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Safety Precautions The following safety precautions are based on NFPA 58 and OSHA safety standards.
• Wear vinyl safety gloves and safety shoes during the loading, delivery, and installation of tanks.
• Because of the size and weight of ASME tanks that contain propane, proper lifting equipment should be used for lifting or moving operations. Tanks should be handled with not more than 5% liquid propane in them.
Figure 1. Using Proper Lifting and Handling Equipment
• Electrical tools that are used for installation must be three-wire (grounded) or double-insulated as prescribed by NIOSH, ANSI and OSHA standards.
• When using electrical hand tools, always use three-wire electrical extension cords with proper ground lugs and a grounded power supply.
• When working with electrical tools, do not place any tools or extension cords in water puddles or damp grass.
• When transporting tanks to a customer site, always use proper equipment (i.e. tie-down straps, chains, etc.) to minimize tank movement on the truck while in transit.
• Only authorized employees of the company should assist during installation. AVOID ASKING FOR OR ACCEPTING ASSISTANCE FROM A CUSTOMER WHEN TANKS ARE BEING INSTALLED.
• Do not allow the customer or any children to be in the immediate work area during installation. Politely explain the possibility of injury and ask them to leave.
• Do not leave equipment unattended until all tools and equipment have been returned to the service truck and locked up.
Customer Relations The installation requires personnel to talk with the customer, verifying their preferences and communicating safety information and product warnings.
Installation Planning and Documentation Because code and specific installation site requirements must be met, it is a good practice to use a worksheet during planning and installation.
Some states require a similar worksheet to be filed with the local authority having jurisdiction or a state regulatory agency in order to obtain a permit to install cylinders. Review company procedures to determine when and how a cylinder installation worksheet should be used.
Customer Relations The installation requires personnel to talk with the customer, verifying their preferences and communicating safety information and product warnings.
Installation Planning and Documentation Because code and specific installation site requirements must be met, it is a good practice to use a worksheet during planning and installation.
Some states require a similar worksheet to be filed with the local authority having jurisdiction or a state regulatory agency in order to obtain a permit to install cylinders. Review company procedures to determine when and how a cylinder installation worksheet should be used.
Types of Tanks This module discusses installations of aboveground ASME tanks with water capacities up to 2,000 gallons. The steps outlined are designed for installing tanks in most domestic, residential, agricultural, and light commercial applications.
Step 1: Properly size the tank. Always size the tank for the customer vapor distribution system, not by customer information obtained over the telephone.
Step 2: Select the proper location for the tank on the customer site. Do not sacrifice or ignore any safety requirement (distances) for a preferred customer location. If a location that meets all distance requirements cannot be found, politely explain the reasons for selecting the location that does.
NOTE: The distance requirements above are based on recommendations in NFPA 58. They do not replace any requirements in your state or local codes Tanks with water capacities of 500 gals. or less should always have a small space for maintenance.
Step 3: Prepare the tank, tools, and equipment required for the installation. Once a location for the container has been determined, the service representative should return to the plant and select all items needed for the installation.
• Service (pickup) Truck with Crane
• Flatbed Truck with Crane
• Lifting Sling The person using a sling is required by OSHA regulations to inspect the sling prior to each use. Using a sling found to have a safety defect is prohibited.
Step 8: Explain maintenance & safety precautions to the customer.a. The area 10 feet in any direction from the tank(s) must be kept
clear of loose or stored combustible materials.
b. Sources of ignition must be kept at least 10 feet from the tank(s).
c. Any valve or tank leaks must immediately be reported to the company.
d. Explain the operation and function of the shutoff valve. Instruct the customer to close the shutoff valve in the event of any unusual odors or emergency conditions. Vent a small quantity of propane from the maximum fixed liquid level gauge. Ask the customer to “sniff” the vapor after the gauge is closed to determine if the customer can smell propane odorant.
e. Explain the function of the relief valve.
f. Provide the customer with copies of all applicable company safety information and product warning notices.
IMPORTANT: If the tank installation includes installation of new vapor distribution lines, the new or modified lines must be pressure tested as required by NFPA 58 and 54. Prior to placing the distribution system into service, a leak check should be completed and documented as well.
Follow your company’s procedures for completing & documenting all tasks you perform related to tank installation.