Storage tanks are essential for a variety of industries and demand has risen in recent years for these valuable assets. As manufacturers of storage tanks pick up the pace to keep up with that demand, safety must always be front of mind in both 2023 and the years to come. And fall protection should be of particular concern. OSHA fall protection regulations require employers to provide protection when workers are exposed to heights of 4′ or higher. This may include installing equipment such as a modular railing for machinery, guardrails, and an OSHA compliant safety gate to keep your company up to OSHA standards. It may also mean issuing personal protective equipment to workers. In this article we will discuss how to identify potential fall hazards related to storage tanks and how to manage them with OSHA compliant fall protection equipment.
What are The Fall Hazards Associated with Storage Tank Manufacturing?
Storage tank manufacturing is inherently dangerous because workers often have to perform their duties above and around the storage tank. Once the manufacturing process is complete, the tanks must be moved and shipped. Again, this presents a host of fall hazards simply due to their size and shape. Here are some of the areas of your facility that present the most fall hazards to your employees:
- Ladders – One of the most common, and obvious, fall hazards that employees who construct storage tanks face is climbing a fixed ladder to access the top of the tank or an elevated work surface. Once the storage tank is put to daily use, workers will use this same ladder to access the tank. A misstep could result in a serious fall that leads to injuries, work delays and OSHA fines.
- Elevated Surfaces – Vertical space is vital in a facility that produces large industrial storage tanks. Both elevated walking and working surfaces pose a variety of risks to employees. Unprotected sides present a severe fall hazard and falling objects can cause harm to those working below. Adequate OSHA-compliant fall protection is essential to keep workers safe.
- Machinery and Equipment – Storage tank manufacturers use a variety of heavy machines and equipment to get the job done. However, these machines can be extremely dangerous, and employees must be protected from getting too close. When employees work above machines, machine guarding equipment is important to protect them from falls and the machine from damage by falling objects.
- Stairways – In multi-level facilities, employees must use the stairs to get from one area to the next. While this is common, it doesn’t mean it’s always safe. Whether accessing a mezzanine above the storage tank or an elevated walkway, proper safety protocol must be followed, and the right fall protection equipment must be used.
- Loading Docks – Keeping up with demand means storage tank manufacturers need to continually renew materials and supplies. It also means shipping out completed tanks on a regular basis. Loading docks are extremely busy, dangerous places for workers. There are a host of hazards like an unprotected leading edge, forklift traffic, and moving trucks that must be addressed in this area.
What Does OSHA Require for Fall Protection in Storage Tank Manufacturing Facilities?
According to OSHA 1910.28, every employer has a duty to provide fall protection to any employee that is faced with a potential fall hazard or falling objects under certain conditions. For manufacturers of storage tanks, there are many hazards that must be assessed and addressed as noted above. Installing fall protection equipment such as modular railing for machinery or an OSHA compliant safety gate will significantly reduce the risk of falls. Also consider:
Fixed Ladder Fall Protection
When a fixed ladder extends 24 feet above the previous level, fall protection is required by OSHA. If the ladder was installed before November 9, 2018, it must be equipped with a ladder safety system or a personal fall arrest system. For ladders installed after this date, employers are required to install an OSHA-compliant ladder safety system.
Elevated Surface Fall Protection
Whenever employees must walk or work at heights of 4′ or more, guardrails are a common way to keep them safe. It’s also important to protect the entrance to these areas as well as the stairway or ladder. To comply with OSHA guidelines, guardrails must be 42″ (plus or minus 3″) and be capable of handling a pressure of 200 lbs. without failing. In addition to guardrails, a metal safety gate is required to limit access and protect workers. This is true both in the manufacturing facility, as well on any platforms attached to the tank.
Machine Guarding
The equipment and machinery used in storage tank manufacturing is dangerous and potentially delicate. It’s important to create a perimeter around heavy machinery to limit unauthorized access with modular railing for machinery. Whether it’s a modular or permanent guardrail that’s used for machine guarding, an OSHA compliant safety gate is also essential to protect the area.
Protecting Stairways
Stairs are an often overlooked fall hazard because they’re so common. However, they are among the most dangerous places in a manufacturing facility. Handrails, adequate lighting, and good housekeeping practices are good ways to reduce the potential for falls. Installing a metal safety gate at the entrance of the stairway is another. This will restrict access and help workers slow down and pay attention as they use the stairway.
Loading Dock Safety
With so much going on at the loading dock, employers have to take extra precautions to protect workers. Guardrails installed around the loading dock’s edges, an OSHA compliant loading dock safety gate at the dock’s opening, and personal fall protection equipment may be necessary to prevent falls and other accidents. In addition, flashing lights, audio alarms, and high-contrast paint should be used to warn employees of potential hazards.
Protect Your Storage Tank Manufacturing Facility Workers and Stay OSHA-Compliant
You already know that OSHA compliance is compulsory. You also know that if you fall out of compliance or if someone is injured due to a fall that you’ll be held responsible. Massive fines and penalties may be levied against your organization, but that’s not all. You may also be required to pay legal and medical expenses for the injured worker. Don’t put your company or your employees in that position. Contact the leader in OSHA-compliant fall safety equipment, Fabenco. Not sure what you need to stay compliant in your storage tank manufacturing facility in 2023 and beyond? Contact us and our safety experts will help you find the perfect fall protection equipment from modular railing for machinery to a durable metal safety gate.
