Transporting merchandise has varying needs based on the item’s properties. For instance, some commodities are perishable, and you need to ensure they do not become substandard during transit. And as such, these types of goods require refrigeration, while others, such as oil and gas, need you to factor in safety.
Care is required when transporting oil and gas since mishandling can lead to considerable losses. It begs the question; what safety measures should you establish when transporting such items?
With that said, this article outlines some essential measures to consider in transporting oil and gas.
- Utilize the Right Mode of Transportation
The container you use during transport can highly determine safety. With oil and gas transportation, there are many methods you can utilize, from rail to pipelines to trucks to the sea. Whichever system you use, you need to do it appropriately.
If you’re to use pipelines, ensure that the pipes are made from material with good mechanical properties. It should also be continuously monitored to avoid any leakage or spill, which could be hazardous to health and the environment. Additionally, faulty pipelines may also lead to fire and explosions due to the high flammability of gas.
With trucks, ensure the carrier is made of the right material too. It should be thick enough to prevent changes in temperature on the outside affecting that of the carrier inside. Aside from using carriers, you can also opt for containers, especially when transporting via sea.
With the many types of containers available, choosing the one suited to transport oil and gas is essential. To help with your selection, consider seeking the assistance of container hire experts to best approach the transportation requirements of oil and gas.
- Drive Within Acceptable Speed Limits
The speed limit tip applies if trucks are used to transport your oil and gas. It is said that driving at high speed is one of the crucial contributors to road accidents. As such, your driver should be aware of the speed to maintain.
When driving at high speeds, you could have less control of the vehicle should you find an obstruction ahead of you. You’d either have to swerve or hit an object.
Swerving might cause imbalance, resulting in the truck tipping over. Moreso, when this happens, there’s a probability of the oil or gas leaking and causing an explosion if there’s something inflammable nearby. On another note, hitting an object might also damage the engine or any part that could lead to a fire.
High speeds could also lead to tire bursts which may result in accidents. Most oil and gas accidents are fatal; therefore, your driver needs to exercise more caution to protect their lives and other parties nearby.
- Ensure You Train Your Drivers
During transit, your drivers are in control. Hence, you need to train them adequately. One of the aspects they need training in is defensive driving.
Defensive driving is an essential skill that can help your drivers prevent accidents and deal with other drivers on the road. It is vital since they’re transporting delicate products, and they need to handle themselves carefully no matter the situation.
In addition, you need to train your drivers in handling the oil and gas before, during, and post transport. They need to be aware of the dos and don’ts to prevent catastrophes.
Aside from the preventive mechanisms, there could be a possibility of a fire breaking out. As such, fire training can also be crucial as your drivers need to be well prepared. It would be best to hire experts from the fire department to train your staff in fire management. This way, they may know what to do and won’t panic during a fire breakout.
- Maintain Your Transporting Equipment
Your transportation’s condition may also contribute to safety during transit. Consider practicing routine maintenance to ensure the machinery is in pristine condition. For pipelines, ensure the pipes don’t have holes that could leak during transport. The same applies to your chosen transporting container.
If you’re utilizing trucks, ensure they’re in top-notch condition. For instance, the engine should be running well and well-oiled, the tires need to be well inflated, and spares should be available. When the vehicle is in good condition, you may prevent accidents that could be catastrophic, as previously stated.
It’s also good to note the regulations when it comes to the oil and gas industry. There may be other minimal conditions required for your vehicle when transporting flammable substances. These differ from state to state; thus, it is best to familiarize yourself with these. Knowing these laws will not only ensure you’re compliant but may protect your goods, drivers, and other road users.
- Invest in Fire Fighting Equipment
With the flammability of oil and gas, a fire could be the main worry during transport. As such, you may need to adopt the right tools. One of the essential tools in your truck is a fire extinguisher. It may suffice for small manageable fires before they spread and become unmanageable, requiring expert intervention.
As you equip your trucks with this, it is good to know that different classes of fire may require a specific extinguisher. That said, ensure to purchase one, particularly for oil and gas.
- Utilize Warning Signs
Warning signs can benefit other road users, as they are notified of transportation containing flammable substances. Most oil and gas transportation trucks and carriers have warning signs on their bodies, flame illustrations, and danger illustrations.
As you indicate these signs, ensure that they’re big and can be seen from a distance. In addition, consider using bold colors on the warning signs so they can stand out for easier visibility.
- Adopt Monitoring Tools
During the transportation of oil and gas, anything can be possible. As such, it makes it necessary to invest in monitoring tools, such as trackers and cameras.
Should there be an accident, you can trace the vehicle’s location to provide assistance and prevent extensive damage. Additionally, if there is a hazard ahead of the route, you may conveniently inform your driver, allowing them to seek alternative directions.
Furthermore, a camera can help you monitor your driver to ensure they follow all the safety precautions. If they’re deviating, you can warn them. After all, prevention is better than cure.
Conclusion
Factoring in safety when transporting oil and gas isn’t as challenging as you might have presumed. This article has provided you with some tips and measures worth considering and implementing to have seamless oil and gas transportation.