PURPOSE
To provide guidelines for the safe execution and preparation for maintenance activities involving storage
tanks and spheres. The overall aim is to ensure all jobs are performed safely and due consideration is
given to protecting employee health and property.
SCOPE
Any work activity, which involves the isolating, opening, cleaning and repairing of storage tanks and
spheres, must comply with this procedure. The tank cleaning process begins when the product is
removed from the tank by means other than normal fixed piping.
The Tank Entry/Cleaning Procedure is intended to be used in conjunction with established procedures
such as Hot Work/Entry, Equipment Lockout/Tag Out, Opening up Process Equipment, PPE Procedure,
Respiratory Protection Program, Welding on tank bottoms and Safe Blinding, and does not replace or
reduce the requirements of other procedures.
I. RESPONSIBILITIES
A. Process
1. Advises Mechanical and Contractors of the product stored in the tank and ensure
they are aware of the hazards. (This can be accomplished in the Pre-Cleaning
Conference see Appendix A.)
2. Prepares tank for maintenance activities by:
a. Closing valves.
b. Identify and tag blinding locations.
c. Inspect the floating roof.
d. Draining liquid product from the tank through fixed piping.
e. Lockout/tagout mixers, valves, level indicating devices, cathodic
protection and pumps and any other potential energy sources.
f. Lowering the roof long legs on external floating roofs.
g. Post or barricade the area to prevent entry of vehicles or unauthorized
personnel into the work area.
h. Communicate other activities to all personnel in area. ie; draining,
sampling, opening up process equipment.
NOTE: Often times, when an external floating roof is on its legs, the roof drain hose will
crimp and the roof will not drain. The roof should be monitored for water
accumulation. If necessary, the emergency roof drain plugs may be pulled to
remove the water.
B. Mechanical/Contractor
Mechanical is responsible for ensuring that the following is accomplished:
1. Train personnel on correct procedures, potential chemical exposures, and
personal protective equipment requirements.
2. Stop all other work inside the diked area and within a minimum of 50 feet (15
meters) upwind from the tank (longer distances may be required when there is
no wind, or because of other weather conditions or special circumstances, like
downwind location). During initial opening of the tank stop all work within a
minimum of 100 ft (30 m) from the tank or such greater distance as appropriate
considering site conditions.
3. Prior to residual product removal and tank ventilation, the Assigned Supervisor
must control ignition sources.
4. Blind and isolate all lines to the tank.
5. Notify Field Safety prior to opening tank manways.
6. Open, vapor free, clean, and repair storage tank.
7. Identify Hazards and minimize exposures.
8. Install barriers around, or over floor openings, overhead hazards and trip
hazards
9. Post Caution Hazard Signs at the entry point that identifies hazards and update
as necessary.
10. Review the Contractors JSA for accuracy prior to initiating work.
11. After Maintenance activities are completed, prepare the tank to return to service.
12. Any equipment inside the diked area must be bonded to the tank. It is imperative
to use only diesel powered equipment which has emergency engine air intake
shut-off devices in the event vapors reach the equipment.
C. Assigned Supervisor
1. The Assigned Supervisor must ensure that tank cleaning is conducted safely and
efficiently according to the ExxonMobil Tank Cleaning Procedures and local
regulatory requirements. The Assigned Supervisor should be an ExxonMobil
qualified employee.
D. Field Safety
Field Safety is responsible for the following:
1. Assist Mechanical and Process with personal protective equipment selection and
requirements (see Appendix F).
2. Assist Mechanical and Process with hazard identification.
3. Conduct tank atmosphere tests for hydrocarbon vapors, benzene, oxygen, and other
chemicals as needed (see Appendix E).
