SP001 is the Standard for the Inspection of Aboveground Storage Tanks. It provides inspection and evaluation criteria for storage tanks within its scope to determine whether an aboveground storage tank (AST) is suitable for continued service until the next scheduled inspection. SP001 is commonly used by tank owners, inspectors, and facility operators to help comply with aboveground storage tank inspection, recordkeeping, maintenance, and compliance obligations.
What Is SP001?
SP001 is a standard developed by the Steel Tank Institute for the inspection of aboveground storage tanks. The first version was released in 2000 to provide a means for aboveground storage tank owners to comply with EPA mandates related to Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure planning requirements. It has since been adopted by state storage tank programs and incorporated into fire codes.
The Standard for the Inspection of Aboveground Storage Tanks provides inspection and evaluation criteria used to determine the suitability for continued service of aboveground storage tanks, as defined in the standard, until the next scheduled inspection. These tanks are shop fabricated and small field-erected welded steel storage tanks that operate within atmospheric pressure. The purpose of conducting inspections is to confirm the tank is suitable for continued use and to identify any changes to the aboveground storage tank due to time and exposure to elements.
The standard covers topics such as safety considerations, AST inspector qualifications, inspection schedules, periodic AST inspections, formal external inspection guidelines, formal internal inspection guidelines, leak testing methods, suitability for continued service, and recordkeeping.
How Does SP001 Work?
SP001 works by providing a structured inspection approach for aboveground storage tanks. The standard helps determine what type of inspection is needed, when inspections occur, what conditions are evaluated, how inspection findings are documented, and whether the tank remains suitable for continued service. It also identifies issues that require additional inspections to be performed.
The inspection process may include periodic inspections, formal external inspections, formal internal inspections, checking for water in the tank, leak testing methods, and review of tank records. The type and frequency of inspection depend on the tank, containment, service conditions, inspection category, and requirements within the SP001 standard.
SP001 also supports recordkeeping. The standard sets requirements for the contents of required reports. The report contents will depend on the configuration of the tank system. The standard also provides the template for The SP001 Tank Record Document. This form should be prepared at the time of tank commissioning, and be reviewed and updated as needed at the time of each formal inspection. s part of the formal inspection, the certified tank inspector reviews the tank record for accuracy and completeness, and updates it as needed.
Common Types of SP001 Inspections and Resources
Periodic Inspections
Periodic inspections are recurring monthly and annual inspections used to identify visible changes, damage, leaks, deterioration, or other conditions that may affect the tank system. STI/SPFA provides SP001 inspection checklists for annual inspections, monthly inspections, and portable container monthly inspections. These inspections help owners and operators track and document tank condition between formal inspections. For some tank systems, generally tank systems under 5,000 gallons and with good spill control mechanisms, periodic inspections are all that are required. For larger tanks or other tank configurations, additional inspections may be needed.
AST Record Form
As part of the SP001 inspection process, each tank being inspected under the standard has an AST record form prepared for it. This form documents the initial tank configuration and identifies important design elements of the tank system that the AST inspection requirements can be based. It also sets the date that the inspection process should begin. The AST record form is kept with tank records and is updated as needed for the life of the tank.
Formal External Inspections
A formal external inspection evaluates the external condition of the aboveground storage tank and related components. Formal external inspections help identify any degradation of the tank exterior and help determine whether the tank remains suitable for continued service and whether additional evaluation, repair, or follow-up action is needed.
Formal Internal Inspections
A formal internal inspection evaluates the internal condition of the tank when required by the SP001 standard. Internal inspections can help identify corrosion, deterioration, bottom condition issues, or other concerns that are not visible from the exterior.
Leak Testing Methods
SP001 includes leak testing methods as part of the inspection and evaluation process. Leak testing may be used to support the determination of tank integrity and suitability for continued service.
Why Are Proper AST Inspections Important?
AST inspections, like those described in SP001, are important because inspection of aboveground storage tanks can be a critical compliance issue under the inspection requirements of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) rule as well as AST inspection obligations set in recognized fire codes and in state and local storage tank regulations. STI/SPFA created the SP001 as a standard that provides a means for AST owners to comply with EPA as well as state and local mandates.
SP001 helps tank owners and operators evaluate tank condition, identify changes to the tank system, document inspections, and determine whether a tank is suitable for continued service until the next scheduled inspection. These activities support safe operation, environmental protection, maintenance planning, and regulatory compliance. The documentation that is prepared as part of the inspections helps confirm the AST’s condition and history.
For facilities with aboveground storage tanks, inspection is not only a paperwork exercise. Inspection findings can identify corrosion, leaks, settlement, coating damage, containment issues, foundation concerns, or other conditions that may require additional evaluation or corrective action.
Where Is SP001 Used?
SP001 is used for aboveground storage tank inspection programs at industrial, commercial, institutional, agricultural, government, and fuel storage facilities. It applies to aboveground storage tanks as defined in the scope of the standard and is used by organizations and individuals who are knowledgeable and experienced in aboveground tank inspection.
