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Annual Tank Self-Inspection Checklist
One walk, once a year, ideally in spring or fall. Adapted from the issue checklists in Part V of the Bolted Tank Operator’s Guide. This checklist supplements the periodic inspection by a qualified tank inspector. It does not replace it.
Tank ID / name
Date
Walked by
Weather / temp
Water level
Last full inspection
Field discipline
- Walk the same route every year, starting at the same reference point.
- Tick every line. An unticked line counts as not inspected, not as clean.
- Photograph before you touch anything, and note the photo number beside the finding.
- Give every finding a severity the same day: OK, Monitor or Act.
- Do not climb without fall protection, and never enter the tank. Interior checks are from the hatch only.
Foundation & site Zone F
| Check | OK | Monitor | Act | Notes / photo no. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ringwall or slab: no new cracks, spalling, or exposed rebar | ||||
| No gap opening between the tank bottom and the foundation | ||||
| No standing water, erosion or washout at the base | ||||
| Shell looks plumb from two directions; no visible tilt or settlement | ||||
| Anchor bolts and chairs (if fitted) present, tight and not corroded | ||||
| Vegetation, debris and soil kept clear of the base angle |
Shell exterior, seams & bolts Zones C, D, E
| Check | OK | Monitor | Act | Notes / photo no. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No damp lines, drips or mineral tracks along any seam | ||||
| Sealant beads intact; not cracked, hardened, missing or pulling away | ||||
| Bolt caps present and uncracked; no rust bleeding from bolt heads | ||||
| No rust streaking running down the shell | ||||
| Coating: no chalking to bare steel, blistering, peeling or impact damage | ||||
| No dents, ripples or out-of-round areas in the shell | ||||
| Nozzles, manways and pipe connections: no corrosion, weeping or old patches growing |
Roof, dome, vent, hatch & overflow Zones A, B
| Check | OK | Monitor | Act | Notes / photo no. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vent screens clean, intact and unobstructed | ||||
| Hatch closes, seals and locks; gasket intact | ||||
| Overflow screen or flap intact; discharge clear and not eroding | ||||
| Dome or roof panels: no missing fasteners, lifted panels or ponding | ||||
| Roof-to-shell joint: no gaps, sealant failure or daylight visible from inside | ||||
| No bird, insect or animal entry points |
Ladders, access & safety Zone B
| Check | OK | Monitor | Act | Notes / photo no. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ladder, cage and fall-arrest rail secure and not corroded | ||||
| Handrails and platforms solid; no loose or missing bolts | ||||
| Anti-climb barrier and site security in place | ||||
| Signage and lighting working |
Interior, from the hatch only Zones C, G, H
| Check | OK | Monitor | Act | Notes / photo no. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visible lining: no blistering, peeling or rust spots | ||||
| Water surface: no unusual film, debris or sediment plume | ||||
| Interior seams and bolt heads visible from the hatch: no rust | ||||
| Level instrument and alarms agree with the actual level |
Records & operations
| Check | OK | Monitor | Act | Notes / photo no. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Date of last comprehensive (interior) inspection: ________ | ||||
| Cathodic protection rectifier or monitor read and logged (if fitted) | ||||
| Defect log reviewed; last year's findings rechecked | ||||
| Photos taken from the same reference points as last year |
Ticked “Act” anywhere? Send the photos for a free desk screening, or request an inspection. If something is leaking or the shell has moved, call 330-265-1776.
Last full inspection more than five years ago, or not on file? You are probably due. See recommended intervals.
Last full inspection more than five years ago, or not on file? You are probably due. See recommended intervals.
TanksandCovers.com · 330-265-1776 · Sales@TanksandCovers.com. Follow the tank manufacturer’s manual where its intervals or procedures are stricter.