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1. VCI(Pty) Ltd : Operation & Maintenance
Manual
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10
| OPERARTION AND MAINTENACE
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OPERARTION AND MAINTENACE

2. VCI(Pty) Ltd : Operation & Maintenance
Manual
20
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| Introduction
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Introduction
The Savanna GRP tanks are manufactured from non-corrosive materials and as
a consequence require little or no specific maintenance other than good
housekeeping
The inner surface of our panels in contact with water has a high gloss, smooth
finish which does not readily attract or retain dirt.
Any internal support or fastener in contact with the water is stainless steel or
galvanized as specified. Externally are galvanized mild steel. External bracing is
also galvanized mild steel. Once the Savanna Tank has been successfully
commissioned and approved by the client‘s engineers there is usually additional
need to attend to it. Once water testing is successfully carried out, the tanks will
remain water tight unless disturbed. Tanks left empty for longer than periodic
cleaning (4 weeks) should be re-tightened by one of our installation team members.
ANNUAL INSPECTION
It is recommended that Water Storage Tanks should have an annual inspection:
1. Inspect and ascertain the effectiveness and operation of the ball valve
2. Inspect and ascertain the cleanliness of the tank. If the supply is not filtered.
Sediment will be drawn in via the inlet main and will collect within the tank.
This should be removed by using the washout facility, or in the case of heavy
deposition, thorough washing down. If the latter course requires to be
adopted then the tank must be re-chlorinated prior to re-commissioning.
3. Inspect the tank externally for any sign of dampness around its base which
may be the result of:
a. Leaking tank connections
b. Condensation: this occurs particularly if there are large and frequent
variations in water level within the tank. Should this be the case it is
necessary to check on bolt tightness as a precautionary measure even
though no leakage is evident at time of inspection.
c. Site damage
4. Inspect the tank fitting to ensure that:
a. Air vent and overflow inlet filler
b. Man access and inspection hatches are secure and sealed
c. All access ladders are securely fixed

3. VCI(Pty) Ltd : Operation & Maintenance
Manual
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| METHOD STATEMENT FOR TANK INSTALLATION
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METHOD STATEMENT FOR TANK
INSTALLATION
INTRODUCTION
At times the erection team leader is to ensure the structural stability of the part
tank. Access to the working area by third parties shall be with the permission and
accompaniment of the team leader. No wall is to be built full height for more than 4
panels in length without supporting the top of the cover panels. Access to the upper
tiers of the tank shall using scaffolding where necessary stable portable ladders
only to be used where impracticable. i.e narrow gaps etc.
The foreman erector shall ensure that all access is secure and provide a safe
working environment with consideration to the tasks to be performed.
Materials not in immediate use shall be kept tidy and stacked adjacent to the
working area. Materials in use shall be kept tidy. The team leader shall ensure that
they do not form a tripping hazard.
The working area shall be left tidy and secure on leaving site.
ERECTION PROCESS
The Savanna tanks are erected as follows:
1. Assemble base panels and position
2. Assemble walls and divider panels starting from a corner to maintain
stability
3. Build out cover progressively from first completed corner to maintain support
to top of walls
4. When shell is completed check and adjusts bolts.
5. Fit internal bracing structure. Site drill holes to install corner washers
6. Fit external bracing structure
7. Fit internal tie rods, drill holes using hand held drilling machine
8. Adjust tie rod system
9. Drill fit nozzles and other fixtures into place.
10.Check and adjust all bolts
11.Check and clean completed tank carry out water tightness test and hand
over.
12.Cover any open pipe ends with tape or caps

4. VCI(Pty) Ltd : Operation & Maintenance
Manual
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| CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILIES
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CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILIES
The client is responsible for ensuring the following:
Working space
A minimum clearance of 500mm around the tank and 750mm above the tank is
required. Taken from the external dimensions of the tank. It is recommended that
this space be maintained after installation for future access. If top of tank is 3m or
more above FFL, then the clearance around the tank should be sufficient to permit
the use of a scaffold.
FOUNDATIONS
Detailed specifications for foundations are provided by our engineers on and
where we do not do the foundations. These must be followed closely as its input that
attention be given to the quality and accuracy of the foundations. This is critical as
in cases where client installs their own foundations, the structural intensity of these
rests with the client. Please note that it is vital that the correct base arrangement
measured laterally or diagonally and be free from protuberances. They must also be
bigger than the nominal tank size. Unacceptable foundations are the largest cause
of unnecessary site return visits that are chargeable.
Site Storage
The components are generally in a palletized form for ease of handling and
storage. It is the client’s responsibility to provide close storage for ease of access to
the site. The tank may include stainless steel sections, care must be taken to avoid
contamination of these by abrasion with mild steel.
The panels may be kept outdoors, in a secure area, but fixings, sealant and
connections should be kept in dry secure storage.
Once these have been signed for by the client, the responsibility for all the
components remain the clients at all times, it is recommended that the client
specifically insures the tank components. Care must be taken to avoid accidental
damage or contamination of the components by general building materials e.g.
paint, oil and concrete.
Scaffolding
Where any work at height is involved, the client must supply a secure working
platform with enough space around the tank. Additionally for tanks over 3m high,
the client shall provide a mobile scaffold tower for the internal installation works.
Power Supply and Welfare