4. Review posted Caution Hazard Sign and update as necessary.
5. Ensure proper barriers are in place such as sump holes.
6. Review tank for physical hazards
7. Issue Hot Work and Entry Permits.
8. Check for trapped hydrocarbons, e.g., in pontoons, floating roof legs, fixed roof
support columns, internal piping, seals, tank bottom lining/coating, pipe supports,
steam coils, etc. Foam log-type (also known as toroidal or tubular) seal materials
may be saturated with hydrocarbons
Section 9 – Tank Entry Cleaning Procedure -3-
ExxonMobil JOLIET REFINERY safety procedures
Tank Entry/Cleaning Procedure August 2012
E. Technical
The Inspection Group is responsible for the following:
1. Review work permits, confined space entry permit and hazard recognition signs prior
to starting work activities.
2. Inspect external floating roof legs to ensure they are adequate to support roof.
3. Inspect roofs for thickness around vacuum vents and access ladders.
NOTE: Planks must be used to walk on roofs when thin areas are suspected.
4. Visually inspect internal floating roof legs for structural stability.
5. Visually inspect internal structural supports for structural stability (cone roof).
II. PROCEDURE
A. Tank History Review
1. Prior to cleaning any tank, the following factors must be taken into account when
developing the cleaning plan:
a. The product(s) stored in the tank since the last cleaning [including Material
Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs)].
b. Potential contaminates or byproducts from upstream processes that were or may
be reactive in the presence of water, oxygen, detergents or solvents.
c. If leaded gasoline has been stored in the tank, and records do not indicate that it
has been declared lead-free, steps must be taken to test and control exposures
to organic lead.
d. Product removal considerations including potentially hazardous contaminates
(e.g. hydrogen sulfide).
e. Iron sulfide history of tanks storing sour materials (e.g., crude oil, sour naphtha,
slop).
f. Construction and physical condition of the tank.
g. Making required notifications and obtaining permits.
h. Consider potential community impacts.
i. Coordinating hazardous waste handling.
j. Previous mechanical work.
2. Appropriate personnel should ensure all required notifications are made and permits
obtained. Consideration should also be given to potential community impacts. There
may also be requirements to coordinate hazardous waste handling.
B. Pre-Cleaning Conference
1. Arrangements should be made to conduct a Pre-Cleaning Conference and site
review to ensure that tank-cleaning personnel are instructed concerning the
following:
a. Potential hazards specific to tank cleaning operations, as well as including facility
safety orientation, fire fighting, and emergency evacuation procedures.
b. Correct methods and sequence of operations.
Section 9 – Tank Entry Cleaning Procedure -4-
ExxonMobil JOLIET REFINERY safety procedures
Tank Entry/Cleaning Procedure August 2012
c. Work permitting requirements. Cold or Hot work and confined space permitting.
d. Tank ventilation.
e. Atmosphere air sampling requirements.
f. Flammable vapor hazards.
g. MSDS's and toxic substance concerns, where applicable, e.g., hydrogen sulfide,
lead, hydrocarbon vapors, including benzene, MTBE;
h. Personal protective equipment (PPE).
i. Potential sources of ignition, including static electricity, and their control.
j. Safe use of potentially hazardous equipment such as electric motors and
gasoline or diesel fueled engines, vapor recovery unit.
k. Environmental requirements.
2. Prior to the Pre-Cleaning Conference, a survey of the surrounding area should be
conducted to determine necessary steps to mitigate or eliminate potential hazards
such as drifting vapors from other tanks, lines, or sewers, as well as interfaces with
other nearby work areas. If after the start of operations planned conditions change,
another pre-cleaning conference must take place. The Job Safety Analysis (JSA)
may be built/assembled in the Pre-Cleaning Conference. A checklist should be used
as a planning and execution resource to facilitate this activity (see Appendix A for an
example checklist, and Appendix B for additional resources and references).
C. Preliminary Precautions
1. Hazard Identification
Process will identify potential hazards associated with each tank, such as:
a. Explosion/Fire Hazard
1. Flammable Liquids
During tank vapor freeing and cleaning, the hydrocarbon vapor in air
concentration may be in the explosive range. To reduce the potential for a
fire, air driven mechanical air movers (fans, air horns, etc.) are used to
reduce the vapor in air concentration.
