Posted By Paul HAZOP On site we are expecting in the coming days 120 cubic liters of fuel oil to be unloaded to underground tanks 3 in number. The tanks each can contain a maximum of 50 cubic liters, we are filling each with 40. We have in place procedures, method statement / risk assessments which we have used on previous unloading works at other sites, the team members/senior engineer and S.O go through the sequence of operation before works commence. We have a contracted fuel oil haulage contractor, that delivers the oil, the driver is inducted and instructed on work procedures for this specific work detail, inclusive of course of fire emergency procedures / plan. The fuel oil tanker in simplified term has a 4 -6 inch tube that is connected to an intake pipe for feeding to the underground tank ( some people may have observed similar procedures at public petrol filling stations) We have in operation on site an E.F.R.T & S.F.R.T, the E.F.R.T are trained in firefighting procedures and are only as back up to the full time S.F.R.T The fuel oil tanker, pumps the water to our intake piping, which is then gravity fed to the fuel oil drums. According to U.S.A standard NEC 505 & Celenec / IEC standard some parts of the zone are classified as zone 2 All the personnel involved are commissioning team members, it is our 1st fuel unloading on this site, but have much experience from previous construction / engineering builds. The unloading work location, is under permit to work, all other site personnel / contractors, have been informed in management meetings and toolbox talks, on the works been undertaken / restricted work areas. 1st and foremost at site unloading location, signage denotes that it is a non smoking / no naked flame area. The necessary no eating / no beverages / no combustion engines, electrical tools & devices, is implemented, with all combustible materials removed from location. The personnel inclusive of contractor are supplied with all necessary PPE / RPE / flame,fire retardant all necessary pre-checks are considered with a/m equipment. Spill kits / oil absorbent granules are at site unloading location. Anti static Ex-Proof tools are only used. As extra precautionary measures, we have notified the local fire services of time and date of unloading, in case of any fire emergency. All fire alarms / vapour gas detectors are / have been tested. M.S.D.S for fuel oil is followed to the letter. 1st aiders as part of work detail and medical nurse stationed on site provided with all information on medical conditions associated with fuel oil gas I wish to ask members of this forum, if they have any experience in such fuel oil unloading procedures, that may provide for any additional safety measures. We are always looking to improve our standards

Posted By Paul Mark reference to cubic litres is in line 1. In relation to job site it is a combined cycle power plant (gas /fuel) In regards to unloading of fuel oils this is not petroleum per se but a brown oil and would not come under the UK petroleum laws as we are also working in the middle east. I thank you for your response as many have viewed but none have ventured a safety advisement.

Posted By Jay Joshi One cubic metre equals one thousand "Litres", therefore it appears that there is an error in the initial posting.

Posted By www.hsepeople.com check out www.hsepeople.com they have a fire safety group

Posted By Andy Brazier Your main concern with fuel oil is environmental. If the transfer hose splits, how will you contain the material spilt? Where does the area drain to, and will loss to soil or water avoided? Strange as it seems, fuel oil does not burn well at ambient conditions. That being the case, notifying the fire services seems unnecessary. Having said that, it is good practice to earth the vehicle before offloading, and the hose used should be conducting to avoid static build up. I would NOT advocate use of permit to work for this type of activity. It is a simple and routine activity, and issuing permits for this type of task can devalue the whole permit system. One thing to add. The tanker driver probably unloads fuels several times per day, and most of the time is probably unsupervised. They may also use self-service facilities for filling their tanker. You may be going a little over the top.