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
- How can flammable and toxic vapors be present in a tank, even after it has been thoroughly purged? (API 2015-18, Section A.1.5.2)
After a tank has been emptied and freed of vapor flammable vapors may be emitted from any remaining product, sludge or residue.
It can be present from outside sources, overlooked sludge, sumps columns, drain hoses, roof supports, floats, and stratification or channeling on the tank
How can steam cleaning be related to the release of vapors from a tank? (API 2015-18, Section A.1.5.2
When steam is used to clean a tank it can heat up an residual liquid or sludge inside, causing the volatile compounds to vaporize and release into the atmosphere as vapors potentially creating a flammable or hazardous situation
- To what two hazards might a person entering an oxygen-deficient atmosphere be exposed? (API 2015-18, Section A.1.2.4)
Loss of reasoning, Unconsciousness
- When calibrating an oxygen meter, to what level shall a qualified person adjust the meter in fresh air? (API 2015-18, Section E.2.3)
21%
- What is the reading on an oxygen analyzer that indicates the oxygen content is below the breathing range (oxygen deficient) and respiratory equipment must be worn? What is the reading in which entry must not occur, even with respiratory equipment? (API 2015-18, Section A.1.2.4)
at 19.5 respiratory equipment must be worn
at 16 % tank entry can not occur even with Respiratory Equipment
- What are five reasons why a tank may be oxygen deficient? (API 2015-18, Section 7.2.2) a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
A) Flammable or toxic vapors, steam, water mist or inert gases are still present
B) Oxygen my be displaced through combustion by welding, cutting, or other hot work
C) Oxidation
D)Evaporation of solvents used in paint, linings or coatings
E) Product or vapors entered the tank from sludge: deposits and residue on tank walls bottoms or roofs, liquids under the tank bottom and in supports lines or pontoons
What percent oxygen constitutes an oxygen enriched atmosphere? (API 2015-18, Section 7.2.3.1)
23.5%
Above what oxygen level does petroleum industry practice prohibit entry into tanks? (API 2015-18, Section 7.2.3)
Below 19.5 or above 23.5%
Death or brain damage can occur within minutes of breathing in an oxygen deficient atmosphere. Do workers in an oxygen deficient atmosphere without respiratory equipment usually notice that they are not getting enough oxygen? (API 2015-18, Section A.1.2.4)
No because they do not know that the atmosphere is deficient, there are no warning signs and someone can succumb to oxygen deficiency quickly in one or two breaths
What must entrants do if oxygen levels in the tank differ from those allowed by the entry permit? (API 2015-18, Section 7.2.1)
If a change in oxygen content occurs work shall stop and all entrants will vacate the tank until a qualified person determines cause of the change and conditions are evaluated and corrected and entry permit is reissued
- What are four ways that toxic substances can enter the body? (API 2015-18, Section A.1.6.2)
a)
Inhalation
Injection
Ingestion
Absorption
What type of toxic effects are produced by irritants
Cause minor or transient injuries that heal without scars and produce no know after effects
What type of toxic effects are produced by corrosives
Destroy tissue and leave permanent scars
- What type of toxic effects are produced by “chronically toxic substances?” (API 2015-18, Section A.1.6.2.4)
They produce physiological impairment with long latency or with gradual progression or may produce reproductive effects
Cancer, Pulmonary obstructive disease
- What compounds in petroleum hydrocarbons have been determined to have the potential to cause cancer? (API 2015-18, Section 7.4.5)
Aromatic compounds found in petroleum hydrocarbons such as benzene
- Hydrogen sulfide is an extremely toxic flammable gas. The following questions all relate to hydrogen sulfide: (API 2015-18, Section A.1.7)
a) What is its color?
b) What is its odor?
c) Is it heavier or lighter than air?
d) What tends to happen to hydrogen sulfide during the refining process?
e) At low concentrations, can it be detected by smell?
f) At high concentrations, can it be detected by smell? Why or why not?
A) colorless
B) Strong unpleasant rotten eggs
C) Heavier
D) can be generated during the process of refining crude oil
E) Yes
F No because prolonged exposure causes olfactory fatigue making you unable to smell it
- The atmosphere in any tank that contains sour crude stocks or sulfur-containing products should be considered .