2. Pyrophoric Conditions
In vessels, which have contained sour hydrocarbon streams, there is a
potential for pyrophoric conditions. The iron sulfides, when exposed to air,
will ignite. Firewater hose lines should be used to minimize the potential for
ignition. The nozzle must be bonded or grounded to the tank before using
hose lines.
b. Toxic Liquids and Vapors
1. Hydrogen Sulfide
The atmosphere in all tanks that have contained sour crudes and stocks
(high sulfur content) should be considered toxic until tests prove otherwise.
2. Lead Antiknock Compounds
A tank that has contained leaded gasoline or lead slop and has been used to
store other products without prior cleaning should always be considered lead
hazardous. All tanks will be tested before being considered lead free.
Contact Industrial Hygiene for appropriate testing.
3. Petroleum Substance
Section 9 – Tank Entry Cleaning Procedure -5-
ExxonMobil JOLIET REFINERY safety procedures
Tank Entry/Cleaning Procedure August 2012
2. Energy Sources and the control of them, including cathodic protection, static
electricity, valves and level reading devices.
3. Falling objects, debris or tools from overhead.
b. The tank must first be emptied of all recoverable product through the tank
discharge nozzle, sample line, water draw-off, or other suitable fixed connections
without opening the tank manways. Before product transfer from a floating roof
tank, the legs of the floating roof should be adjusted to the high position to allow
room for entrants to work underneath the roof after the tank is emptied. This
assumes that confined space entry requirements can be satisfied, especially in
the case of internal floating roofs.
NOTE: Internal floating roof tanks may have to emptied, stripped and refloated with
water to help satisfy entry requirements.
2. Tank Isolation
a. Mechanical or Contractor will isolate all lines (including steam coils) following
the Safe Blinding Procedure.
b. Process, Mechanical, and/or Contractors will lockout and tag out all mechanical
or electrical equipment (e.g., mixers) following the Equipment Lockout/Tag Out
Procedure.
c. The assigned supervisor along with process should review the thermal relief
requirements for piping to prevent over-pressuring any associated piping.
e. Once the tank has been pumped out to its lowest possible level, and other
appropriate external product removal methods have been taken, prepare the
tank to be opened to complete emptying. Where pyrophorics are expected in
floating roof tanks, consider introducing water after the roof has landed to
maintain underside of roof wet. At this point, all electrical equipment (e.g.,
hydrostatic tank gauges, high level alarms, mixers, cathodic protection, sump
pumps, etc.) must be isolated and locked-out prior to other tank isolation
activities. Steam coils or electric heaters inside the tank, if present, should be
isolated and blanked-off/locked-out and allowed to cool prior to exposing the
heater above the tank liquid level.
f. A bonding wire must be connected across the flanges before the first valve is
removed. The wire must remain until one or more valves have been reinstalled.
This practice avoids sparking when the lines are disconnected due to
differences in electrical potential between tank and piping.
g. The tank must be isolated from active service by blinding, or by the removal of
valves and spool pieces, between the flanges closest to the tank. If blinding is
not possible due to welded flanges and we are going to use double block
and bleed this will require the approval of the SOC. Be sure to blind any
resulting exposed piping, valves or flanges. The tank bottom drain valve should
remain open if it will be needed for cleaning the tank. Pressure relief valves
bypassed around a blinded flange must be disconnected and capped. The
supervisor should review the thermal relief requirements for isolated piping to
prevent over-pressuring the line.
h. Close and tag out all dike/firewall drain valves and lines into adjacent areas.
i. Check to ensure the tank is adequately grounded.
j. Tank Fire Fighting foam systems must remain connected until the tank is
certified vapor/gas free.
3. Opening Manways
a. Opening the tank manways is a critical part of the tank cleaning process.
