Tank operation safety 3

[Tzzadik]

We are finisihing a tank farm, and we have discussed wether or not you have to use a tie-off after hand rails have been installed to get to the roofs for inspection. I haven´t found the information in OSHA or API, maybe it is in API 2220 but I don´t have it. Is it a must or not to wear them?

 

[IFRs]

Per OSHA, if you are within 6 feet of the edge you need to be tied off. Because the roof is sloped and can be slippery, this may not keep you safe. If there are handrails all around the top of the tank, no tie off is needed. If there are not handrails all around the tank (or enclosing the walking area) then I suggest you put a tie-off in the tank center, a second one near the edge and a loose cable between them. Workers can clip to this cable to get to the center tie-off and then tie off there. My thoughts only...

 

[JStephen]

See:

http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=DIRECTIVES&p_id=1755

I've never seen the 6' requirement anywhere. But note that many tanks do not comply with the directive above.

 

[Tzzadik]

Thank you both friends and Happy New Year!

 

[JLSeagull]

Having gauged tanks - and having repaired tank gauge equipment I advocate the harness. Excessive vapors can exist in sufficient quantity to cause disorientation. I once worked on a day tank with excessive fumes. Upon completing my task I recognized that the roof was largely rusted through (the fume source) and that I was barely supported by rust particles. I sure that such situations no longer exist. ;-)