A potential hazardous atmosphere due to the Prescence of toxic hydrocarbon sulfide gas. Should be treated with extreme caution even low concentrations can be fatal
- By what routes of exposure can toxic lead alkyds enter the body? (API 2015-18, Section A.1.8.3)
Inhalation, ingestion, injection, absorption
Inhalation is most likely
- When the potential exists for exposure to toxic and harmful dusts, the need for appropriate precautionary measures to mitigate and control exposure, and requirements for respiratory protection and protective clothing for entrants is determined and implemented by whom? (API 2015-18, Section A.1.9)
Entry Supervisor/ Qualified Person
- Under what circumstances do most organic lead poisonings occur? (API 2015-18, Section A.1.8.3)
Organic lead (tetraethyl lead) used in leaded gasoline can cause lead poisoning from inhalation, ingestion, skin absorption. Organic lead can be absorbed through skin easier than inorganic lead
MOST ORGANIC LEAD POISONINGS ARE FROM INHALATION
- What are the four steps that must be taken in order to properly isolate tanks or lines equipped with cathodic protection? (API 2015-18, Section 5.3.4)
a)
b)
c)
d)
A) Turn off cathodic protection system
B) Install bond wire
C) Disconnect and remove the valve line
D) Remove bond wire only after valve or line is disconnected
- What makes a venturi-type eductor different from other types of blowers or educators? (API 2015-18, Section B.3.1.1)
- Vapors and gases released to the atmosphere shall be discharged at what height? (API 2015-18, Section B.2.2.1)
12 feet
- What are three factors to consider in the selection of an effective vapor freeing method for a tank? (API 2015-18, Section 5.5.3)
A) the nature of the vapors or gases
B) Degassing and emission control requirement
C) potential hazards of the vapor or gas
D)the area and type size construction and location of tank
- What are four methods that may be used to vapor free a tank? (API 2015-18, Section 5.5.2) a)
b)
c)
d)
Vapor and gas freeing by the use of mechanical or natural ventilation
displacing vapors and gas by purging the tank with inert gas, flue gas or steam
Displacing vapors or gas with water or fuel oil
Degassing by the use of thermal oxidation, vapor recovery, carbon absorption or other approved methods
Why is it important to avoid release of vapor near ground level during ventilation and cleaning operations? (API 2015-18, Section B.1.2)
Explosion and health and safety hazard . Vapors stay low.
A vacuum truck is to be used to remove sludge from a storage tank. (API 2015-18,
Section A.1.4.3)
- Where should the truck be located?
- Where should vacuum truck tank exhaust vapors be discharged?
- What should be done to the suction and discharge hoses?
- What type of lights should be avoided, if possible, when there is a potential of flammable vapors exceeding 10 percent of the lower flammable limit? (API 2015-18, Section A.1.4.5)
- Requirements for electrical equipment to be used in and around tanks that have contained flammable liquids are contained in which publication? (API 2015-18, Section A.1.4.5)
NFPA 70
In what tanks can pyrophoric iron sulfide deposits often be found? (API 2015-18, Section 5.4.8)
pyrophoric iron sulfide deposits are often found in tanks containing sour crude petroleum or petroleum products containing hydrogen sulfide
How can pyrophoric deposits be controlled so that they do not become a potential source of ignition? (API 2015-18, Section A.1.4.8)
Keep surfaces and deposits wet.
When Air contacts these deposits a chemical reaction can occur creating
What type of ventilation must be provided when entrants are working inside tanks? (API 2015-18, Section 10.5.1.2)
Forced Ventilation
If a flammable vapor analyzer indicates a reading of zero, are toxic vapor levels below the permissible exposure limit? (API 2015-18, Section E.4.1.1)
The flammable vapor analyzer can not tell you if toxic vapors are permissible. You need to check the toxic vapors Limits and see what the permissible level is for each thing
What will happen if a flammable vapor analyzer is used to monitor a tank that has been inerted? (API 2015-18, Section E.3.2)
the analyzer will likely detect low levels of flammable vapors and possibly trigger an alarm either because of residue or newly introduced flammable gases
What must the written entry permits attest before anyone may enter a tank? (API 2015-18, Section 10.2.1.1)
That all required testing and safeguarding has been preformed and that the entry requirements on the permit have been satisfied
What are five conditions that require the entry permit to be cancelled? (API 2015-18, Section 10.2.2.5)
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
Approaching electrical storms or bad weather
Emergencies inside or outside the tank
Flammable liquids receipt into a nearby tank with potential to emit vapors into the tank
Entry by unauthorized person
Standing water, ice, product on a floating roof deck or inside pontoons, changed conditions of floating roof that could indicate instability,
What protective equipment must workers use while cleaning tanks that contained lead additives? (API 2015-18, Section A.1.8.3)
air supplied or self contained breating apparatus, impervious clothing and protective equipment for face, hands. Highly toxic if absorbed through skin eyes or inhaled
