Post on 31-Mar-2015
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HMTBulk
Loading/Unloading
HMTBulk
Loading/Unloading
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Introduction
If you load or unload hazardous materials in bulk containers, it is your responsibility to
follow the correct procedures. Incidents involving hazardous materials can lead to serious injury, property and environmental
damage, and even death.
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Introduction
Department of Transportation statistics show that 97 percent of all hazardous material
incidents involve tank cars and tank trucks.
And surveys show that up to 50 percent of all vehicles are placarded incorrectly.
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Identifications & Markings
Bulk Packaging is packaging other than a vessel or barge that hazardous materials are loaded onto which has a maximum capacity greater than 119 gallons, has a maximum net mass
greater than 882 pounds, or has a water capacity greater than 1,000 pounds.
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Identifications & Markings
This includes railroad tank cars, tank trucks, and portable tanks that meet the
criteria just mentioned. All bulk containers must have the correct
placards and markings according to the requirements in Title 49 of the Code of
Federal Regulations.
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Identifications & Markings
Railroad Tank Cars
Proper Shipping Name
Reporting Marks
Tank Car Classification
Safety Valve & Tank Test Information
DOT Hazard Warning Placarding
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Identifications & Markings
Tank Trucks
Shipper’s Name and Location
DOT Hazard Warning Placarding
UN or NA Identification Number
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Identifications & Markings
Railroad tank cars can be divided into two groups:
Pressurized Tank Cars
General Purpose Tank Cars
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Identifications & Markings
A general purpose or non-pressurized tank car is cylindrical in shape with convex (curves or bulges outward)
heads.
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Identifications & Markings
Loading devices and equipment are found in the platform area on the top of
the tank car.
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Identifications & Markings
In addition, bottom outlet valves for unloading are at the center of the car,
and heater coil outlets sometimes protrude from underneath the tank.
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Identifications & Markings
Pressure tank cars are also cylindrically shaped with convex heads. Pressurized tank cars are always loaded from the top. The loading devices and fittings are
located in one housing on the top center of the tank cars.
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Loading & Unloading
As a person who loads and unloads bulk shipments of hazardous material, there are two reasons why it is important that you
follow the proper procedures and safeguards:
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Loading & Unloading
1. To ensure your safety and health.
2. To reduce the odds of a release occurring during transport.
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Loading & Unloading
It is also important that you are familiar with the material you work with.
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Loading & Unloading
Though Material Safety Data Sheets do not necessarily provide specific DOT
information, they are a valuable source for finding out the physical characteristics and
hazards of a material, the recommended Personal Protective Equipment to be worn,
and other safety precautions.
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Loading & Unloading
There are specific requirements that must be followed when loading and unloading tank trucks or portable tanks into or onto
trucks.
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Loading & Unloading
When loading or unloading a bulk package on a truck, whether the tank is portable or cargo, the vehicle’s engine must be shut off, the parking brake set, and the wheels
chocked.
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Loading & Unloading
Because of the possible buildup of static electricity, the vehicle must also be
grounded.
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Loading & Unloading
The responsible person must verify that the driver understands the potential hazards of the material, is wearing the proper Personal
Protective Equipment, and knows the proper procedures to follow in case of an
emergency.
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Loading & Unloading
The driver must have a clear view of the vehicle and remain within 25 feet of the truck during the loading or unloading
process.
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Loading & Unloading
Before loading or unloading, the person performing the function must inspect the tank to make sure all fittings, valves, and
safety relief devices are in proper condition for safe transportation.
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Loading & Unloading
Loading and unloading both pressure and general purpose tank cars requires the same
thorough checklist as tank trucks. Before the process begins, blue flags are
positioned with one of the two following warnings:
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Loading & Unloading
STOP, TANK CAR CONNECTED
or
STOP, MEN AT WORK
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Loading & Unloading
The wheels are then chocked, and the hand brake is set.
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Loading & Unloading
Because of the potential for static electricity buildup, the tank car is
grounded.
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Loading & Unloading
On general purpose tank cars equipped with secondary outlet valves, the plugs
must be removed, and the top and bottom valves opened during loading. Internal heating coil caps must also be removed
during loading.
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Loading & Unloading
If loading, check the tank car’s interior for cleanliness, and to verify that the previous contents are compatible with the material
being loaded.
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Loading & Unloading
Make sure all valves and fittings are in their proper setting, and all loading or unloading connections are properly
attached. If corrective actions are needed to the tank car before loading or
unloading, notify the switching office or terminal manager.
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Loading & Unloading
After loading and before shipment or unloading and release, disconnect the appropriate lines or hoses. If loading,
check to make sure the required outage has been left to allow for expansion, or that the tank is empty if you have been unloading.
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Loading & Unloading
Make sure you properly seal the dome cover and uniformly cross-tighten all securing nuts. All valves must also be
securely closed.
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Loading & Unloading
Check to be sure that all valve caps and plugs are in place and have been tightened with a wrench. All protective housings and covers must also be in place, closed, and
wrench tight.
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Loading & Unloading
On general purpose tank cars, make sure the bottom outlet valve gasket is in good
condition. Tighten the bottom outlet valve cap with a wrench that has a
minimum 36-inch handle.
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Loading & Unloading
The plug in the bottom outlet valve should be wrench tight. Make sure all secondary
outlet valves and plugs are tight.
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Loading & Unloading
Check the tank car for any signs of leakage or spills, and make sure the correct
placards are in place.
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Loading & Unloading
If loading, check the marks to see that the load limit has not been exceeded and the
OSHA hazard warning is in place.
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Loading & Unloading
The person loading or unloading must be able to rapidly halt cargo transfer during the process if the material is hazardous.
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Placarding
After all final checks, once the tank cars, portable tanks, and tank trucks have been
loaded or unloaded, but before their shipment, they must be placarded according
to 49 CFR Part 172.504.
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Placarding
Placards inform emergency response personnel of the hazard class and associated dangers of the material being transported.
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Placarding
The regulations require specific placards for each of the nine hazard classes, as well as specific placards for those hazard classes that are further separated into divisions.
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Placarding
Most bulk transport containers require four placards, one on each side and each end.
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Placarding
As a general rule of thumb, placards must be visible on all four sides of a bulk
packaging and at least three inches away from any other markings.
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Placarding
If a portable container holds more than 119 gallons, but less than 1,000 gallons, the tank
may be placarded on two opposite ends.
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Placarding
Sometimes a material will have a primary and a secondary, or subsidiary, hazard. In
these cases, placards showing both hazards must be displayed, but the secondary hazard
class placard must have the hazard class number removed or obliterated.
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Summary
Loading and unloading hazardous materials is a serious responsibility. Be familiar with and respect the hazards associated with the
material you load or unload.
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Summary
Follow all procedures and safe work practices, including proper selection of tools
and Personal Protective Equipment.
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Summary
Make sure you double check that all valves, fittings, caps, seals, and closures are properly
secured, whether you used them or not.
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Summary
Check the placards before releasing the bulk container.
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Summary
Knowing and following the proper procedures can ensure safe transportation of bulk
shipments.
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Summit Training Source, Inc.
Contact us at:
1-800-842-0466
or at
info@safetyontheweb.com