Oreco prioritizes safety in its BLABO tank cleaning system. The system complies with various European directives and standards to minimize explosion risks. All equipment used inside tanks or on tank roofs is ATEX approved for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. The closed-loop process ensures no contact between cleaning media and operators. Extensive monitoring and automatic shutdown procedures help prevent unsafe oxygen and gas levels. Employees receive thorough safety training to operate the system without entering tanks.

1. BLABO safety
BLABO®
safety

2. BLABO safety
BLABO and safety
• Oreco never compromises on safety
• Our mission is to provide the safest
system in the world
• Design, construction and cleaning
process comply with:
• European directives (ATEX, Machines
Directive, Pressure equipment directive
etc.)
• Regional/international standards like
CSA/UL (upon request)
• Other national regulations that may
apply

3. BLABO safety
ATEX directive
ATEX consists of two European directives:
Directive 1999/92/EC
• Also known as the 'ATEX Workplace Directive’.
• Deals with the safety and health of workers, potentially at risk
from exposure to explosive atmosphere.
• Has been in force from 30th of June 2003.
• Deadline for enforcement is 30th of June 2006.
Directive 94/9/EC
• Known as the 'ATEX Equipment Directive’.
• Deals with equipment intended for use in potentially explosive
atmosphere.
• Has also been in force since 30th of June 2003.

4. BLABO safety
What does ATEX mean for tank cleaning?
• Main purpose is to minimise, or completely
eliminate, the risks associated with
explosive areas and to limit the harmful
effects in case of an explosion.
• This means that both service providers,
offering tank cleaning services, and tank
owners must prepare and carry out
procedures for performing safe work in
areas/zones with potentially explosive
atmospheres.
• Only ATEX approved equipment can be used
for tank cleaning in specified zones.

5. BLABO safety
Selected safety measures
in the BLABO system
3
2
5
1
6 - 16
BLABO process / BLABO system
17 - 19
Tank roof
4
Nozzle
Tank blanketing
SafeTap
Distribution header
Safe area
Auxiliary modules
Personal safety

6. BLABO safety
Inside the tank
and on the roof
1 Tank roof
• Tank roof is zone 1 area.
• All Oreco ‘tank roof equipment’ with a
potential ignition source is category I
approved according to ATEX.
2 Cold tapping tool - SafeTap
• Designed in accordance with the European
standard EN 1343-1.
• Is certified as category 1/2 equipment.
• Tested at approved by notified body.
3 Distribution header
• Approved for zone 1.
5 Tank blanketing
• Inerting eliminates the risk of ignition.
• Inerting is covered by ATEX 1999/92/EC.
• Tank owners’ or service providers’ responsibility
to ensure inert atmosphere.
4 Nozzles
• Certified as category I equipment, according
ATEX 94/97EC. Approved by notified body.
• Operation of nozzles is covered by ATEX
1999/92/EC for work in potentially explosive
atmospheres.
1 · 2 · 3
5
4
Tank roof
Sump
Nozzle
Inerting
BLABO

7. BLABO safety
BLABO process modules
7 Pressure piping
• Constructed in accordance with EU directive
97/23/EC for pressurized equipment.
• Non destructive test (EN 13480-4).
• Unique tracking number and material
certificates.
6 Piping
• Has no potential ignition source and do
therefore not fall within ATEX.
• User must ensure piping is safely earthed.
• BLABO’s Victaulic piping and couplings are
clam-fitted to ensure 100% conductivity.
8 Electronic cabinets
Re-circulation & Separation modules
• Recirculation and Separation modules.
• Designed and built according to EN 50016
(Electrical apparatus for potentially explosive
atmospheres - pressurized apparatus ‘p’).
• Verified and tested according to ATEX
directive 94/9/EC.
10 Gas detectors
• Approved as at lease category II equipment.
• Fulfil requirements in standards EN 50057
and EN 50058.
9 Electronic cabinets
Suction & Skimming modules
• Designed and built according to EN 50018
(Electrical apparatus for potentially explosive
atmospheres - flameproof enclosure ‘d’).
• Verified and tested according to ATEX
directive 94/9/EC.

8. BLABO safety
BLABO process and BLABO system in general
11 Temperature
• Insulated pipes, valves and flange
connections.
• Surface temperature does not exceed
55˚C.
12 All moving parts
• Moving parts protected by covers.
• Cannot be opened without tools.
• Risk assessed according to EU directive
98/37/EC for machinery safety.
13 Electrical equipment
• As minimum zone I approved.
• Constructed in accordance with EN
50014 (requirements for electrical
apparatus in explosive atmospheres).
14 Monitoring and Auto-shut down
• Continuous monitoring.
• Built-in warning systems.
• Monitoring of oxygen level.
• Shut-down of process if oxygen level exceeds 8%.
• Shut-down of process if LEL exceeds 20%.
15 Closed loop
• Tank cleaning media runs in a closed circuit.
• Operators never get into contact with the media.
16 Non-man entry
• Risk of sparks due to high activity inside tank
is eliminated.

9. BLABO safety
Other personal safety measures
19 Other personal safety and health issues
• No staff is exposed to toxic or carcinogenic substances.
• No respiratory problems or oxygen deficiency.
• No injuries caused by inadequate lightning or structural tank
failure.
• Containers are equipped with gas detectors.
• Insulated pipes, valves and flanges.
• Etc.
17 Training
• Thorough training by Oreco in operating the system.
• Thorough training in safety procedures.
18 Non-man entry
• No personnel inside tank during cleaning
process.

10. BLABO safety
Other personal safety measures
19 Other personal safety and health issues
• No staff is exposed to toxic or carcinogenic substances.
• No respiratory problems or oxygen deficiency.
• No injuries caused by inadequate lightning or structural tank
failure.
• Containers are equipped with gas detectors.
• Insulated pipes, valves and flanges.
• Etc.
17 Training
• Thorough training by Oreco in operating the system.
• Thorough training in safety procedures.
18 Non-man entry
• No personnel inside tank during cleaning
process.