Diesel storage tanks, particularly those on farms or industrial sites, play a crucial role in operations where diesel fuel is a necessity. However, when these tanks reach the end of their service life or are no longer needed, their removal and disposal need to be handled with care due to environmental, safety, and regulatory considerations. In Australia, with a focus on sustainable practices and stringent environmental laws, here’s how you can safely prepare and dispose of an old diesel storage tank under 8000 litres, ensuring it can be managed by services like 1300 Rubbish, which can handle tanks fitting within a truck with dimensions of 10m².
Preparation for Removal
1. Assessment and Planning:
Evaluate the Tank: First, assess the condition of the tank. Determine if it has any leaks, rust, or if it has been compromised in any way that might complicate removal.
Check Contents: Ensure the tank is completely empty. If there’s any residual diesel, use a pump or absorbents to remove it. Remember, diesel is classified as a combustible liquid under the Australian Dangerous Goods Code, so take precautions against spills.
2. Safety Measures:
Hazard Identification: Identify any hazards like electrical wiring, nearby structures, or potential ignition sources.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Use appropriate PPE such as gloves, goggles, and protective clothing. Ensure you have safety gear to handle any unexpected spills or leaks.
3. Isolation and Disconnection:
Disconnect Utilities: If the tank is connected to any electrical, fuel lines, or other systems, disconnect them safely. Ensure there’s no risk of sparking or electrical shock.
Ventilation: If the tank has been sealed or in use recently, ensure it’s ventilated to remove any explosive vapors before cutting or handling.
4. Cleaning the Tank:
Initial Cleaning: Use absorbents to soak up any remaining diesel.
Rinse and Dry: Rinse the tank multiple times with water if possible, ensuring all traces of fuel are removed. Allow it to dry completely to prevent any risk of fire during transport or handling.
5. Cutting or Dismantling (if necessary):
Professional Assistance: If the tank’s size or condition suggests it needs to be cut down for removal, consider hiring professionals with experience in handling such tanks safely.
Cutting: Use non-sparking tools for cutting if there’s any risk of residual vapors. Ensure cuts are made in a controlled environment away from ignition sources.
Safe Disposal with 1300 Rubbish
1. Transport Considerations:
Size and Weight: Since 1300 Rubbish can manage tanks up to 10m², ensure your tank fits within these dimensions. If it’s larger, you might need to cut it down or arrange for a different disposal method.
Secure Loading: Once the tank is prepared, load it onto the truck securely. Use straps or other restraints to prevent movement during transport.
2. Documentation and Compliance:
Waste Tracking: In Australia, certain wastes require tracking from source to disposal. Although diesel tanks under 8000 litres might not always fall under strict tracking laws, keeping records of disposal is good practice for environmental accountability.
Permits: Check if you need any special permits to move or dispose of the tank, especially if it’s considered hazardous waste due to residual contaminants.
3. Environmental Considerations:
Avoid Contamination: Ensure no diesel or other substances leak during transport. Place absorbent mats or use drip trays if there’s any risk of residue.
Recycling Options: Explore recycling rather than just disposal. Steel tanks can often be recycled if they’re in decent shape, reducing landfill use.
4. Disposal at Facility:
Facility Choice: Ensure the disposal site is licensed to handle such waste. Facilities like those managed by 1300 Rubbish should have the capability to deal with hazardous materials safely.
Final Checks: Once at the facility, the tank should be further inspected for any remaining hazards before final disposal or recycling.
Post-Removal Tasks
Site Cleanup: After the tank is removed, clean the area where it was located. Check for any soil contamination and remediate if necessary.
Documentation: Document the process for your records, including disposal receipts, for compliance with any environmental regulations.
Replacement Planning: If you still need storage capacity, plan for a new tank that complies with current standards, considering safety, environmental impact, and ease of future decommissioning.
Why use 1300 Rubbish for you Diesel tank removal
Removing and disposing of an old diesel storage tank in Australia involves more than just physical removal; it requires careful planning and execution to ensure safety, compliance with regulations, and environmental protection. Services like 1300 Rubbish can simplify the disposal part by handling tanks that fit their truck size constraints, but the preparation phase is crucial to ensure the process is as safe as possible. By following these steps, you can manage the disposal of old diesel tanks responsibly, contributing to safer, cleaner industrial practices.
