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Getting your tanks in order

DRAWING on extensive research throughout the asphalt industry, the Refined Bitumen Association (RBA), in conjunction with the Quarry Products Association, has produced a concise safety guide for bitumen storage at UK asphalt plants.

Explaining the fundamental principles for the safe operation of bitumen storage tanks, the booklet, ‘Guidance for Safe Bitumen Tank Management’, is recommended as the basis for producing consistent safety standards in bitumen handling across the industry.

There are currently some 325 asphalt plants in the UK, which are home to around 1,300 bitumen storage tanks. While the asphalt industry’s safety record is exemplary, the RBA is keen to drive forward constant improvement in safety performance in bitumen delivery, storage and handling.

 

The guidance in the booklet is drawn from a comprehensive review of the industry and a subsequent 75-page report on best practices. According to Dr Tony Harrison, technical director of the RBA, some inconsistencies were found across the industry in terms of terminology and the types of tank content measuring equipment.

He said the new guide would help to help iron out these inconsistencies as well as promoting better communications to prevent practical misunderstandings.

In addition to providing clear guidance on operating systems and procedures, the booklet focuses on the importance of communication between the delivery driver and asphalt plant personnel to ensure correct tank selection. The guide also explains how to calculate more accurately the safe ullage space left in the tank and provides information on suitable safeguards to warn of an impending overfill.

Copies of the booklet are available from the RBA by calling tel: (01344) 769059 or by emailing tonyh.rba@btconnect.com. QPA members can request copies from Malcolm Simms on tel: (0207) 963 8000 or by emailing: asphalt@qpa.org

 

 

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