Have you ever taken a sip of water from the tap and wondered, “Where did this water come from?” Chances are, it came from a water tank, and it’s important to understand the role of organizations like OSHA and EPA in safeguarding the water you and your family rely on daily. These agencies enforce regulations to ensure that water tanks are regularly inspected and properly maintained to prevent contamination of the water supply.
In this blog, we’ll explore the essential work of OSHA and EPA and how their regulations help keep our water clean and safe. Whether you’re a concerned citizen, a water tank operator, or just curious about the process, keep reading to learn how these organizations help ensure the safety of water tanks.
What are OSHA and EPA Regulations?
OSHA and EPA are distinct agencies within the U.S. Government. OSHA, which stands for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, operates under the U.S. Department of Labor, while the EPA, or Environmental Protection Agency, is a federal agency focused on environmental protection. OSHA oversees workplace safety, while the EPA establishes regulations to reduce environmental pollution.
Both agencies are legally mandated to protect public health and safety, as well as the U.S. workforce, through the effective enforcement of various federal laws and regulations. While their responsibilities are sometimes separate, in other cases, they work together to complement each other’s efforts.
The shared goal of both agencies is to enhance the protection of workers, the public, and the environment at facilities governed by EPA and OSHA standards.
EPA Scope, Responsibilities, and Regulations
The responsibilities of this organization include protecting public health and the environment by guaranteeing compliance with federal environmental statutes and regulations. EPA Clean Water Act regulations and EPA Drinking Water regulations are two of the many statutes and regulations by the EPA.
What does the EPA regulate?
It regulates and ensures that potable water is readily available to everyone. Whether the source is public water system or water tanks, EPA assures that every person is drinking safe and clean water. EPA regulations guarantee that once a water storage tank has passed on the tests conducted by EPA and its affiliate agencies, it is safe from all possible contaminants, such as microbiological, chemical, or physical contaminants.
OSHA Scope, Responsibilities, and Regulations
It is the agency’s duty to enforce the OSHA Safety Act to ensure, to the greatest extent possible, safe and healthy working conditions for all workers. OSHA has a program for both public and private sectors called OSHA Safety and Health Fundamentals Certificate Program to promote occupational safety and health and reduce worker incident rates.
What does the OSHA regulate?
It regulates and ensures that the general working conditions are met. OSHA requirements include that the employer provides potable drinking water in adequate amounts to meet each employee’s health and personal needs. The workplace must have a potable water fountain, a covered container with single-use drinking cups stored in a sanitary receptacle, or single-use bottles.
Also, OSHA provides specific requirements for water storage tanks constructed in confined spaces and protects construction workers from exposure to the elements when constructing a water tank.
Importance of Water Tank Inspections As Per EPA and OSHA Regulations
Water tanks are an indispensable part of our daily lives. They store water for various purposes, such as drinking, washing, and industrial processes. However, it is important to ensure that water tanks are safe and free from contaminants. That’s why regular inspections of water tanks are so important and why they are mandated by organizations like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
These organizations have established guidelines for the design, construction, and maintenance of water tanks, and regular inspections help to ensure that these guidelines are being followed. By adhering to these regulations, your organization can minimize the risk of water tank contamination and ensure that the water you are storing is safe for consumption.
Get Premium-Grade Water Storage Tanks Only at Raven American Tanks!
The regulations set by the two agencies, EPA and OSHA, are critical in ensuring water tank safety because compliance with their regulations can help you identify any necessary repairs or upgrades.
If you do not yet have your own water tank or need an experienced team of water tank inspection and maintenance for your existing tanks, there’s only one company in the US that can offer you the best services – Raven American Tanks! Dial +1 800 656 0167 or email us at info@amtanks.com to discover our complete range of services!
