tank in case of an emergency or for recycling.

Placards on valves and pumps

To prevent any unintentional operation, placards with caution notices must be put next to the valves and pumps linked to the reservoir where the work is being done. Whiteboards are available for ECR and CCR. For everyone's benefit, a message about an ongoing tank cleaning process can be put above the board.

Use extra caution when handling chemicals

In situations where cleaning requires the use of chemicals, more attention should be exercised. The MSDS should be followed while handling the chemicals. Medicines and a supply of first aid supplies should always be available and ready to use. It is crucial that crew members are aware of the proper chemicals to use for each type of tank cleaning.

Conclusion

Meanwhile, if you need to clean the tanks of your ship, contact Sharjah Marine for sludge collection from Jebel Ali Port cleaning.