Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
This is the stuff of nightmares for EHS professionals. But, its one of many horror stories related by the
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) concerning the loading and unloading
of cargo tank motor vehicles. Today we offer four tips for safely loading and unloading cargo tank trucks.
According to PHMSA, human error is a major contributing factor for incidents occurring during loading
and unloading operations including, but not limited to:
Failing to attend/monitor loading/unloading operations;
Leaving a valve in the wrong position either before, during, or after loading/unloading operations;
Improperly connecting transfer equipment;
Overfilling cargo tanks or receiving tanks; and
Using defective/deteriorated devices and equipment.
Four tips for safely loading and unloading cargo tank motor vehicles
Tip 1. Ensure proper connection between the vehicle, transfer equipment, and facility vessel(s).
Have the right transfer equipment for the intended use;
Make sure the components of the transfer equipment connection are compatible with each other, the
vehicle, and the facility vessel;
Make certain that any replacement parts are similarly compatible; and
Use a procedural checklist to ensure proper transfer equipment connections.
Tip 2. Ensure compatibility of the hazardous material to be transferred with the contents (if
any) of the containment vessel (e.g., storage tank, cargo tank) and the containment vessel
itself.
Make sure visual aids (e.g., chemical name, Globally Harmonized System (GHS) label) are on receiving
containers to indicate the appropriate receiving vessel.
Make sure there is enough space in the receiving vessel for the hazmat;
Ensure that valves are in the correct position consistent with operating instructions;
Make sure level gauges, alarms, and safety interlocks are functioning properly and that they have been maintained and inspected; and
Have the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) available in the event of a spill or release.
Make procedural instructions available and accessible and confirm that they include instructions on emergency response;
Make sure that the transfer connections and discharging/receiving vessels are clearly indicated.
Tomorrow we will review training recommendations for employees who are charged with loading and unloading cargo tank vehicles