• You're one step from joining Welding Forum – Fabrication, MIG, TIG & Career Development.
    Create a free account to post, follow threads, and never miss an update.  Sign up free →

welding safety near flamable tanks

R

Rhett_

New member
Joined
Oct 24, 2025
Messages
3
We have this big tank farm project next month, and I’m responsible for the safety. There are going to be 10 huge steel gallons involved, all indoors and full of flammable chemicals.

The welding is to connect pipes along a pipe rack above and around these tanks. There is no welding directly on the tanks, but it’s not too far from the tank. There are going to be 6 welders in this area working at the same time for a few days to complete this job.
We have fire fighting equipment ready. I’ve checked if the ventilation is appropriate too. Is there anything else I should add in safety wise?
How far should flammable tanks be from welding?
Appreciate any advice, guys
 
Hot work permit system is a must for this setup and make sure you've got continuous gas monitoring in place while welding is happening, LEL levels can change fast with that many chemicals around. Also assign dedicated fire watches for each welder or area
Distance requirements vary by local code and the specific chemicals involved, so definitely check your jurisdiction's regs and the chemical SDSs
 
I agree with the replies. This is definitely hot work permit territory, especially with multiple welders and full tanks in an enclosed space. Beyond fire watch and ventilation, continuous gas monitoring and strict adherence to the SDS and local code distances are non-negotiable.
 
With 6 welders working at once, make sure you've got a clear hot work permit process and someone designated as a spotter. Things get pretty chaotic on site - easy to miss a spark headed toward the tanks when everyone's focused on their own work.
 

Similar threads

E
newbie here - inquiry about flux core welding
Replies
1
Views
196
IamMckenzy
I

Latest posts

Back
Top