Hazards
Unintended product release can occur during draining from a storage tank or other equipment to atmosphere.
When Important
- When draining water from a tank that contains hydrocarbons to a sewer.
- When removing liquid from process equipment.
Challenges in the Field
- Distracted by other things that need attention.
- Long draining time.
- Bad weather.
- Under estimation of the potential consequence of the product being released.
- Drain valve does not fully close.
Options to Get it Right
- Identify the critical draining operations on site.
- Limit drain size (typical to 1 inch or 25 mm) to limit the release rate of the hazardous chemical.
- Spring Loaded valves can help to assure that an operator remains present when drain time is short.
- Understand the draining time necessary when starting the draining process.
- Ensure the drain-valve can be closed from a safe location.
- Avoid doing something else while monitoring a draining task.
- In a critical situation, first stop the draining process before leaving the drain.
- Stop draining during shift handover.
This page only summarises the guidance – refer to the EPSC website for further information.
For more information on our Process Safety Fundamentals (or other) playing cards please contact us.