What are the precautions for cleaning industrial oil tanks?

1. Safety Preparation and Ventilation
Before cleaning, thoroughly ventilate the tank to ensure that the oil and gas concentration inside the tank is below 1% of the lower explosion limit.
Workers must wear a gas mask (use an isolating type for oil and gas concentrations of 4-40% and a filtering type for oil and gas concentrations of 1-4%).
A dedicated supervisor must be posted outside the tank; single-person or unsupervised operation is prohibited.
2. Cleaning Process Control
Use explosion-proof tools (such as wooden tools) and avoid iron or steel tools to prevent sparks.
Avoid direct contact of cleaning agents with skin; rinse immediately with clean water after contact.
High-pressure cleaning equipment must have controlled pressure, and nozzles must be selected to suit the cleaning requirements.
3. Residue and Dirt Disposal
Oil and impurities must be collected and handled by a certified unit, with a five-part record maintained.
Wastewater from cleaning must be discharged to a dedicated recovery facility; indiscriminate discharge to pollute the environment is prohibited.
Drying of the tank must be carried out in clear weather for at least 28 days to avoid accumulation of water. 4. Personnel and Health Management
Workers are prohibited from eating or drinking inside the tanks and must shower and change clothes after get off work.
Pregnant women, women who are menstruating, and those with health problems are prohibited from participating in operations.
A first aid kit must be available on site, and safety training and assessments must be conducted before any work.
5. Special Scenario Requirements
Thoroughly clean the tank when changing oil types to avoid chemical reactions.
Clean the tank before any hot work or maintenance to eliminate fire risks.
Leaking or contaminated tanks must be cleaned immediately and the tank integrity inspected.
6. Post-Cleaning Inspection
After cleaning, ventilate the tank for at least four hours before returning it to service.
Inspect the tank for proper welds, seals, and accessories (such as the breather valve).