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Tank Demolition
Water tank demolition is one of the most misunderstood and dangerous Proper specifications should be prepared as many pitfalls await a project of this type. Water tank demolition is a very dangerous business. It has a much higher rate of accidents and deaths per man hours worked than the erection of, or the maintenance repainting of tanks. If an accident occurs the damage to surrounding property or personnel could be catastrophic. A steel water tank is extremely heavy. If it is not removed in the proper manner or sequence it will be structurally weakened and could fall as it is removed. The Tank Owner should see that adequate performance bonds and insurance coverage by the Contractor are in place prior to the start of this project. Environmental considerations regarding lead-containing paint and the consequences of any residue which may be generated from this project should be discussed. The contractor should protect his workers from the effects of lead-containing paint which are almost always present on these old structures. If a workman is subjected to the fumes from a cutting torch or grinders used on lead paint his health could be permanently damaged, and the tank owner could also be held responsible. The specifications should address the questions of containment and legal disposal and transportation of this residue. The owner of a structure which contains lead paint is, by regulations, ultimately responsible for the legal removal and disposal of this lead. You must protect yourself from future liability. The detailed job specifications will address many of the above listed concerns and will also include the Contractors Questionnaire and Insurance Requirements. Tank demolition seems to attract many individuals and firms which are under-equipped, under-manned, unskilled, and "over their heads". Some do this as a sideline. Many are just workmen who will "try anything" once. These people need to be "weeded out". Good specifications can accomplish this. Even the few firms who are qualified, can benefit from our positive guidance. For this reason, we will also help you with Contractor pre-qualifying and selection. We also offer job-site testing and full time demolition inspection while the work is in progress. As you can see, we are prepared to assist you with your project from start to finish. Norman Noe is a National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE), Level III Certified Coatings Inspector #1891 with over 30+ years of experience in the water tank field. Thinking about having work performed on your water tank? Call us today! Office 317-933-2274 or Fax 317-933-2502 norman@normannoewatertankinspection.com or www.NormanNoeWaterTankInspection.com
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areas of our business. Very few structural demolition firms remove elevated tanks, and even fewer are proficient at it. There is a good reason for this. Not many tanks are removed. Most of the tanks that have been built are still in service.