Tips for using poly horizontal water tanks for fire fighting

Polyethylene horizontal water tanks (or transporter tanks) are often used as part of fire fighting units in South Africa.  Here are some tips and information about using these water tanks for this purpose.

Poly or plastic horizontal tanks are generally chosen over other materials as they are light and can take some knocks and abuse without cracking (good quality horizontal tanks that is). Various sizes of poly horizontal tanks are available; generally they are chosen to fit on the back of a standard pick-up or ‘bakkie’.  Larger horizontal tanks can be mounted on axles as a self-contained fire-fighting unit or they can be placed on trailers drawn by tractors or pick-ups.

When choosing a horizontal water tank for fire fighting, ensure that a good quality tank is chosen, preferably one that has reinforcing ribs.  Fire fighting is a rough business and tanks need to be able to withstand some rough treatment.  It may even be advisable to purchase a heavy duty version of the horizontal tank (e.g. SG 1.6).

If the horizontal tank is to be placed on the back of a pick-up truck it is imperative that the tank is properly secured and that there is no room for it to shift or bounce.  This is where it is important to choose the right sized horizontal water tank.  D-rings bolted to the pick-up’s load bed can be used to lash the tank in place with heavy duty canvas/nylon tie-downs that are well-tensioned and pull the tank downwards.

The horizontal tank should also have a fairly large manhole/opening at the top so that a large volume of water can be transferred into the water tank if necessary.  It is also important that a secure and tight-fitting lid is furnished with the tank – no water should spill out when traversing over rough roads.

It goes without saying that poly horizontal water tanks should not be exposed to direct flames or placed too close to intense heat – melting could occur.

JoJo Tanks in South Africa make a range of high quality horizontal tanks in capacities ranging from 240 litres to 5500 litres (most are available in standard, medium and heavy duty).  Click on the links below to view the range of JoJo water tanks, JoJo chemical tanks, JoJo septic tanks, JoJo tank stands and other high quality JoJo Tanks products.

JoJo Tanks South Africa offer a wide range of products such as plastic water tanks and chemical tanks to suit every household, business or agricultural need, including silo tanks and silo tank stands as well as other high quality JoJo Tanks products.  See JoJo Tanks’ VERTICAL TANKS, HORIZONTAL TANKS (transporter tanks), STEEL TANK STANDS and OTHER JOJO PRODUCTS and see JoJo Tanks’ NEW 6000 LITRE UNDERGROUND TANKS. Also see our FAQ and WATER TANK PRICES.