API 2015 Requirements for Safe Entry and Cleaning of Petroleum Storage Tanks Flashcards
- What type of information does this standard provide? To what types of tanks does it apply? (API 2015-18, Section 1.1)
This standard provides requirements for safety planning, coordinating and conducting tank entry and cleaning from removal from service to return to service
This standard is applicable to stationary atmospheric and low pressure (up to and including 15 psig) aboveground petroleum storage tanks used in the petroleum and petrochemical industry
- What is “bonding”? (API 2015-18, Section 3.5)
The joining of metal parts to form an electrically conductive path that ensures electrical continuity and has the capacity to safely conduct any current likely to be generated
- What is a “confined space?” What is a “permit-required confined space”? (API 2015-18, Section 3.8, 3.8.3)
A confined space is large enough and configured that an employee can enter and preform work
Has limited or restricted means for exit and entry
is not designed for continuous occupancy
Permit Required Confined Spaces have hazards that can put employee in danger (Toxic fumes, lack of oxygen, etc.)
- Should a situation develop that is more hazardous than allowed by the confined space entry permit, what shall entrants do? (API 2015-18, Section 7.2.1)
Work shall stop and all entrants shall immediately vacate the tank until a qualified individual has determined the cause of the change, and conditions are evaluated and corrected and the entry permit is reissued
- What shall entrants require during entry into a confined space? (API 2015-18, Section 6.3.5.1)
Entry supervisors shall require that a qualified person test and monitor the atmosphere inside the tank after vapor / gas freeing and degassing and during ventilation to ensure that oxygen levels are satisfactory, that flammable and toxic vapors are not present or above permissible levels
- Must an entry permit be issued for a worker to enter an inert atmosphere for test purposes? (API 2015-18, Section 10.1.2)
Entry into tanks for initial assessment of atmospheric and physical conditions shall be considered as permit required confined space entry until the results and evaluation of the tank atmospheric testing demonstrates otherwise
What are four categories of hazards a person may encounter during petroleum tank entry and cleaning? (API 2015-18, Section 7.1.1)
a)
b)
c)
d)
A) Oxygen defiencey or enrichment
B) Fires and Explosions
C) Toxic substance exposures
D) Physical or any other hazard
Before a tank is opened, all residual product should be pumped or drained off to the lowest possible level. To accomplish this task when working with heavy or viscous products, it may be advisable to flush the tank with what substances? (API 2015-18, Section C.2.3)
Diesel
- When preparing a tank for entry, what is the next step to take after emptying the tank? (API 2015-18, Section C.2.4)
Atmospheric Testing, Confined Space Permit
- What are the four requirements for personal protective equipment for workers entering a tank to clean it? (API 2015-18, Section 8.1.1)
PPE shall be appropriate for potential hazards, atmospheric exposures, tank conditions, and the task operation or activity to be preformed
- What three types of atmospheric tests (measurements) must be conducted before a tank is entered? In what order should these tests be performed? (API 2015-18, Section 6.3.1, 7.1.2)
a)
A) Oxygen content
B) Flammable vapors
C) toxic exposures
- When vapor freeing (purging) a tank, where should measurements (tests) of vapor levels around the exterior of the tank be conducted? (API 2015-18, Section 6.3.4)
The atmosphere around the outside of the tank and areas around the tank where vapors could collect
- Prior to permitting vertical entry into a tank, how should the internal atmosphere be tested to assure that flammable and toxic vapors have not stratified in the tank? (API 2015-18, Section 6.3.5.5)
A qualified person shall test the internal atmosphere at 4 feet vertical intervals (from top to bottom) to assure that flammable and toxic vapors have not stratified within the tank. This testing shall be done without entry if possible
- What information must be recorded on the entry permit? Where must this permit be posted? (API 2015-18, Section 10.2)
All required testing and safeguarding has been preformed, and entry requirements on the permit have been satisfied. Any problems arising during a tank entry shall be noted on the permit by the entry supervisor. A copy of written permit shall be posted at the tank entry point
- How long should the ventilation system be shut down before testing the interior of a tank that has been mechanically ventilated? (API 2015-18, Section 6.3.5.3)
at least 15 minutes prior to testing inside the tank to allow the atmosphere inside the tank to reach equilibrium conditions. Entry supervisors shall determine the time required for the atmosphere in a large tank to stabilize
When should tanks that have contained lead additives be tested for lead-in-air? (API 2015-18, Section 7.4.3.3)
Testers should be aware there are no instruments that will detect or determine if the tank is or has been in organic leaded service prior to cleaning and drying. If tests are preformed before or during vapor and gas freeing, degassing, or cleaning, or while there is liquid or moisture in the tank, the results will be erroneous and misleading
What should a worker do if clothing becomes contaminated with tank sludge that contains toxic substances? (API 2015-18, Section 7.4.3.7)
Employers shall establish and implement procedures for decontamination and disposal of contaminated clothing and materials and provide workers with appropriate facilities for washing and changing clothes
Tanks that were previously cleaned but have been closed and inactive shall be considered_________________________
confined space. (API 2015-18, Section 10.1.3)
Permit Required
- What should be the level of flammable vapors in a tank where hot work is being done? (API 2015-18, Section 11.2.3.1)
During hot work entry supervisors shall assure that the flammable vapor in air atmosphere in the tank is not in excess of 0% of the Lower Explosive Limit. That the oxygen level does not exceed 23.5% or less than 19.5% and that the permitted exposure limits for toxic vapors fumes and substances is not exceeded
- What are the three elements of the fire triangle, which are necessary for fire or explosion to occur? (API 2015-18, Section A.1.3.2)
Heat fuel Oxygen
- Why is the elimination of ignition sources difficult? (API 2015-18, Section A.1.3.2.3)
Because of the complex nature of the confined space, the potential for hidden flammable vapors, the variety of potential ignition sources, making it challenging to identify and completely remove all potential risks
- Which two elements of the fire triangle are desirable to eliminate for safe work inside a tank? (API 2015-18, Section A.1.3.2.2, A.1.3.2.3)
Eliminating hydrocarbon liquids, vapors and flammable gases
Eliminating ignition sources
When entering a tank that contains or has contained aromatic hydrocarbons, a qualified person shall assure that workers use (API 2015-18, Section 7.4.5.3)
the appropriate protective equipment, depending on the potential concentration, method and amount of exposure to aromatic hydrocarbons
- Why is it a mistake to believe that a tank where the gasoline vapor/air mixture is in the rich range is safe to enter? (API 2015-18, Section A.1.5.1)
Because once the tank is opened and air mixes in the mixture will enter the flammable range