Midwestern Services Preparing the Way for Midstream Pipeline

TULSA, OKLAHOMA Midwestern Services, Incorporated, “The Tank Cleaning Professionals Since 1973,” performed tank cleaning operations on multiple tanks just west of Tulsa, Oklahoma near Drumright. The large oil storage tanks were built in the late 1930’s as part of the midstream oil and gas pipeline system and were being cleaned in preparation for demolition.

Project Manager Facundo Rico and the Midwestern crew gathered outside of the retaining dike of the tank for the tailgate safety meeting and completion of the Job Safety Analysis form just before daybreak. Rico and his crew also discussed the scope of work and safety plan for the day. Afterwards tool and equipment technicians conducted air monitoring inside the tank and around the perimeter, checking for unsafe levels of H2s gas, LEL’s as well as safe Oxygen levels. Once the data was recorded on the JSA and Confined Space Entry form, the tank crew began mobilizing equipment and preparing the entry point for operations.

Each Midwestern crew member is trained in OSHA 40 Hour HAZWOPER, CPR and First Aid, Confined Space Entry, Confined Space Rescue, Respiratory Protection and have completed Pulmonary Fit Testing administered by Midwestern’s in house safety and rescue training department.

Once all safety and equipment check lists were completed and the crew donned their personal protective equipment, the confined space entry was made.

This particular tank originally had solids as high as six feet in some areas. Midwestern’s proprietary tank cleaning equipment, process and trained technicians eliminated the mountain of solids in short order. Since the tanks were scheduled to be demolished, the bottom, wall and support beams had to be completely free of hydrocarbon residue.

A final quality control check list is performed by the client to insure that all of the project requirements are satisfied and the tank is safe for demolition.

For more information on Midwestern Services please call 713-923-8691.