Hazard analysis storage tank

Every facility can benefit from a review of its infrastructure. This includes all utilities, entrances/exits, process and production equipment, telephone and data lines, water supply, backup power systans, process controls, hazardous material storage tanks and pits, fire alarm systems, and sprinkler systems. Making a list of all infrastructure details is helpful when evaluating security vulnerability, as well as such mundane tasks as budget analysis, routine and preventive maintenance, and personnel responsibilities. 

The first step in the procedure is to conceptually divide the process into separate process units. A process unit is a single pump, a reactor, or a storage tank. A large process results in hundreds of individual units. It is not practical to apply the fire and explosion index to all these units. The usual approach is to select only the units that experience shows to have the highest likelihood of a hazard. A process safety checklist or hazards survey is frequently used to select the most hazardous units for further analysis. 

As can be seen from the Global Reactive Chemicals Standard, all existing chemical processes will have a Reactive Chemicals/Process Hazard Analysis review on a predefined periodic basis. In addition, every new plant Production Leader should review their process with the Reactive Chemicals Committee within 90 days of assuming responsibility for a pilot or production plant. Prior to the review, the Leader should acquire training on the chemistry and processes that they are working with. This should include an evaluation of raw materials, processes, products and waste to understand any potential reactive chemical hazards. They should review and be prepared to answer questions from the completed and updated RC/PHA protocol questionnaire as well as other relevant materials in their plant Process Safety Folder, such as F EI, CEI, etc. The review should cover all auxiliary operations to the process such as raw material and product storage drum, tank car and truck loading. 

Storage tanks Dikes Emergency valves Inspections Procedures Specifications Limitations Design separation, inerting, materials of construction Capacity and drainage Remote control hazardous materials Flash arresters and relief devices Contamination prevention, analysis Chemical, physical and quality stability Temperature, time and quantity... 

The definition of hazard earlier in this chapter lists three elements that can lead to accidents activities, conditions and circumstances. Causes of accidents often involve unsafe acts (activities) and unsafe conditions. When performing risk analysis, one may also consider circumstances surrounding a potential event. It is not uncommon for the circumstances to add to the severity of the event. For example, an automobile crashing into another vehicle may deflect into a gasoline storage tank located nearby but not directly involved in an incident. The event just happens to occur at the tank s location. 

Hazard, S.A. Brown, J.L. and Betz, W.R. Extraction and analysis of hydrocarbons associated with leaking underground storage tanks. LC-GC 1991, 9, 40-42. 

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