The above picture shows a flammable liquid storage tank level indicator with a sight glass spring loaded valve, kept in the open position with a “home made” clip. Although this alert is from our friends in AU, this is ALSO seen worldwide and should be considered a “Lesson Learned” worldwide!
What happened?
Recent inspections have found instances where safety features associated with machinery space oil and fuel tanks have been intentionally bypassed. Deliberately bypassing the spring return valves of tanks containing hydrocarbon inventories by securing them open via a number of means, including zip ties, appears to have become increasingly common practice.
What could go wrong?
In bypassing self-closing valves the entire hydrocarbon inventory of the storage tanks could be released if the sight glass integrity is compromised. For example, loss of the tank inventory could occur during a machinery space fire or through mechanical damage leading to failure of the sight glass.
Key lessons
- Operators should ensure safety devices on their facilities are not compromised.
- Operators should ensure they are fully compliant with commitments made in their safety case.
- Operators should ensure their personnel are aware of the risks associated with bypassing safety devices.
- If there is a need to continually monitor lube oil or other hydrocarbon storage tank levels within tanks, operators should consider appropriate alternative means for obtaining tank level measurements to ensure equipment remains safe and without risk to people.
Click Here to download the full alert (pdf)
For further information email [email protected] and quote Alert 50. www.nopsema.gov.au