Important Notice: Concerning the Safe Use of Your Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) Water Tank
NOTICE
Our GRP water tanks were originally designed in accordance with the “Calculation Method for Designing FRP Tank Structure” issued by the Reinforced Plastics Association in Japan and the useful life of the GRP water tank pursuant to that design was reasonably estimated at 15 years. Accordingly, if you have owned and /or operated the GRP water tank for over 15 years (the “Tank”), it has exceeded the expected designed product life span. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you replace your Tanks as soon as possible.The specific problem with the Tanks that have been identified are related to users having the water levels in the compartments at unequal levels (e.g.- during cleaning of one compartment). Unequal water levels in the compartments combined with a degradation of the materials due to extended life span product use have resulted in a risk of structural failure of the partition panel in the Tank when it is subject to water pressure. For this reason, we are providing the following safety instructions which should be followed until such time as you are able to replace your Tanks.
Our company withdrew from the tank business in March 2013. Accordingly, we cannot replace your Tanks.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Please ensure that these safety instructions are conveyed to your staff and any independent cleaning company that may be engaged in the cleaning of your Tanks.The most important points to be observed in order to minimize the potential for an accident are:
• Do not use the Tanks if there are unequal water levels between the compartments.
• Completely empty all compartments when cleaning the Tanks.
• If you have no choice but to leave water in one compartment when cleaning or for other temporary reasons, be sure to:
- Lower the water level in the compartments as low as possible (preferably no higher than one half of the total volume or capacity of the compartment so as to minimize structural stress due to the water pressure;
- Inspect the Tanks prior to such temporary usage to ensure that there is no deformation or any cracks of the panels or other metal parts, water leakage, or any other identifiable defects; and
- Stop the cleaning process and vacate the Tanks immediately if there is any indication of observable defects including abnormal stresses being placed on the partition wall or any other indication that the partition may be failing.
INQUIRY
If you have any questions, please contact ;E-mail : zzy310.tank@bridgestone.com
Information: Rubber Dam Replacement
Bridgestone Corporation is providing owners of rubber dams with updated guidance regarding the expected useful service life of this product which is approximately 20 years. This information is intended to supplement information in prior guidance.
Bridgestone supplied approximately 1,500 rubber dams throughout the world between 1980 and 2008, when the company stopped manufacturing this product. Bridgestone is aware of approximately 20 rapid-deflation events during the 40-year period since production began. Although these are relatively rare occurrences, they can potentially have serious consequences, including risk of property damage, personal injury, and even lead to a possible fatality.
A rubber dam consists mainly of rubber and internal reinforcing fibers, and it is our understanding and it is widely-understood that: (1) these materials will deteriorate over time due to heat, exposure to ultraviolet rays, external forces (overflow, vibration and floating debris), and water penetration; and (2) this deterioration often is not visible. The actual rate of deterioration varies widely and depends upon many factors, but based upon its analysis of available data, Bridgestone recommends replacement of dams that have been in service for more than 20 years.
Bridgestone also wishes to share certain observations about dams which remain in service (which again, should only be dams less than 20 years old). If a visual inspection reveals blistering, cracks and/or peeling, these may be signs of an impending failure.
If your dam exhibits any of these conditions – even if it is less than 20 years old – you should immediately take steps to minimize pressure on the dam, install enhanced safety measures such a buoy lines, fencing and warning signage and immediately restrict all access to both the upstream and downstream areas in close proximity to the dam. In addition you should also immediately contact qualified service personnel for advice on repair or replacement.
If you have any questions about proper operation, maintenance and inspection procedures, please contact ;
rd.assistance_service.ktc.bsj@bridgestone.com
