Document ID No: MSSM-1-SF-001

Power & Water Utility Company for

Rev. No.: 0
Jubail and Yanbu (MARAFIQ) Valid Until : November 12 2010

MARAFIQ SAFETY MANUAL

20. UNLOADING OF HAZARDOUS LIQUIDS

Reference Standards:-
SASO: - 348/1987
GS: - 64/1987
29 CFR 1910-119

INTRODUCTION
A large majority of hazardous liquids incidents occur during loading and unloading operations.
Providing adequate supervision of these operations and inspecting material handling equipment
regularly may reduce the number of incidents at this stage of the transportation process

DEFINITIONS
"Hazardous liquid" means a chemical or mixture of chemicals which may cause substantial personal
injury or illness during handling or use. Examples: Liquids in nature of toxic, an irritant, corrosive, a
strong oxidizer, a strong sensitizer, combustible, flammable, extremely flammable or dangerously
reactive.

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 Document ID No: MSSM-1-SF-001
Power & Water Utility Company for
Rev. No.: 0
Jubail and Yanbu (MARAFIQ) Valid Until : November 12 2010

MARAFIQ SAFETY MANUAL

20.1 STORAGE AREAS

Storage facilities of hazardous liquids should be provided with:

 An adequate area with easy access and exit for tankers at receiving
point.

 Prominently displayed safety and NFPA signs and labels.

 Copies of Material Safety Data Sheets, posted at site.

 Instructions for handling hazardous liquids and actions to be taken in

case of emergency

 Departmental operating procedure for unloading

 Fire protection systems such as fire extinguishers or foam hydrant

system in case of flammable liquids.

 Emergency eye wash and shower nearby corrosive and toxic liquid
Grounding
unloading areas.

 Water hose, available at all times nearby corrosive liquid unloading

area.

 Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) like PVC suits, PVC

gloves, face shield, chemical boot, etc.

 Appropriate respirators or Self Contained Breathing Apparatus as

required.
Vehicle tire choke
 Means to contain spillage like drip trays, bund or dike and prevent it
spreading to other parts of premises or to common drains.

 Suitable absorbent materials and socks to clear spillage.

 Bonding and grounding equipment.

 Wooden or steel tire chokes (stop blocks).

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 Document ID No: MSSM-1-SF-001
Power & Water Utility Company for
Rev. No.: 0
Jubail and Yanbu (MARAFIQ) Valid Until : November 12 2010

MARAFIQ SAFETY MANUAL

20.2 COMPETENT PERSONS

Personnel involved in receiving hazardous liquid include supervisor should be trained in:

 Departmental operating procedure on “Unloading of hazardous liquids”

 Recognition of hazards associated with unloading and safety precautions to be taken to control risks

 Proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

 First Aid and Emergency Response plan.

 Inspection of accompanying delivery notes & placards, the load and its identity. If required chemical
testing should be accomplished.

20.3 SAFE UNLOADING TECHNIQUES

No hot work activities should be permitted at site. Control measures
should be taken to eliminate introduction of ignition sources.

Tanker and unloading facilities including pipes, hoses, flanges, blank

flanges at drain, pumps, valves and couplings, etc must be visually
inspected for failure, leaks and tears.

The delivery tanker should be parked in such a way that they can be
taken out immediately in case of an emergency.

Engine must be stopped and brakes should be applied before making

the connections.

Vehicle tires should be kept intact using chocks (made either of wood
or steel) to prevent its movement with the hoses still connected and
thereby prevent spillage.
Barriers should be provided on the perimeter of the unloading area.

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 Document ID No: MSSM-1-SF-001
Power & Water Utility Company for
Rev. No.: 0
Jubail and Yanbu (MARAFIQ) Valid Until : November 12 2010

MARAFIQ SAFETY MANUAL

Bonding and grounding should be done in order to maintain contact

between the metallic filling spout and the vessel to avoid static spark.

Proper access equipment and working platform should be provided if

the person should climb over the receiving tank to dip the filling hose
into it or use a dipstick to measure the level of liquid. If not, the person
should wear full body harness and hook on to a strong support.

Prior to unloading hazardous liquid, receiving tank level gauge, level

alarms, vents, emergency stop button or automatic shut off devices
should be inspected and ensured that they are operational.

Pumping at a faster rate as a jet should not be done as it may cause air
ingress.
For unloading toxic and corrosive liquids, the following is required:
A readily available water hose and emergency shower in working
condition.
All personnel involved in unloading operation should wear impervious
chemical clothing, PVC gloves, face shield, chemical boot, etc.

Block valves, drain valves and blankets must be put back to their
normal position upon completion of unloading. The receiving valve
should be closed and kept locked.

Any spillage should be thoroughly dealt with proper spill response

methods, as recommended in the MSDS, using absorbents or socks or
washed with water if it is safe to do so.
In case of spillage of corrosive liquids such as acids and alkalis, water
should not be jetted directly on to spillage. It should be sprayed from
outside to the perimeter of the spilled area after cleaning the spill.

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