Personnel must be cautious of flammable and toxic vapors, which may be
released from the tank when the manways are removed. Personnel will adhere to
the following steps to reduce the potential for exposure:
NOTE: All unnecessary personnel shall be restricted from inside the tank dike area
during the removal of the manways and no work is allowed within the tanks dike /
restricted area, until vapor concentrations in the tank are reduced to below 50%
lower flammable limit.
b. Remove all potential sources of ignition from inside the tank dike. Hot Work
(welding, etc.), is not allowed in the dike area until the tank is declared
hydrocarbon free.
c. Remove non-intrinsically safe communication equipment (e.g. cell phones,
walkie-talkies, pagers) from the work area.
a. Samples of vapors in the tank must be taken, preferably at the exhaust outlet
and the bottom manway, to determine the concentration of vapors and
effectiveness of the ventilation. Continuous monitoring of hydrocarbon vapors
and oxygen content is required from the time a 10% LEL concentration has
been reached and until the tank is certified vapor/gas free.
b. 11% - 20% LEL - Tank entry when hydrocarbon vapor concentrations exceed
10% is generally prohibited. Entry at concentrations above 10%, up to a
maximum of 20% or gas readings above IDLH, should only be permitted under
exceptional circumstances, and require approval by the refinery manager, (a
manager two levels above the site manager for other organizations) and SOC
approval. Entry at concentrations above 10% requires special precautions,
and should be addressed on a case-by-case basis.
c. The Assigned Supervisor will be present at the tank when entry at these vapor
levels occurs. Personnel wearing supplied pressurized breathing air (airline
equipped with hose quick disconnects and egress bottles) or self-contained
breathing apparatuses and personal protective clothing may enter the tank for
inspection purposes only when the vapor concentrations leaving the tank are
20% LEL or less. All personnel entering the tank should be equipped with
individual exposure monitors that will alarm above 20% LEL.
d. If during entry or inspection activities, the disturbance of residue or some other
action causes the vapor concentrations to exceed 20% LEL, personnel must
cease activities and vacate the tank. They may re-enter the tank, for
inspection purposes only, when the vapor concentrations are again reduced to
20% LEL or less.
e. Personnel entering a tank containing this range of hydrocarbon levels must
wear a full body harness with a life-line. Strict conformance with Confined
Space Entry procedures is paramount during this operation.
f. 10% - 0% LEL - Personnel wearing pressurized breathing airline or self-
contained breathing apparatuses and personal protective clothing may enter
the tank to continue the cleaning process if the atmosphere inside the tank is
10% LEL or less.
g. Mechanical ventilation must be continued during this phase of the operation. If
during the cleaning activity the vapor concentration inside the tank rises above
10% LEL, work inside the tank must cease and personnel shall be required to
vacate the tank. Mechanical ventilation shall be continued until a reading of
10% LEL or less is obtained from sampling the vapors leaving the tank, before
personnel are permitted to re-enter and continue the cleaning activity. See
Appendix D for safe entry concentration limits of oxygen and toxic materials.
h. Larger capacity blowers may be used at this time to educt air from the tank roof
vent in order to speed up the ventilation time. But they must be shut down
immediately if the hydrocarbon concentration through them exceeds 10% LEL.
E. Tank Entry
1. The Assigned Supervisor must restrict personnel from working within the diked area
around the outside of the tank during vapor/gas freeing operations until the level of
flammable vapors leaving the tank is 50% LEL or lower and the atmosphere in the
diked area is within acceptable permit limits. When the concentration level leaving
the tank is below 50% only cold work is permitted inside the restricted area. When
vapor concentrations inside the tank reach 10% LEL or lower, final entry and
cleaning of the tank can commence.
a. Workers may not enter the tank without first obtaining a Confined Space
Entry Permit. Strict conformance with confined space entry procedures is an
essential component of tank cleaning operations.
