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Sabine Storage & Operations, Inc.

October Safety MeetingTank Gauging

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When oil and gas workers open tank hatches to gauge or collect fluid samples on tanks that contain process fluids, they can be exposed to

Hydrocarbon gases

and vapors

Oxygen-deficient

atmospheres

Fires and explosions

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Opening tank or thief hatches can cause high concentrations of hydrocarbon gases and vapors to be released

Workers face serious health and safety risks when they gauge or sample tanks

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The gas and vapor concentrations that are released can be more than 10% of the lower explosive limit LEL

This increases the chances of a fire or explosion

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Exposure and fire and explosion risks can be different depending on factors, such as•The tank contents and operating conditions• Ignition sources

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Potential ignition sources include•Static•Cell phones•Sparks from tools or metal objects•Open flames•Non-approved electrical equipment and devices

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Exposure to hydrocarbon gases and vapors can affect a worker’s • Eyes• Lungs• Central nervous system 

Even a brief exposure of 30 seconds or less could kill you

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Exposure can also have a narcotic effect and cause a worker to become dizzy, disorientated, and confused

Some hydrocarbons can also cause cancer

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There are many ways to prevent workers from being exposed to the hazards associated with tank gauging and sampling

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Employers must •Conduct exposure and hazard assessments•Provide training•Verify sub-contractors are following work practices and procedures

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Employers should protect workers by using engineering controls such as•Remote or automatic gauging and sampling•Blowdown valves•Tank sampling taps•Thief hatch pressure indicators

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Workers should be trained on• Hazard communication• Lone worker policies• Proper PPE and respiratory

protection use• Tank gauging work practices and

procedures• Emergency response• Use and limitations of toxic- or

multi-gas meters for oxygen, hydrogen sulfide, upper explosive limits, and carbon monoxide

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Workers must• Follow your company’s hazard

assessment and established work practices and procedures

• Attend hazard communication training • Be aware of potential ignition sources• Wear PPE as required

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PPE includes• Flame retardant clothing• Appropriate respiratory

protection• Impermeable gloves

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If you are unsure about any company policies or procedures or if you have any questions, stop the job and ask

Every worker has the right to stop work that is unsafe

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You face serious health and safety risks when you work on or near production and flowback tanks and open a thief hatch

Follow your company’s work practices and wear the proper PPE