Underground Petroleum Storage Tanks and Related Wastes - Code ...
Underground Petroleum Storage Tanks and Related Wastes - Code ...
Underground Petroleum Storage Tanks and Related Wastes - Code ...
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Refer to appendix 1. The principal’s number should be on the tank <strong>and</strong> should be<br />
cross referenced with the permanent identification number.<br />
Any tank that is holed or unsound should be placed on the disposal pad at the time<br />
of delivery to the disposal site. It should have any product pumped out <strong>and</strong> be<br />
thoroughly steamed or water washed internally prior to being stored awaiting<br />
processing.<br />
11. TANK PROCESSING AND DISPOSAL<br />
11.1 Preliminary<br />
Too many tanks have exploded when believed safe. Take every care. Do not let it<br />
happen to you.<br />
IF IN DOUBT, DO NOT PROCEED!<br />
Treat all tanks as hazardous until checked, tested <strong>and</strong> certified gas free immediately<br />
before processing.<br />
11.2 Hazards<br />
The special hazards that must be managed are:<br />
• Explosion <strong>and</strong> fire<br />
• Toxic materials<br />
• Asphyxiation<br />
11.3 Explosion or Fire<br />
Flammable vapour + air + ignition = fire.<br />
Fire in a confined space = explosion.<br />
Petrol, gasoline, kerosine <strong>and</strong> other light products = flammable vapour.<br />
Diesel, lubricating oil <strong>and</strong> other heavier products + heat = flammable vapour.<br />
Avoid fires <strong>and</strong> explosions by eliminating one or more of the three factors —<br />
vapour, air or ignition source.<br />
11.4 Eliminate Vapour<br />
Less than a litre of product is needed to produce an explosive vapour in a 30,000<br />
litre tank. This could come from sludge or scale remaining in a tank.<br />
Any trace of product remaining in a tank, even in the form of damp sludge or<br />
scale, indicates the probable presence of an explosive vapour.<br />
Always wear appropriate breathing apparatus when approaching or working with a<br />
tank that is being purged of vapour.<br />
Only tanks with manholes can be properly cleaned <strong>and</strong> tested for product or vapour.<br />
<strong>Tanks</strong> without manholes must always be treated as hazardous until they have been<br />
opened up, thoroughly ventilated <strong>and</strong> cleaned.<br />
Prolonged natural ventilation, over several weeks may allow all vapour to escape<br />
from a Class 3(a) product tank (petrol <strong>and</strong> other volatile highly products) provided<br />
the tank is raised on blocks at least 300 mm clear of the ground, in a horizontal<br />
Transport <strong>and</strong> Disposal of <strong>Petroleum</strong> <strong>Storage</strong> <strong>Tanks</strong> 15
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