PART K - PRECAUTIONARY AND SAFETY MEASURES
Place signs prohibiting smoking conspicuously about the area. Do not allow welding, matches, lighters, open
flames of any kind, or lights, other than approved explosion-proof flashlights or lanterns, within 100 feet of
the transfer operation. Coal-burning locomotives operating near the transfer area should be equipped with
smokestacks and fire box screens. All loading and unloading equipment must be grounded and bonded.
2
Position one CO or foam fire extinguisher on the ground, the other on the loading rack. In addition "Tank
Car Connected" signs will be posted and visible to all personnel in the vicinity of the operation.
PART L - PROCEDURES FOR LOADING TANK CARS
Preparation for Loading.
Sampling and gaging product to be transferred. Ensure personnel take a sample of product that is to be
transferred to the tank car and inspect it visually to make sure that product has no unusual appearance. If
the identity or quality of product is questionable, have the test performed to make sure that product meets
specifications before starting the transfer operation. Gage the contents of supply tank and record data.
Obtain a water cut from the supply tank measuring with water-indicating paste. If the water layer in the tank
approaches the level of the tank outlet, drain water before transferring product. Inspect pumps, hose,
loading racks, pipelines, and manifolds to see that they are clean, free of any contaminating product, and in
good operating condition.
Equipment preparation. When possible, personnel should use equipment exclusively for handling one
product. If it is necessary to use the same equipment for handling several products, drain the equipment
thoroughly of preceding product before introducing the new product into the line. See that track rails are
properly bonded and grounded. Inspect cable connections to make sure that they are secure and make bare
metal-to-metal contact. Position car so that there will be no unnecessary strain on hose connections. If
loading rack is to be used, position car so that dome is opposite filling point. Set brakes and block wheels of
the tank car to prevent movement and to ensure safety of connections during loading operations. Set and
lock derails, if provided. Place warning signs and fire extinguishers as required. Attach a ground wire to the
shell of the tank car and to the stake and saturate the ground around the stake with water to make sure that
grounding is effective. If a loading rack or tank car manifold is to be used, bond it to the tank car shell and to
the loading rack.
Tank preparation. Remove the dome cover and determine whether the tank car is suitable for receiving
product. Make sure that the product last carried by the tank is the same as the product that is to be
transferred to the tank. If the product differs the tank must be cleaned before it is released for filling. Inspect
the interior of tank for cleanliness; if there is residue on the bottom of the tank, the tank must be rejected and
cleaned before it can be filled. Look for any foreign objects, such as tools, bolts, or old tank car seals that
may have fallen into the tank. Objects should be removed by authorized persons. Although some objects do
not contaminate the product, they may damage valves. Inspect the interior and exterior of tank to make sure
that there are no holes, cracks, or loose plates. Be sure that there are no leaks in loose plates. Be sure that
there are no leaks in tank. See that the tank is properly mounted to under frame and that the tank is safe
and road worthy. Inspect the dome, dome cover, and safety valve to see that they are operable and in good
condition. Make sure that the vent holes in the dome cover are open and free of dirt. See that outlet
chamber has not been damaged.
Tank valve inspection. Make sure that the outlet valve closes and seals properly. Place a drainage tub
underneath the outlet chamber to catch drainage. Open and close the outlet valve several times by operating
the valve rod handle or hand wheel located inside dome. If valve does not close properly, the valve gasket
should be replaced or the valve repaired. In an emergency, a tank car may be loaded without repairing the
outlet valve; however, this condition must be reported so that personnel receiving the tank will know to
unload through the dome. In cases like this, the car should be scheduled for repair as soon as possible.
When the outlet valve is operating properly, close the valve. The drainage tub should remain underneath the
outlet until the transfer operation is completed. When necessary, tank cars may be flushed with a small
amount of the product to be loaded. This is done to remove the last traces of previous product, as well as
any rust and scale from the outlet sump of the tank car. Before removing the bottom outlet cap make sure
that the outlet valve is properly closed. With a tank car wrench, remove the bottom outlet cap. Allow any
product trapped in outlet chamber to drain into drainage tub. If there is any residual product in the tank, open
3-12
QM 5098
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