Safety Flash
Sludge accumulation in fresh water tank
Sludge accumulation in fresh water tank
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 06/21
- Confined SpaceInspection and MaintenanceOccupational Health
- Potable-water hygiene
- Inspection and maintenance
- HoseStorage tanks
- Preventive maintenance
Summary
An inspection revealed significant sludge in a fresh water tank, which the member attributed to water obtained from port. The flash highlights potential bacterial health hazards and describes inspection intervals, subsequent maintenance and hose disinfection using residual free chlorine, with a standing period of at least one hour.
Classifications: Potable-water hygiene; legionella; drinking-water hygiene.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Hose; flexible hose.
Classifications: Storage tanks; atmospheric tanks.
Classifications: Preventive maintenance; preventative maintenance; planned maintenance.
Summary
Inspection of a fresh water tank found it had accumulated a significant amount of sludge; such build-up of sludge in fresh water tanks, hoses and pipes can lead to the prevalence of bacteria that may pose a health hazard.
IMCA SF 06/21. Themes: confined space, inspection and maintenance, occupational health.