Section 9 – Tank Entry Cleaning Procedure - 11 -
ExxonMobil JOLIET REFINERY safety procedures
Tank Entry/Cleaning Procedure August 2012
5. The refinery has established guidelines for the disposal of sludge in accordance with
applicable regulations. Questions concerning sludge disposal should be directed to
the Refinery Waste Coordinator.
G. Vapor / Gas Free Tank Certification
1. Once the tank has been cleaned, the atmosphere inside the tank must be tested for
oxygen, flammable vapors, and other toxics (e.g., benzene, lead). Tank ventilation
must be stopped for at least 15 minutes prior to gas testing. Tests shall also be
made of steel roof pontoon chambers with the covers removed, floating roof legs,
columns, internal piping and supports, foam seals, and other parts that may contain
residual hydrocarbons. For the tank to be confirmed vapor / gas free the tank has to
have 3 consecutive shifts of gas tests with acceptable readings. Additional cleaning
and testing may be required before the tank is considered vapor and toxic free.
Note: High benzene concentrations (over 6 ppm) have recently been
observed while cleaning heavy scale from the walls of a tank even though the LEL
readings inside the tank were 0%.
2. The assigned supervisor will either personally certify, or endorse certification that the
tank is vapor/toxic free. The Joliet Refinery Confined Space Entry Permit will
document these vapor readings and signatures.
a. Approved respiratory protection will be used for dust and sandblasting.
b. Approved respiratory protection will be used for application of internal coatings
after all hot work is completed.
Section 9 – Tank Entry Cleaning Procedure - 13 -
ExxonMobil JOLIET REFINERY safety procedures
Tank Entry/Cleaning Procedure August 2012
3. Upon Vapor / Gas free certification, and before further work continues,
disconnect/blind the tank fire fighting foam piping system.
H. Tank Repair
After cleaning activities have been completed, maintenance activities may be required to
repair/replace materials or equipment. These activities may be classified into three
groups:
1. Cold Work - These activities may present potential exposures to physical (e.g., dust)
or chemical substances. Personal Protective Equipment, along with correct safe
handling procedures, will minimize potential exposures.
2. Low Energy Work - These activities may involve the use of electric or battery
operated tools, AC electronic equipment, or test instruments. Low Energy Permits
are issued by the Process Department.
3. Hot Work - The majority of tank repairs will include hot work activities such as cutting,
welding, and grinding:
a. A Hot Work Permit is required in compliance with the Hot Work / Confined Space
Entry Permit Procedure.
b. Surface areas need to be prepared where hot work will be performed (heated
area) so that no hydrocarbons or ignitable scale is present. Painted surfaces
require testing for lead before the surface is disturbed (contact Industrial
Hygiene). Precautions must be taken to check for hidden pockets of
hydrocarbons, such as the primary seal, supports, legs, columns, pontoons,
internal piping and floor areas.
NOTE: Respiratory protection may be required when removing epoxy coatings from
surfaces. Remove enough epoxy material so that when hot work begins that the
material is not affected by the heat. Respiratory protection is required whenever
applying epoxy materials. MSDS must be present at jobsite for chemicals.
c. Repairs on tank bottoms require adherence to the Welding on Tank Bottoms
Procedure.
d. Repairs to floating roof tanks, because of additional areas where hydrocarbon
liquid and vapor may be trapped, requires the following to be checked:
1. Pontoons and/or flotation device
2. Seals
3. Roof support legs
4. Internal product piping and supports
III. TRAINING
All Assigned Supervisors and potential upgrades must have completed the associated training
module prior to the commencement of tank cleaning operations. This training module must also
be used to provide awareness training for all other individuals involved in the tank cleaning
operation, including contractors.
Tank Walk-Around:
Identify vehicle/equipment access concerns and provide barricades.
Review tank entry access and egress points.
Identify ventilation hazards.
Identify the means and locations for proper tank isolation.
Identify water source.
Identify emergency equipment access routes.
