It is important to properly maintain IBC containers if they are important for your business, the way you do other assets. If you are in the transportation business, especially dealing with hazardous materials, it is very important to take good care of your IBC containers. Taking good care of them will make them last longer.
You are going to save more money if you choose to reuse the containers many times compared to spending a lot of money replacing them. Another option is purchasing reconditioned IBC totes. The following maintenance tips from gaylordboxexchange will go a long way in helping keep your IBC totes in the best shape.
- Meeting Regular Inspection Requirements
Inspecting your tote is more than just saving money. It is a legal requirement by the US government. The government requires all IBC to be thoroughly inspected after it is manufactured, then every 2.5 years after that. It has to pass the leak-proof test after it is manufactured to guarantee that both liquids and solids can be contained.
The test should be done every 2.5 years. Ensure the container has been inspected externally every 2.5 years to see if there are missing or damaged parts. the labels and markings should also be inspected then replaced if need be. Inspecting them internally every 5 years is a good idea because you can check the lining of the container and see if there is any damage.
If you miss out on the deadlines before the container is filled around the inspection date, then you can have the inspection done after the container has been emptied and before it is refilled.
- Using Professional Cleaning Services
Do you handle different types of materials? It is important to have the tote cleaned after every use to prevent cross-contamination. If no one in your team knows how to properly clean the containers, or if you aren’t licensed to do it, then make sure you get a professional to do it. They have the right training, expertise, and equipment to do the job. They are going to thoroughly sanitize your containers. Always hire professionals when it comes to containers used for transporting hazardous materials.
Professionals use Omni-directional and high-pressure spinner heads to thoroughly clean both the inside and outside of the container. If the product stored in the container is water-resistant, then they are going to use chemicals to break it down. They will properly dispose of the wastewater from the cleaning process. Once they are done cleaning the container, they are going to give you a document showing that they have been cleaned and are ready for reuse.
- Using Caution When Moving or Lifting
A tote is not just four plastic walls. To use the container properly, make sure the discharge valves remain intact. Be careful when moving or lifting the container, be careful so you don’t end up damaging the valve. To avoid hitting the valve, lift the tote from the side. Make sure you know the contents before moving or lifting. Go slowly and avoid shifting the weights by keeping the contents as slow as possible.
- Removing the Lid Slowly
There is a good chance pressure has built up in the container, but it depends on its contents. Opening it too fast can cause injuries to you or anyone close by. Instead of opening it fast, do it slowly and gradually release the pressure. When you open it too fast, the contents might burst out.
- Avoiding Overfilling the Container
You should not overfill the container. This can seem obvious, but there are companies that do it to save on their shipping costs. Make sure the valves are tightly closed and locked. Make sure the second closure has been installed before it is processed for shipping.
Final Thoughts
Many people assume that tote containers are durable and will last for a long time. They are going to wear off because the container is used over and over again. With time, the structural integrity of the container is going to wear off. This is why it is important to have the containers inspected frequently as required by law.
Make sure you check the container for damage, corrosion, and any other signs of the container needing repair. Make sure everyone in your team has some knowledge about the proper maintenance of the containers. When moving the containers, always go slow and treat them with care. If you find that you cannot do it on your own, the best thing to do is call professionals to help you out.