SP001 focuses primarily on inspection of welded carbon steel or stainless steel shop-fabricated and small field-erected tanks that operate at atmospheric pressure. It also includes inspection of smaller portable containers such as 55-gallon drums, intermediate bulk containers, and other such portable containers that may be of metal or plastic construction. Inspection of non-portable, shop-fabricated plastic or fiberglass tanks is not included.
SP001 vs. API 653
SP001 and API 653 are both associated with aboveground storage tank inspection, but they are used for different tank types and inspection situations.
| Category | SP001 Certification | API 653 Certification |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Inspection of shop-fabricated aboveground storage tanks, portable containers, and small field-erected tanks | Inspection, repair, alteration, and reconstruction of larger field-erected aboveground storage tanks |
| Typical Tank Types | Shop-fabricated ASTs, portable containers, and small field-erected tanks within the scope of STI SP001 | Larger field-erected atmospheric storage tanks, often used in petroleum, petrochemical, and industrial service |
| Standard Used | STI SP001: Standard for the Inspection of Aboveground Storage Tanks | API 653: Tank Inspection, Repair, Alteration, and Reconstruction |
| Common Users | Tank inspectors, environmental professionals, facility managers, compliance professionals, engineers, tank owners, and tank manufacturers | Tank inspectors, engineers, owner/operators, inspection companies, and professionals working with large field-erected storage tanks |
| Inspection Emphasis | Determining whether tanks within the SP001 scope are properly maintained and suitable for continued service | Evaluating larger field-erected tanks for continued service, repair, alteration, reconstruction, and integrity management |
| Typical Applications | SPCC compliance support, routine AST inspection programs, shop-fabricated tank inspections, portable container inspections, and small field-erected tank inspections | Large bulk storage facilities, terminals, refineries, chemical plants, and facilities with large field-erected tanks |
| Certification Body | STI/SPFA | American Petroleum Institute |
| Best Fit | Facilities with shop-fabricated ASTs, portable containers, or small field-erected tanks | Facilities with larger field-erected aboveground storage tanks |
| Key Difference | SP001 certification is generally focused on smaller and shop-fabricated welded steel AST systems covered by STI SP001 | API 653 certification is generally focused on larger field-erected tanks covered by API 653 |
Key Inspection and Compliance Considerations
Using SP001 requires more than completing a checklist and AST record form. The standard is used to evaluate tank condition, determine suitability for continued service, establish inspection schedules, document findings, and support recordkeeping.
Important considerations include tank construction, tank category, containment, leak detection, corrosion, foundation condition, supports, coatings, vents, appurtenances, spill control, release detection, inspection history, repair history, and changes to the tank system.
When inspection findings identify non-conforming items important to tank or containment integrity, those items require evaluation by an engineer experienced in AST design, a Certified Inspector, or a tank manufacturer who determines corrective action.
If a change occurs to the tank system or containment that may affect the tank system category as defined in SP001 or the SPCC plan, the condition is evaluated against the current plan requirement by a Professional Engineer knowledgeable in SPCC development and implementation and the requirements of SP001.
Common Misunderstandings
Is SP001 the Same as API 653?
No. SP001 and API 653 are different inspection standards. SP001 is commonly used for shop-fabricated aboveground storage tanks, portable containers, and small field-erected tanks. API 653 is commonly associated with larger field-erected aboveground storage tanks.
Does Completing an SP001 Checklist Alone Mean a Tank Complies with SP001?
No. STI/SPFA’s SP001 inspection checklists are used in conjunction with the SP001 Standard. Use of the checklists alone does not constitute compliance with STI SP001.
Does SP001 Apply to Fiberglass or Poly Tanks?
SP001 focuses primarily on welded carbon steel or stainless steel shop-fabricated and field-erected tanks. It also includes smaller portable containers such as 55-gallon drums, intermediate bulk containers, and other such containers that may be metal or plastic. Inspection of plastic or fiberglass tanks is not included. Other inspection standards are available for inspecting nonmetallic tanks.
Why Does STI SP001 Require Internal Inspections When One Cannot Easily Access the Inside of a Small Shop-Fabricated Tank?
SP001 does not mandate entry into a tank for any tank under 30,000 gallons, or 113,529 liters, for tanks identified as Category 1 per SP001 that have a mechanism for spill control, continuous release detection, and overfill protection as defined in SP001.
For tanks under 30,000 gallons, either internal inspections are not required, or an alternative is provided through the use of leak-test inspections. Tanks larger than 30,000 gallons usually have manways to allow personnel entry.
Is SP001 Only for Certified Inspectors?
SP001 is intended for use by organizations and individuals knowledgeable and experienced in aboveground tank inspection. STI/SPFA also offers SP001 Aboveground Tank System Inspector Training for professionals seeking certification to inspect shop-fabricated aboveground tanks, portable containers, and small field-erected tanks.
FAQs
Related Resources
SP001 Standard for the Inspection of Aboveground Storage Tanks
SP001 Aboveground Tank System Inspector Training
SP001 Annual Inspection Checklist
SP001 Monthly Inspection Checklist
SP001 Portable Container Monthly Inspection Checklist
SP001 AST Record
SP001 vs. API 653
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