Safety & Compliance · SOP

Spill Prevention Control And Countermeasure SPCC Monthly Audit

This procedure covers the required monthly inspection of aboveground storage tanks, secondary containment, piping, and spill response equipment to maintain compliance with EPA 40 CFR Part 112 (SPCC).

Estimated Time

60 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Regulation

EPA SPCC

Version

1.0

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Purpose

The purpose of the SPCC Monthly Audit is to verify that all oil storage containers, secondary containment structures, and spill control equipment are in good working order and free from leaks or damage. This inspection ensures compliance with the facility's SPCC Plan and reduces the risk of a discharge to navigable waters or adjoining shorelines.

Scope

This SOP applies to all facilities subject to EPA SPCC regulations that store oil in aboveground storage tanks (ASTs) with a total capacity greater than 1,320 gallons (or 660 gallons in a single container). The monthly inspection covers the tank exterior, foundation, secondary containment, piping, valves, and spill response readiness. It does not replace the mandatory annual SPCC inspection or periodic integrity testing.

Safety Precautions

LOTOLockout/tagout any tank valves, pumps, or equipment before performing close visual or touch inspections. Ensure energy sources are isolated.
PPEWear safety glasses, chemical-resistant gloves, steel-toed boots, and a hard hat when entering containment areas. Use a NIOSH-approved respirator if vapours are suspected.
SLIPBeware of slip, trip, and fall hazards in containment dikes—standing water, ice, or oil residue can make surfaces treacherous. Use caution when walking on tank top platforms.
SPILLHave an emergency spill kit immediately accessible before beginning the inspection. Know the location of the nearest eyewash station and safety shower.

Required Tools & Materials

SPCC inspection checklist (digital or printed copy of the facility's checklist form)
Flashlight (high-lumen, intrinsically safe for classified areas if required)
Spill kit contents list and verification sheet
Camera or smartphone with camera for photographic documentation
PPE as listed in safety precautions above
Measuring tape (e.g., 25 ft) or calibrated dipstick for verifying tank levels
Logbook, tablet, or clipboard with waterproof paper
Lockout/tagout kit (if isolating any equipment during inspection)

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Procedure: Step-by-Step

1 Review the facility SPCC Plan. Confirm it is the current approved version, signed by management, and available at the oil storage location. Note any amendments since last inspection.

2 Don all required PPE. Notify the shift supervisor that the monthly inspection is commencing. If any equipment requires isolation, perform lockout/tagout.

3 Walk down each aboveground storage tank (AST) in the SPCC perimeter. Inspect the tank exterior for visible leaks, corrosion, bulging, dents, or discoloration. Check the tank foundation for cracks, settlement, or erosion.

4 Inspect secondary containment structures (dikes, berms, liners, vaults). Look for cracks, holes, standing water, vegetation, or debris. Verify that containment capacity equals at least 110% of the volume of the largest tank inside.

5 Examine all piping, hoses, flanges, valves, and flexible connectors for drips, corrosion, signs of abrasion, or mechanical damage. Ensure that valves are in the correct operational position and locked where required.

6 Verify the spill response kit is at the designated location. Open the kit and count that all required items (absorbent pads, booms, socks, pillows, disposal bags, PPE) are present and within expiry. Document any missing or depleted items.

7 Check all floor drains, storm drains, and oil/water separators in the area. Confirm that drains are sealed, no oil sheen is visible, and that any discharge points are plugged or controlled per the SPCC Plan.

8 Inspect the facility's oil transfer areas, filling connections, and unloading zones. Ensure spill containment pallets or drip pans are clean and properly positioned.

9 Take photographs of each tank, containment area, and any deficiencies found. Record tank fill levels (if applicable) using measuring tape or dipstick and compare against safe operating levels.

10 Complete the inspection checklist. For each item, mark "Pass" or "Fail". For any failures, describe the deficiency, assign a corrective action owner, and set a target completion date. Retain the checklist and photos in the SPCC compliance binder (or digital repository).

Spill Prevention Control And Countermeasure SPCC Monthly Audit

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