When transporting hazardous materials much like any piece of sensitive equipment you must use proper maintenance procedures. As you use time and energy to maintain this type of project and can help extend how long it will last.
For example, utilizing as much is 330 gallons of IBC totes is what many people have done for decades, preventing the replacement of these every few years. Using certain strategies, you can improve the way that you use your IBCs.
- Comply With Inspection Requirements
If you are able to have inspections of your IBC totes done on a regular basis you can do far more than just save money; it is simply the law. There are mandates that must be complied with when it comes to the manufacturing process which are required every 2 1/2 years.
Every container must be leakproof and must be manufactured in a specific way to keep solid materials and liquids contained properly. You must repeat this test every 2 1/2 years.
These inspections during the same period of time will look for missing parts or damage. Any markings or labels will need to also be inspected.
IBC inspections, that will happen internally every five years, are going to focus on the lining.
If deadlines are not met, at least by the inspection dates, you must try to comply with at least a container inspection prior to refilling it.
- Use Professionals To Clean Them
Different types of businesses will use different materials, but regardless, you need to keep every tote as clean as possible, especially to prevent cross-contamination.
Cleaning used IBC totes is important, yet if you are not licensed to do so, you need to use a professional.
They will provide you with the training, equipment, and everything that you will need to sanitize and clean your totes thoroughly, which is particularly necessary when working with hazardous materials.
The spinner head should be multidirectional and use a high-pressure system for cleaning both the interior and exterior of the totes.
If you were using any type of material that is resistant to water the last time it was used, special chemicals must be utilized instead to break down the material that is still inside of the tote.
Any cleaners that are going to produce wastewater must dispose of the water appropriately. Once cleaned, documentation must be provided to show that it is sanitized and ready for reuse.
- Be Very Careful When Moving The Lifting Totes
Although people typically associate these items with simply having four plastic walls, they are much more complex. They are equipped with discharge valves that must remain in good working order. When moving the tote, the valve cannot be damaged when moving or lifting it to different locations.
If you are going to lift the tote, try to avoid being on any side with a valve. You also should be aware of what type of materials are inside of the tote when you are moving it.
It’s important to also go very slowly at a steady pace to make sure that the weight of the liquid inside does not shift suddenly.
- Always Remove The Lid Slowly
Over the course of time, pressure can build up inside due to the contents. Fast movements can lead to injuries or problems for those that are moving these containers.
Regardless of the contents inside, moving slowly, and letting the liquid out slowly, is the key to making sure everything goes smoothly. If you don’t go slowly, the bung may quickly fly off, causing the contents to come out of the container.
- Never Over Fill A Container
Overfilling the container is not recommended. For most people, this will simply be common sense, and overfilling the containers is a common practice with those that are trying to save money.
Once it is filled, the tank valve can be removed quickly, locked enclosed, and you will also want to inspect the second enclosure that must be in place prior to shipping the material inside of the IBC tote.
