UFC 3-460-03
21 JANUARY 2003
11.14.7. Once washing is completed, allow the floor to dry. When interior tank vapor readings are
0% of the LEL on unleaded tanks, personnel may enter the tank without protective equipment if the
testing required by API Standard 2015 has been done, and the BEE determines that airborne benzene
and other toxic vapors are below the permissible exposure limits. See AFOSH Std 91-25 or contact
the MAJCOM fuels engineer for additional guidance.
11.14.8. A clean dry tank that has been ventilated overnight has the best prospect for entry without
protective gear.
11.14.9. Pipes used for center poles and braces, pontoons, and leaking bottoms are potential sources
of explosive vapors even after the tank is cleaned. In as little as one to two hours a safe tank may
reach the explosive range because of these sources. While unprotected personnel are in the tank, take
readings at least every fifteen minutes. Where pontoon-type pans/roofs are installed in aboveground
tanks, check each pontoon with a vapor indicator.
11.14.10. Petroleum products irritate and burn the skin and may cause serious discomfort and injury.
Promptly remove clothing that becomes splashed with sludge or fuel to prevent contact with the skin.
Before continuing work, wash the affected area with soap and water (if a small area), or shower and
put on a fresh change of clothing. Clothing contaminated by petroleum products should be kept away
from any source of ignition because vapor given off by such clothing is a serious fire hazard.
11.14.11. Unless a full-face respirator is worn, wear goggles during scraping and wire-brushing scale
and spreading loose absorbent material. If hands are frequently wet with fuel and it is not practical to
wear protective gloves, the hands may be coated with any commercial non-greasy cream that gives
the desired protection. NOTE: If work site has contained leaded gasoline, approved protective gloves
or other impermeable gloves must be worn throughout the operation.
11.14.12. Keep the manhole, pumphouse access area pit walls, and adjacent area clear of equipment
or material that would hamper rescue operations in an emergency situation.
11.15. Repairs.
11.15.1. Cold work involves work or repairs that do not produce heat, sparks, or other forms of
energy sufficient to produce an ignition source if a vapor-air mixture in the flammable range is
present. If cold repair work in or on a tank results in perceptible dust, wear goggles and a respirator
approved by the BEE.
11.15.2. A tank that once contained leaded gasoline must be free of sludge and all non-adherent
material must be removed from the inside of the tank surface before cold work is performed. After
cleaning, at least sixteen hours' natural ventilation is recommended before using powered air movers.
After the tank has been vapor-freed, test it for lead per API Standard 2015, Appendix D.4. If it is
within tolerances, consider it lead-hazard-free, provided the tank surfaces are not heated, there are no
absorbent materials that will release organic lead, and there are no leaks. Continue testing for lead in
the air during repair work. An alternative is to always use SAR with emergency SCBA during
inspection, cleaning, and repair operations of tanks that have held leaded fuel regardless of the vapor
reading.
11.15.3. When making repairs involving hot work (e.g., welding, grinding, cutting), sandblasting, or
shot-blasting, clean the tanks for safe entry without PPE. Also, clean all tank surfaces that have been
in contact with leaded gasoline down to the bare metal in areas that might become excessively hot.
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