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Bulk Handling
Objectives: By the end of this section, participants will be able to recite safe bulk handling protocols.

Why this section is important: Liquids pose a significant threat to emergency responders and hazardous site cleanup staff.

 

Staging
The placement of drums based on compatibility. Staging areas must be provided with adequate access and egress routes.

 

Bulking
The bulk storage of materials into tanks. Non-reactive materials can be vacuumed out of drums into a tanker and transported to a Treatment, Storage and Disposal Facility. Bulking of hazardous wastes should follow these guidelines:
  • All materials of the tank must be compatible with the liquids to be contained. The CHRIS Manual provides a comprehensive list of chemicals that are reactive to each other.
  • A secondary containment system must be provided, including dikes, containment curbs, pits, or a complete drainage trench enclosure.
  • Stormwater from the diked area should not be discharged into a storm drain or an effluent discharge unless:
    • The bypass valve is normally locked close and only opened under responsible supervision.
    • The stormwater satisfies federal, state, and local water quality standards.
    • Adequate records are kept of each discharge.
    • No manholes of the tanks face a dike.
  • Underground storage tanks should be coated to prevent corrosion and all tanks, underground and aboveground, should be hydrostatically tested regularly.
  • Tanks should either be aboveground or completely underground; not partially underground to resist corrosion.
  • Each tank should be visually inspected monthly.
  • New tanks should be engineered with spill detection equipment; existing tanks should be retrofitted with spill detection equipment.
  • Effluent should be monitored for normal conditions and have alarms to indicate abnormal conditions.
  • Any visible product leaks should be corrected immediately.
  • No tank should be used if the "head" or top is corroded through.
  • Tanks should be coded (preferably using U.S.D.O.T. coding).
  • Wooden tanks should be avoided.

 

Tank & Vault Procedures
  • Tanks and vaults containing hazardous substances must be handled in a manner similar to that for drums and containers, taking into consideration the size of the tank or vault.
  • Appropriate tank or vault entry procedures as described in the employer's safety and health plan must be followed whenever employees must enter a tank or vault.

 

Thought Questions (you do not need to respond)
What fuel tanks confined spaces?

 

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