EEMUA 159 Tank Inspection
Specialist inspections to assess the fitness-for-service and long-term integrity of above ground storage tanks.
About EEMUA 159 inspection
EEMUA 159 is the recognised industry standard for the inspection, assessment and maintenance of above ground storage tanks. It sets out recommended inspection techniques, acceptance criteria and reporting requirements to support the safe and compliant operation of above ground flat bottomed storage tanks.
At Vertek we carry out EEMUA 159 assessments in accordance with the latest edition of the standard, covering all key areas of the tank including the shell, floor, roof, nozzles, welds and ancillary components. We identify degradation mechanisms such as corrosion, cracking and settlement, and carry out structural integrity and remaining life calculations.
Reports are clear and straightforward, with practical recommendations so tank owners know exactly what action is needed and why.
Our tank inspection capabilities
A single EEMUA 159 assessment brings together the survey work, the calculations and the reporting that tell you where a tank stands.
- External and internal shell inspection
- Floor plate inspection and floor scanning
- Thickness measurement and corrosion mapping
- Settlement surveys and settlement analysis
- Roof, nozzle and appurtenance inspection
- Structural integrity and remaining life assessment
- Fitness-for-service assessment
- API 653 support and cross-referencing
Why follow EEMUA 159
Industry recognised
A recognised standard and best practice for the management of above ground storage tanks.
Safety and environment
Supports the safe operation of tanks and helps protect people and the surrounding environment.
Regulatory and insurance
Helps operators meet regulatory expectations and the requirements of insurers.
Asset reliability
Supports integrity management and long-term reliability, reducing the risk of unplanned downtime and failure.
Reporting and recommendations
A Vertek inspection report is more than a data sheet. We know that a long document full of thickness readings and photographs is of little use if it does not tell you what they mean or what to do next.
Every report we produce includes a clear summary of findings, identified degradation mechanisms, a remaining life assessment, structural integrity calculations where applicable, and practical recommendations prioritised by risk.
Our reports are written by the inspector who carried out the work, so the context, judgement and recommendations you receive reflect genuine first-hand knowledge of your asset. Where needed, we can also support the inspection with tank cleaning and grit blasting for floor assessment, removal and replacement of lagging for shell thickness readings, and full repair planning in line with EEMUA 159, API 653 and the tank's original design code.
A note on regulatory context
EEMUA 159 is not itself a statutory requirement. Following it, however, helps operators demonstrate that their tanks are being managed in line with industry best practice. This supports compliance with wider regulatory duties under COMAH, DSEAR and the Health and Safety at Work Act, and it is often expected by insurers and regulators even where it is not explicitly mandated.
Related inspection services
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Speak with our inspection team about EEMUA 159 inspections, integrity assessments and inspection planning.