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Storage Tanks |
| Hazards and
Solutions |
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Hazards encountered in petroleum and petrochemical storage
tanks include, fire or explosion, asphyxiation,
toxicity, entrapment, falls, and physical and chemical hazards including steam, heat,
noise, cold and electrical shock. These hazards can be a result of the presence
of hazardous gases, vapors, fumes, cleaning chemicals, dusts, improper or
insufficient lockout-tagout, or excessive heat or cold. Additionally, the
creation of an oxygen-deficient or oxygen-rich atmosphere may cause serious
injury or death.
Most storage tanks have restricted means of entry and egress and are not
intended for continuous human occupancy. Because they may contain hazards when
taken out of service, most storage tanks will be considered
Permit-Required
Confined Spaces (PRCS). PRCSs are recognized by OSHA and the industry as
presenting specific hazards that require special safety procedures in order to
prevent accidents and injuries during entry. OSHA's permit-required confined
spaces standard (1910.146)
must be followed whenever employees enter permit spaces.
In addition, petroleum and petrochemical storage tanks present a unique
classification of confined spaces. The American Petroleum Institute (API) and
the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) have developed a number of
standards and codes that specifically address safe work practices while cleaning
and entering petrochemical storage tanks. They are:
- ANSI/API Standard 2015, Requirements for Safe Entry and Cleaning of
Petroleum Storage Tanks (2001, August).
- ANSI/API Recommended Practice 2016, Guidelines and
Procedures for Entering and Cleaning Petroleum Storage Tanks, First Edition,
(2001, August).
- NFPA 326 – Standard for the Safe Guarding of Tanks
and Containers for Entry, Cleaning or Repair.
More specific guidance is provided for the following
Major Work Activities for Tank Cleaning Operations.
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