Two Tips for Cleaning an Industrial Water Tank

Many industrial manufacturers have large water tanks on their premises. These tanks need to be cleaned on a regular basis in order to prevent the growth of dangerous microorganisms in the stored water. Here are two tips for those tasked with cleaning this piece of industrial equipment.

Take some safety precautions

It is important for the person performing this job to take certain safety precautions in order to avoid sustaining an injury during the cleaning process.

First and foremost, they should wear a respirator mask. This will prevent them from inhaling any airborne mould spores that may be present inside the tank (due to the presence of moisture and oxygen, tanks of this kind can sometimes develop mould).

Secondly, if the tank has not been cleaned in quite some time, the person carrying out this work should wear a pair of thick rubber gloves and waterproof clothing, as the inside of the tank may contain bacteria and viruses. These protective items will reduce the amount of potentially contaminated water that comes into contact with their skin.

Thirdly, the cleaner should use the appropriate type of access equipment to reach and clean the tank interior. A typical 10000 litre water tank, for example, is usually at least six feet tall and as such cannot usually be thoroughly washed without the use of access equipment.

In this situation, a sturdy ladder that can be latched onto the edge of the tank would be the best option. The ladder should have anti-slip rungs to minimise the cleaner's chances of slipping if the rungs get wet at any point during the cleaning process.

If the cleaner uses a nearby chair or an unstable stepladder when cleaning out a six-foot-tall water tank, there is a strong possibility that they will fall and injure themselves.

Be cautious when it comes to choosing cleaning products and equipment

It is crucial for the cleaner to consider how the water that will be stored in the tank after they are finished cleaning it will eventually be used.

If the water will be used for the production of consumable products (such as food, drink or pharmaceuticals), then the tank in which is stored must only be washed with cleaning products and equipment that will not contaminate the water with toxic chemicals.

In this situation, the person cleaning the tank should opt for cleaning chemicals which are 'food-safe', along with a commercial steam cleaner (steam can kill most, if not all microorganisms).


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