Inspecting Tank Vehicles: Pre-Trip, Tank, Hoses and Fittings
Start under the tank
Begin the walk-around by looking for wet spots, drips or stains under and around the tank. A leak often shows as a dark patch in the dirt or a faint odor before you ever see a fitting. Check the shell for cracks, dents and corrosion, and inspect the frame and supports for cracks.
Covers, vents, valves
Every dome cover and manhole must be closed and latched with a sound gasket - an unlatched cover spills liquid on the first hard brake application and vents vapor the whole trip. Vents must be open and clear; a plugged vent can pressurize or collapse a tank as product moves or temperature changes. Confirm discharge valves, internal valves and emergency shutoff controls are closed, working and clearly marked, and that the shutoff is reachable from outside the vehicle.
Hoses, piping, gear
Inspect hoses for cuts, bulges, soft spots, flattening and worn gaskets; test hoses on your carrier's schedule. Check couplings, piping supports and clamps. Confirm the grounding/bonding cable and clamps are present and sound, and that required placards, fire extinguisher, spill kit and PPE are aboard.
Trap to expect: a scenario where the tank was 'checked all around' but a dome cover is open or a hose is uncapped. Loose gear and open hatches are failures, not minor notes.
Rule of thumb - three closings before you move: all covers latched, all valves closed, all hoses capped and stowed. Then do one final look from the ground.