The MB Lal Committee was established to provide recommendations on the design, construction, and maintenance of storage tanks in India. The committee was formed in response to several incidents of tank failure and leaks, which resulted in significant damage to the environment and loss of life.
The MB Lal Committee recommendations cover a wide range of issues related to storage tanks, including design, materials, construction methods, maintenance, and safety. One of the key recommendations of the committee was to adopt international standards for the design and construction of storage tanks, such as API 650 and API 653, which provide comprehensive guidelines for the construction, inspection, and maintenance of storage tanks.
Another important recommendation of the committee was the adoption of a risk-based approach for the inspection and maintenance of storage tanks. This approach involves assessing the risk of tank failure and prioritizing the inspection and maintenance of tanks based on their level of risk. This helps to ensure that tanks that are at a higher risk of failure are given priority attention and resources, reducing the likelihood of incidents.
The MB Lal Committee also recommended that all storage tanks be equipped with appropriate safety features, such as overfill protection systems, pressure relief valves, and emergency shut-off systems. These features are designed to help prevent incidents and minimize the consequences of any incidents that may occur.
In addition, the committee recommended that all storage tanks be subject to regular inspection and maintenance, including ultrasonic thickness testing and visual inspections. This helps to identify and address potential issues early on, reducing the risk of tank failure and ensuring the continued safe operation of the tank.
Overall, the recommendations of the MB Lal Committee have helped to improve the safety and reliability of storage tanks in India, and have been widely adopted by the industry. By implementing these recommendations, the industry is able to reduce the risk of incidents and minimize the consequences of any incidents that may occur, ensuring the safe and efficient operation of storage tanks.