Signatures:
APPENDIX B
Appendix C
Air out
88
ExxonMobil - Nobody Gets Hurt
APPENDIX D-1
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION LIMITS FOR TANK ENTRY
This table indicates respiratory protection requirements for tank entry prior to vapor free certification
(1) Tests to Without Half Mask Full Face- Full Face Supplied Air
Substance or Conduct Respiratory Air Purifying piece Air [Self contained
Product Protection Respirator Purifying breathing apparatus or
Respirator hoseline with egress
cylinder if >IDLH (4)]
Oxygen Oxygen Not Permitted Not Permitted Not Permitted < 19.5%
<19.5% and <19.5% and <19.5% and > Not Permitted above
> 23.0% > 23.0% 23.0% 23.0%
Hydrogen Sulfide Hydrogen < 10 ppm > 10 ppm Not > 10 ppm Not > 10 ppm (IDLH = 100 ppm)
Sulfide Permitted Permitted
Benzene Benzene < 0.5 ppm <5 ppm < 25 ppm > 25 ppm (IDLH = 500 ppm)
Crude Oils THC <100 ppm < 1000 ppm < 1000 ppm > 1000 ppm
(Sweet and Sour) Benzene, (as THC) (as THC) (as THC) (as THC)
[measured as THC(2)] Hydrogen Sulfide
Middle Distillate THC
Fuels (Diesel Fuel, Benzene, < 100 ppm < 1000 ppm < 1000 ppm > 1000 ppm
Jet Fuels, Heating Oil, Hydrogen (as THC) (as THC) (as THC) (as THC)
Kerosene) Sulfide
[measured as THC(2)]
Gasolines (3) THC < 100 ppm < 1000 ppm < 1000 ppm > 1000 ppm
(mogas/avgas) Benzene, (as THC) (as THC) (as THC) (as THC)
[measured as THC(2)] Organic Lead
Naphthas THC < 100 ppm < 1000 ppm < 1000 ppm > 1000 ppm
(Straight-run/Virgin, Benzene, (as THC) (as THC) (as THC) (as THC)
Cat, Steam-Cracked Hydrogen
Alkylate, Isomerate Sulfide
Naphthas)
[measured as THC(2)]
Propane Propane < 1000 ppm < 1000 ppm < 1000 ppm >1000 ppm (IDLH=2100ppm)
Butane Butane < 800 ppm < 800 ppm < 800 ppm > 800 ppm
1,3-Butadiene 1,3-Butadiene < 2.0 ppm < 20 ppm <100 ppm >100 ppm (IDLH= 2000 ppm)
Organic Lead(3) Organic Lead Certified / Certified / Certified / Required for "Lead
(Tetraethyl Lead - Tested Tested Tested Service" Equipment or
TEL; Tetramethyl "Lead Free" "Lead Free" "Lead Free" where not previously
Lead - TML) (<0.1 mg/m3) (<0.1 mg/m3) (<0.1 mg/m3) certified "Lead Free"
(IDLH = 40 mg/m3)
Toluene Product Toluene < 50 ppm < 500 ppm < 500 ppm >500 ppm (IDLH = 500ppm)
Xylene Product Xylene < 100 ppm < 900 ppm < 900 ppm >900 ppm (IDLH = 900 ppm)
Hexane Product Hexane < 50 ppm < 500 ppm < 1000 ppm >1000 ppm
(n-Hexane) (IDLH=1100ppm)
NOTES ON TABLE
1. Note that the table includes a partial list of compounds with respiratory protection requirements. Consult Safety/IH
contacts for additional guidance and for the latest updated values. Gas test results deviating from normal (within the meter
accuracy) should be investigated and understood prior before entry is allowed (e.g. Oxygen readings <20.9%). Local
regulations may be more stringent. The more conservative guidelines should be applied.
2. Total Hydrocarbon (THC) may be measured via detector tube, chip reader device, or using a photoionization detector
(PID) using the manufacturer's recommended correction factor.
