STORAGE TANKS > Details

Solvents should be stored with a view to preventing release to groundwater and taking into account the suppliers recommendations. Solvent storage containers should be stored in
areas where any accidental spillage or loss can be recovered without discharge to surface water drains, soakaways or to ground. In addition, action should be taken to prevent
leakage as soon as any sign of leakage or adjacent surface staining is noted.

• Solvents can be stored in a variety of containers. The most widely used containers are cans, drums and Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs), although on sites using large quantities of solvents, above and below ground storage tanks are also used. Pollution of groundwater from solvents in storage areas typically arises due to failure of the integrity of the container arising from damage, neglect, vandalism, poor handling and poor installation (in the case of permanent tankage).
  
  Activities at your site

• Drums with large lids and rim clamps (e.g. open top 205 litre) should only be used for the storage of high viscosity solvents since they have a greater potential risk of leaks and spills
  compared to IBCs. This is because they deform easily causing lids to be ill-fitting, are prone to corrosion, and can be difficult to transport around the site. Traditional metal drums with small bungs used for filling and pouring are acceptable for storage provided that they are in a serviceable condition.
• Routine inspections of site storage facilities and the integrity and condition of containers
  and tanks are critical to early identification of spills and leakages. Inspections should be documented and should be made against a checklist of inspection items established as part of a management system. Key issues for groundwater protection will be:
  
  • the integrity of flooring, containment and bunding should be maintained – they should
  be clean and dry and any valves kept shut
  • storage should aim to protect groundwater taking into account the suppliers
  recommendations
  • an inventory should be kept of all solvents, chemicals and products stored (and used) on
  the site (see also Product inventories section in chapter 5)
  • containers and secondary containment should be chemically resistant to the solvents
  stored within them
  • containers and secondary containment systems should be clearly and properly labelled
  with appropriate warning signs
  • the quantity of solvents stored should be kept at a working minimum
  • containers should be of sufficient strength and integrity to ensure that they are unlikely
  to burst or leak – any damaged or unsuitable containers should be removed from use
  immediately
  • spare containers and hand transfer pumps should be available to transfer solvents from
  damaged containers, and overdrums should be available to encase damaged containers
  • drip trays should be placed beneath taps and valves in the storage area
  • taps and valves should be secure against improper use and vandalism if the site is not
  fully supervised
  • the storage area should be secure against unauthorised access and vandalism
  • spill kits and emergency equipment should be available and in good working order

Further details of storage, use and disposal can be seen by clicking on the link below:

DEFRA - Groundwater protection - Solvent use and storage