When oil and gas workers open tank hatches to gauge or collect fluid samples on tanks that contain process fluids, they can be exposed to hydrocarbon gases and vapors, oxygen-deficient atmospheres, and fires and explosions.

1. PPT-SM-TG 2016
Sabine Storage & Operations, Inc.
October Safety Meeting
Tank Gauging
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2. PPT-SM-TG 2016
When oil and gas workers open tank hatches to
gauge or collect fluid samples on tanks that
contain process fluids, they can be exposed to
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Hydrocarbon
gases and
vapors
Oxygen-
deficient
atmospheres
Fires and
explosions

3. PPT-SM-TG 2016
Opening tank or thief hatches can cause high
concentrations of hydrocarbon gases and
vapors to be released
Workers face serious health and safety risks
when they gauge or sample tanks
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4. PPT-SM-TG 2016
The gas and vapor concentrations
that are released can be more than
10% of the lower explosive limit LEL
This increases the chances of a fire or
explosion
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5. PPT-SM-TG 2016
Exposure and fire and explosion risks can
be different depending on factors, such as
•The tank contents and operating
conditions
•Ignition sources
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6. PPT-SM-TG 2016
Potential ignition sources
include
•Static
•Cell phones
•Sparks from tools or metal objects
•Open flames
•Non-approved electrical
equipment and devices
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7. PPT-SM-TG 2016
Exposure to hydrocarbon gases and vapors
can affect a worker’s
• Eyes
• Lungs
• Central nervous system
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Even a brief exposure of 30
seconds or less could kill
you

8. PPT-SM-TG 2016 8
Exposure can also have a narcotic effect and
cause a worker to become dizzy, disorientated,
and confused
Some hydrocarbons can also cause cancer

9. PPT-SM-TG 2016
There are many ways to prevent workers
from being exposed to the hazards
associated with tank gauging and sampling
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10. PPT-SM-TG 2016
Employers must
•Conduct exposure and hazard
assessments
•Provide training
•Verify sub-contractors are following
work practices and procedures
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11. PPT-SM-TG 2016
Employers should protect workers by
using engineering controls such as
•Remote or automatic gauging and
sampling
•Blowdown valves
•Tank sampling taps
•Thief hatch pressure indicators
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12. PPT-SM-TG 2016 12
Workers should be trained on
• Hazard communication
• Lone worker policies
• Proper PPE and respiratory protection use
• Tank gauging work practices and
procedures
• Emergency response
• Use and limitations of toxic- or multi-gas
meters for oxygen, hydrogen sulfide, upper
explosive limits, and carbon monoxide

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Workers must
• Follow your company’s hazard assessment
and established work practices and
procedures
• Attend hazard communication training
• Be aware of potential ignition sources
• Wear PPE as required

14. PPT-SM-TG 2016 14
PPE includes
• Flame retardant clothing
• Appropriate respiratory protection
• Impermeable gloves

15. PPT-SM-TG 2016
If you are unsure about any company policies or
procedures or if you have any questions, stop the
job and ask
Every worker has the right to stop work that is
unsafe
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16. PPT-SM-TG 2016
You face serious health and safety risks when
you work on or near production and flowback
tanks and open a thief hatch
Follow your company’s work practices and
wear the proper PPE
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