Posted By David Zwart The Institute of Petroleum have published their own risk assessment on Safe Access to the top of Tankers. I believe the Chemical Industries Association have issued guidelines too. Have you considered taking samples from the bottom faucets as opposed from the top manlid? If going on top is necessary then you need fall prevention measures in place - ideally fixed barriers on a gantry or even temporary scaffolding. Fall arrest gear is your next choice. The best solution is try to eliminate going up there at all. The oil industry has all but eliminated going on top of tankers without fixed fall protection by changing systems of work. Cost is not an issue. Eliminate the hazard or provide fall protection. The Workplace Regulations (Transport) ACOP is also worth a read. HSE will not hesitate to issue improvement notices where no fall protection systems exist. Hope this helps.