Because cargo tanks are constantly exposed to the elements, flying debris, impacts, and other dangers, damage is virtually inevitable. While some damages can be handled with basic repairs, others require the attention and skill of truck welding experts to avoid ongoing issues and safety hazards. Continue reading this article to learn how to avoid the dangers of tank welding and how preventative maintenance can help prevent the need for welding fuel tanks.
Essential Safety Measures for Truck Welding
Despite numerous regulations and safety guidelines set forth by the Department of Transportation and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the unfortunate truth is that the improper welding of fuel tanks causes many injuries and deaths.
As a business owner, fleet manager, owner-operator, or truck driver, one of the most important steps to promote the safety of your staff, self, and rig welders is to have truck welding repairs performed only by R-Stamp certified technicians. They have the training, tools, and equipment to safely repair food grade, chemical, dry goods, and gas tanks.
A reputable repair shop follows all safety standards and puts additional steps in place to make truck welding as safe as possible, including:
Treat All Tank Welding the Same
When welding rig trucks, approach all equipment as though it was used to transport gasoline or other flammable materials. Utilize testing to ensure it is safe to work on, even if the tank has undergone a proper tank truck wash system that includes steam degassing.
Examine All Parts of Truck Bodies
Tank trucks have many elements that can house hidden vapors. Before welding fuel tanks, technicians should examine hoses, tubes, and voids connecting various compartments.
Perform Multiple Tests
If truck welding services require considerable time investments, repeat safety and condition tests periodically. Vapors and dangerous gases can seep into a tank from other areas and put workers at risk. Retesting is especially important on days with high temperatures.
Keep Air Flowing
When welding a fuel tank, it is vital to keep air moving in and out of the tank. Opening manholes, vents, and discharge piping during tank welding prevents harmful gases and fuel vapors that are unsafe to breathe and can cause explosions. Along with opening as many elements of the tank as possible, fans are highly suggested to keep the air moving while welding fuel tanks.
Provide Ongoing Training
Truck welding techniques don’t change very often, but safety requirements and practices do. All involved must ensure tank welding technicians are kept up to date with best practices, safe welding machine operation, and regulatory requirements. If safety is neglected to save time and money, disastrous consequences become a matter of when not if they’ll affect your workers and business.
How To Avoid the Need for Truck Welding Services
The first step to avoiding tank welding repairs is driving safely and being mindful of your surroundings when parking or pulling up to fill stations. But there are other steps to keep your truck bed, tank, and other equipment in good condition.
Tank Truck Wash Systems
Tank cleaning is essential in keeping drivers, service workers, and cargo safe. Cleaning and sanitizing tanks prevent cross-contamination of food, chemicals, and other goods transported. Additionally, a thorough tank truck system reduces the chances of welding equipment sparking an explosion brought on by trapped vapors or gas remnants.
Preventative Maintenance
Truck welding is typically used to correct significant issues with a tank. Things like collisions cause the immediate need for welding fuel tanks, but neglect often leads to repair needs. If you’re not taking your truck in for routine maintenance and inspections, you’re leaving yourself vulnerable to prolonged downtime, costly replacements, and safety concerns.
Preventative maintenance allows experts to examine your truck and tank for minor issues that experts can quickly fix before requiring substantial repairs like tank welding. Don’t let a $20 part replacement lead to thousands of dollars worth of truck welding work because you didn’t make time for a maintenance visit.
White Tank & Truck Repair Is the Midwest’s Leading Truck Welding Specialist
For over 30 years, White Tank has provided Missouri, Kansas, and southern Illinois with the highest quality tank welding services performed by R-Stamp certified technicians. Our tank truck wash system has helped our customers safely transport cargo to stops throughout the country, and our preventative maintenance is a cost-effective way to stay out of the shop for long periods and out on the road making the pickups and drop-offs you need to make a living.
Reach out to White Tank today to discuss our services, order parts for your truck, or schedule your truck welding, maintenance, or wash appointment.
