1917.73(a) -
1917.73(a)(1) Tanks in terminal areas used for receiving or storing
bailwater for recirculating into vessel holds in discharging operations shall be
opened or ventilated to minimize contamination of water circulated to
the vessel. Bailwater tanks shall be thoroughly drained upon completion
of each day's operations and shall be left open to the air. Drainage is
unnecessary when bailwater has been treated to remove hydrogen sulfide-producing contaminants and the efficiency of such treatment has been
established by the employer.
1917.73(a)(2) Before employees enter a dock tank, it shall first be drained, rinsed and tested for hydrogen
sulfide and oxygen deficiency. Employees shall not enter the tank when the hydrogen sulfide level exceeds 20 ppm or oxygen content is less than 19.5
percent, except in emergencies.
1917.73(a)(3) Tests shall be conducted by designated personnel with suitable test equipment and respiratory
protective equipment complying with the provisions of 1910.134 of this chapter.
1917.73(b) Pipelines and hoses on the dock or terminal used for receiving
and circulating used bailwater shall be completely drained upon
completion of each day's operation and left open to the air.
..1917.73(c)
1917.73(c) At least four units of respiratory protective equipment consisting of supplied-air respirators or
self-contained breathing apparatus complying with the requirements of 1910.134 of this chapter shall be available in a suitably labeled cabinet for
immediate use in case of emergency caused by oxygen deficiency or hydrogen sulfide. Any employee entering a tank in an emergency shall, in addition to
respiratory protective equipment, wear a lifeline and safety harness to facilitate rescue. At least two other employees, similarly equipped, shall be
continuously stationed outside the tank to observe and to provide rescue services.
1917.73(d) The plant superintendent and foremen shall be trained and knowledgeable about the hazards of hydrogen
sulfide and oxygen deficiency. They shall be trained in the use of appropriate respiratory and other protective equipment, and in rescue procedures.
Other supervisory plant personnel shall be informed of these hazards and instructed in the necessary safety measures, including use of respiratory and
rescue equipment.
1917.73(e) Supervisory personnel shall be on hand at dockside to supervise
discharging of bailwater from vessels.
[62 FR 40141, July 25, 1997; 65 FR 40940, June 30, 2000]
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