3. Organic lead tests for tanks in leaded service or for tanks previously in leaded service but not yet certified organic "lead
free". In the USA OSHA limit is 0.075mg/m3.
4. IDLH is defined by the USA National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) as an exposure condition "that
poses a threat of exposure to airborne contaminants when that exposure is likely to cause death or immediate or delayed
permanent adverse health effects or prevent escape from such an environment." The purpose of the IDLH is to "ensure
that the worker can escape from a given contaminated environment in the event of failure of the respiratory protection
equipment." Entry into areas where contaminant levels are at or above IDLH levels should be reviewed with
management with the same level of diligence and precaution as inert entry.
APPENDIX D-2
ALLOWABLE CONCENTRATION LIMITS FOR SELECTED SUBSTANCES(1)(2)
NOTES
1. The values above are expressed in percent by volume of total atmosphere NOT as percentage of the
lower explosive limit (which is the % LEL values mentioned throughout this document and is the
indication given by most explosimeter readouts). Measuring percent by volume of an explosive
material in air takes a special instrument. All measurements shall be conducted in an atmosphere
containing normal levels of oxygen, unless special techniques are used to increase oxygen levels in
the sample to 20.9% and proportionally adjust the meter reading.
2. Explosive ranges may vary depending upon specific product composition.
3. Total Hydrocarbon (THC) may be measured via detector tube, chip reader device, or using a
photoionization detector (PID) using the manufacturer's recommended correction factor.
Monitoring Equipment
Equipment for atmospheric / gas testing (i.e. oxygen and LEL testing) inside tanks prior
to entry shall be certified and calibrated as required by the manufacturer, tested at the
site prior to use and bump tested a minimum of once per day. Monitoring equipment that
may be needed is:
Continuous combustible/flammable vapor and oxygen gas tester/alarm.
Lead-in-air analyzer kit.
Other testing equipment as appropriate: H2S, Benzene, Toluene, Carbon
Monoxide, and static electricity/grounding.
Total Hydrocarbon (THC) can be measured using direct reading tubes or chip reader
devices. Alternate methods such as photoionization direct reading instruments may be
used as well provided the manufacturer correction factor is applied for the specific
substance measured.
LEL readings of 0% do not indicate the tank is free of hydrocarbon vapors and may not
be used as a substitute for other tests (e.g. benzene and THC). High benzene
concentrations (over 6 ppm) have recently been observed while cleaning heavy scale
from the walls of a tank even though the LEL readings inside the tank were 0%.
I. Protective Clothing
Protective equipment should be reviewed by the Assigned Supervisor to ensure that it is proper
for the hazards expected, of good quality, clean, and in proper working condition.
Workers and others using respiratory/breathing air protective equipment shall be trained and
qualified on the proper donning, testing, and use of the equipment provided.
Respirator/breathing air users shall receive an annual fit test and medical review.
Prior to permitting vertical entry into a tank a qualified person shall test the internal atmosphere
at 4-foot (1.2 meters) vertical intervals (from top to bottom) to assure that flammable and toxic
vapors have not stratified within the tank.
Continuous gas testing, with audible alarm shall be performed where the movement of workers
or equipment may cause the release of potentially hazardous gases from deposits or sediments
within the vessel.
The confined space entrant and the standby person shall always be capable of visual and
audible communications.
Source of supplied fresh air should be upwind and away from manway and other vapor sources.
Workers entering a tank that has contained leaded gasoline shall wear approved safety boots,
gloves, cap or hood, disposable coveralls, safety glasses, hard hats, and appropriate
respiratory/breathing air protection. All clothing shall be removed at the end of the shift and
cleaned before reuse (disposable clothing should not be reused). Clothing that is drenched with
leaded gasoline or residue should be removed immediately, any area of skin which came in
contact with product or residue thoroughly washed, and clean clothing and disposable coveralls
put on before re-entering the tank. [Consult the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) or Industrial
Hygiene decontamination plan.]