The National Tank Truck Carriers (NTTC) is in the process of upping emphasis on tank heel prevention and updating its Tank Cleaning Audit Form, according to information presented at the NTTC Tank Cleaning and Environmental Council meeting March 30-31 in Savannah, Georgia.
John Conley, NTTC president, updated the group on the heel issue, and Ed Matlage of Miller Transporters Inc discussed the audit form.
“This industry is seeing sizeable heels,” Conley warned.
To address the issue that appears to be a growing problem, NTTC is beginning a new education program for tank cleaning facilities and their customers. “Drain it dry or tell me why,” will be the slogan for the program.
The program will call attention to the issue through brochures and other educational tools, and by seeking input from NTTC members, and urging cooperation between carrier, consignee, and shipper.
Ways to reduce the problem include training drivers to be aware of the waste, charging for product removal, and contacting shipping managers and consignees to make them aware of the volume of residue from their shipments. Suggestions have been made that drivers be given incentives for recognizing and documenting heels.
Turning to the audit form, Matlage noted that the current audit document is designed for facilities to self-audit their operations, but some carriers and shippers refer to it as well. The new form being considered would have a few changes, when finally approved, including a line for a site's “legal name” in addition to the company or location name.
Other suggested additions would provide a space for indicating:
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Name and qualifications of person who performs training for personal protection equipment and other safety programs.
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Whether security cameras are used on parking areas and wash bays.
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If a security/hazardous materials plan in place.
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Drug testing program procedures: initial, random, post incident.
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Environmental considerations.
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Employee drug/alcohol assistance program.
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Whether a facility has underground storage tanks in waste storage service.
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Whether a facility has any other underground storage tanks other than those for waste storage.
Matlage also suggested that tank cleaning facilities fill out the form as it is presented. If they wish to add additional information, it should be provided in an addendum and attached to the form.
For more information about these projects, or for offering input, contact NTTC at 703-838-1960 or e-mail Conley at [email protected].