Have you heard the saying that prevention is better than cure? Business in itself is a risky endeavour. But, it can be more so depending on what it is that you are dealing with. If your trade involves hazardous substances like chemicals, oil, or flammable items, you have to take extra precautions. This will ensure that you don’t lose all your money, resources, and worse, harm lives in any potential accidents. In such cases, you need to calculate the risks involved. Only then can you make a proper plan on how to avoid any fatal or heavy loss.
Transporting and storing hazardous substances is an ordeal. It needs constant attention, and you also need to make many changes in a basic warehouse setup. You need to fireproof your warehouse so that these items cannot react with any other substance and cause a fire. Storing oil in a warehouse can be a very hectic business. One is always stressed because of how flammable oil can be.
Also, any liquid has the potential to spill and get wasted. This can cause the traders a huge loss. But the right business person always has the mind to calculate any possible risk and be prepared for it. It is very important to get insurance for your property – rented or owned. Minimize cost risks and focus on the safety of yourself and your employees. But don’t wait for the worst to hit you. That is why we are giving you seven tips on how to safely store oil in the warehouse.
The right container
The containers to store oil must be of good quality. So, make sure that you don’t compromise on the quality—the better the quality of these containers, the lesser the chances of any kind of spillage. An air-tight container also preserves the quality of the product.
Don’t overcrowd
You know your warehouse the best. So, you will also possibly understand how many containers fit in your warehouse. Sometimes, in the lust for more profit, traders end up putting more containers than their space allows. This is a bad move as it can result in a hazard. Keep the barrels at some distance. It is better to be safe than to be sorry.
Make fences
Make small cement fences a few inches above the ground in your warehouse – while leaving a track open for the vehicles to pass. This is helpful because even if there is minor spillage, it doesn’t overflow to other areas. As a result, the spillage will remain contained and prevent a possible mess or hazard.
Floor Bunding
Bunding is an essential part of your warehouse if you’re dealing in transporting and storing oil. Most of the oil or any other liquid spill happens when the road is steep with sudden movements. When vehicles enter or exit your warehouse, this causes a lot of rough action, and that is where things start going wrong. But, this can be easily prevented. With rubber bunding on the floor, the vehicles smooth transition from the road to the warehouse. This avoids any kind of spillage.
Emergency bunds
This is the cheapest option for controlling oil spills, but they are only for short-term use. They can be assembled in emergency leaks and works pretty well in case there is an urgent and unprecedented spill. For small volume spills use bagged or bucket oil spill kits. For large volume spills you can use drum or wheeled cart/mobile type kits will be necessary.
Avoid any kind of flammable
Be extremely careful about what and who you allow inside the warehouse. Even a spark of flame is dangerous when brought near ounces of oil storage. Moreover, find storage that is in an isolated area so that even if there is a hazard, the loss to human lives is minimal. Never keep the warehouse unattended. Always have someone look over it. Screen the drivers who ride the storage vehicles. Keep a no smoking policy within some miles of the area.
Go on rounds
If you are managing a warehouse that stores oil, make sure that you go on thorough checks regularly. Investigate each barrel to make sure that nothing is leaking or spilling. Make this a habit and eliminate any chance of spillage due to irresponsibility.
So, now that you know the essential tips to safely store oil make the most out of this business opportunity. There is a lot of cash flow in this area of business. Take calculated risks – your only fear should be safety. Keep that as your priority, and you will find yourself thriving.
