Safety Alert
Bypassing of storage tank features
Bypassing of storage tank features
- NOPSEMA
- Safety Alert
- A20796
- Hydrocarbon ReleaseMachinery and EquipmentProcess Safety
- Barrier managementHydrocarbon releaseRegulation and legislation
- Storage tanksValve
- Safety-case assuranceSafety communication
- Marine industry
Summary
Inspections identified bypassed safety features on oil and fuel storage tanks, including sight-glass valves held open with zip ties or homemade clips. The alert explains potential inventory release if sight-glass integrity fails, outlines SOLAS requirements, and recommends safeguarding devices, meeting safety-case commitments and considering alternative level measurement arrangements.
Classifications: Barrier management; safety barrier management.
Classifications: Hydrocarbon release; hydrocarbon leak; oil and gas release.
Classifications: Regulation and legislation; safety legislation; regulatory requirements.
Classifications: Storage tanks; atmospheric tanks.
Classifications: Valve; valves.
Classifications: Safety-case assurance.
Classifications: Safety communication; toolbox talk; toolbox talks.
Classifications: Marine industry; shipping industry; maritime sector.
Summary
Safety alert warning that bypassed self-closing valves can allow hydrocarbon tank contents to escape.
A20796. Themes: hydrocarbon release, machinery and equipment, process safety.