On all storage tanks or batteries of storage tanks where
there is stored, either permanently or temporarily, crude oil, distillate or
condensate produced from an oil well or a gas well where any hydrogen sulphide
(H2S) is produced in conjunction with the fluid such that the vapor or fumes
from such liquid, when measured in the free gas space inside the tank, has a
hydrogen sulphide (H2S) concentration in excess of twenty (20) ppm, as measured
using a hydrogen sulphide (H2S) detection device of a type capable of measuring
hydrogen sulphide concentrations ranging from zero (0) to fifty (50) ppm, the
following safety provisions shall pertain, in addition to all other applicable
statewide or special field rules:
A.
All access hatches to the tanks capable of being readily operable shall be kept
closed securely at all times except when necessary for such hatches to be open
for inspection and gauging.
B. All
stairways or ladders leading from ground level to the top of each of such tank
or tanks shall have installed thereon a gateway or doorway permanently affixed
in such a manner as to impede further ascent of such ladder or gangway to the
top of such tank or tanks except through the open gate or door. The gateways or
doorways shall be kept securely locked except when necessary to gauge or
inspect such tanks.
C. All fumes
and vapor in such tank or tanks shall be suitably recovered in a vapor recovery
unit or flared to the atmosphere. If flared to the atmosphere, fumes and vapor
shall be flared through a flare stack with a permanent pilot attached thereon
so that the emissions do not exceed applicable air quality standards.
D. Vapor recovery units shall be suitably
provided with standby facilities for flaring of fumes and vapors to the
atmosphere in the event of an upset. Such standby venting and flaring
facilities shall be the same as those provided for in Paragraph C
above.
E. A self-contained
breathing apparatus shall be worn and used by all personnel passing through the
gateway or doorway provided in Paragraph B above at all times while on the
ladder or on top of the tank or tanks.
F. All such storage tanks and the nearby
surrounding area shall be conspicuously marked and posted in a manner advising
of the presence of potentially lethal fumes and vapors.
G. This rule shall take effect on and after
July 1, 1971; provided, however, that owners and operators of existing
installations shall have sixty (60) days from said date in which to comply with
these rules without incurring any penalty.
H. Penalty: Any person, firm or corporation
willfully violating any of these rules and regulations shall be punished as
provided by law.
I. Provided,
however, that storage tank or tanks within the boundaries of a petroleum
refinery or petrochemical plant shall be exempt from the provisions of this
rule.