5. VCI(Pty) Ltd : Operation & Maintenance
Manual
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|
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For the basement and not for installation power supply may be required within
twenty meters of the foundation, in basements the area must have adequate
lighting.
Work Permit
Where necessary all work permits must be arranged by the client prior to arrival
on installation site. Where safety induction courses are required, they must be
stipulated at time of order placement as they are not inclusive in our pricing.
Pipe Connection
Before installations all positioning and sizes for the pipe connection must be
agreed on. In the absence of information our crews will determine the most suitable
arrangement for the tank.
All external pipe work installed by the client must be firmly support.
Testing and Commissioning
All testing should be completed within 1 – 7 days of our completing our
installation. This thus requires the availability of water on site for testing purposes.
Water for testing purposes is NOT quoted for and is the responsibility of the client.
Standing time is charged at P250.00 per hour and any return site visit for the
testing is charged @ P10.00 per km and P3000.00 for return to site. Outdoor tanks
and IBT will not attend the site for testing works unless by prior arrangement.
Likewise, the provision of blanking flanges, fittings and water for testing is the
client’s responsibility. No liability can be accepted by Savanna Tanks for any
damages resulting from water used for testing. Protection of the tank is the client’s
responsibility.

6. VCI(Pty) Ltd : Operation & Maintenance
Manual
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|
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End User- General Maintenance
Every 6 Months
At 6 month intervals, the tanks should be checked for the below, ensure tank is
full.
a) Leaking from any Bolts & Nuts (Ref to Leaks / Bolts & Nuts Section)
b) Leaking from in between the panel joins
All steel components of the tanks should be checked for any signs of decay.
Should any signs of decay develop, a painting program of bi-annual to annual
intervals should be put into place be it a galvanized or painted component.
If any steel component is badly rusted and needs replacement - Contact the
manufacturer
Every 12 Months
a) The checks mentioned in the six month section should be repeated.
b) Special consideration should be given to the condition of the external braces ,
Make sure that all the braces touch/full contact on the sides of all the three panels
which make up the height of the tank. If not - adjust the adjuster bolts(2 No M 16
Bolts) on the bottom of the external brace until the external brace has moved into
the position wanted (M24 Spanner).The tops of the external brace can be adjusted
be means of the tie rods on top of the tank. The tie rod bolts can be threaded in or
out. (2 No M10 Bolts)
When the tank is empty
c) Empty the tank and check if all the roof supports are in place. (110 mm PVC
pipe). The correct position for any roof support is from the bottom on the tank where
any four panels meet to the exact position directly above to where four Roof panels
meet. The Roof supports are specially grooved to insert the support into the corners
of the four roof panels.

7. VCI(Pty) Ltd : Operation & Maintenance
Manual
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| End User- General Maintenance
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Sometimes roof supports need to be replaced – Please contact the manufacturer
d) Check how clean the tank is; if the tank requires cleaning then clean the tank
Check to see if the Drain and overflow are not blocked – if either are blocked, try
to remove the blockage. This may require the removing of any/all piping to the tank
at the drain & overflow connection points.
Curing of leaks: Ensure Tank is full
From the Bolts
When water leaks from any of the bolts, then tighten from one bolt next to the
leaking bolt to the other. In other words when a bolt leaks from the centre of the
bolt line of a panel then start to tighten each bolt next to the leaking bolt, to the left
& right. When the leaking bolt is in the corner then focus your attention to all the
four corner bolts in each panel.
Small quarter turns from your spanner until the leak slows. Then stop and check
the next day.
If the leak continues, then remove the Bolt, two washers & Nut, thread the bolt
with sealant. Place a pocket of sealant over the washer and replace the bolt. On the
other side of the bolt where the nut is to be threaded, place a pocket of sealant there
too and replace the washer & bolt. Slow Half turns of your spanner – until the leak
slows or stops. Then leave alone. Check the next day
If you have more than one bolt leaking, then cure the leaking bolts all at the
same time, in a one by one fashion.
DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN THE BOLTS. This may break a panel and affect the
sealing of the tank. ONLY SMALL TURNS OF THE SPANNER.
From in between the Panels
Tighten all seven bolts along the leaking line by starting with the corner bolts
first and slowly working your way to the centre. If the leak is in the corner – then
tighten the bolts towards the leaking corner from the centre of each of the four
panels that make up the corner.

8. VCI(Pty) Ltd : Operation & Maintenance
Manual
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| End User- General Maintenance
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Small half turns with the spanner. Until the leak slows or stops and check the
next day
DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN THE BOLTS. This may break a panel and affect the
sealing of the tank. ONLY SMALL TURNS OF THE SPANNER
Sometimes bolts may seem lose – Do not allow the temptation of tightening the
bolts to overcome you. Slow half or quarter turns of the spanner only – then leave
alone!!!!
Useful Tips
It may be important to keep a record of areas of the tank that presents problem.
Always use the same people to carry out the maintenance checks
When in doubt call the manufacturer
Try to protect the tank from any outside interference, e.g. cattle, children,