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Recommended Practices for the Testing and Verification of Spill, Overfill, leak Detection and Secondary Containment Equipment at UST Facilities 3. SAFETY WARNING: Failure to comply with the fol- lowing warnings could result In property damage, injury or death. • Motor fuel can be harmful or fatal If swallowed. • Avoid breathing vapors by ventilating work areas. • Keep fuel away from skin and eyes by wearing appropriate personal protec- tive equipment (PPE). 3.1 General. This chapter is intended to provide an overview of some of the safety issues that should be considered when spill, overfill, leak detection, secondary containment equipment and shear valves are inspected or tested. This chapter is not intended to provide safety training for personnel involved in the inspection or test- ing of this equipment, nor for personnel engaged in fuel transfer activities. The test methods and procedures in this recommended practice involve working with liquids in underground storage tanks (USTs). Inspecting, testing and working around equipment that stores and handles these liquids involves situations in which flammable liquids and vapors can be present_ Only properly trained individuals should inspect or test overfill, leak detection and release prevention equipment. These individuals are responsible for their own safety, and should take reasonable precautions to ensure the safety of facility employees, customers and any other personnel in the work area. Refer to Appendix D for related safety publications. 3.2 Chemical Hazards. Petroleum products are com- plex mixtures of chemicals, many of which are toxic. Before working with dispensers and tank components, workers should read and understand the relevant material Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) for the products being stored, and receive appropriate fuel handling safety and first-aid training. Appropriate PPE should be worn to minimize the risk of exposure. The following are some basic guidelines regarding liq- uids stored in USTs. Refer to the appropriate SDS for further information. Employers should maintain in the workplace copies of the required SDSs for each hazard- ous chemical that may be used. • Do not clean hands with motor fuels. Wear appropriate chemical -resistant gloves when performing activities that may result in contact with motor fuel. Remove fuel -soaked clothing as soon as possible. Wash the area thoroughly with soap and clean water. Launder contaminated clothing before reuse. • If motor fuel comes into contact with eye tissue, flush immediately with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention. • Take appropriate precautions to minimize inhalation of fuel vapors. Make sure that the work area is well ven- tilated before beginning any activities that may release fuel vapors. Inhalation may cause personal injury or death. • The ingestion of petroleum fuels may cause unconsciousness and/or burns to internal organs. If motor fuels are swallowed, do not induce vomiting. Seek medical attention immediately. 3.3 Electrical Hazards. Wiring for alarms and liquid level sensors should conform to applicable electrical code requirements and the specifications of the equipment manufacturer. Improperly wired, worn or unprotected electrical equipment can create fire, explosion or electri- cal shock hazards. Any activity or procedure requiring access to electrical equipment, wire or electronic components requires complete electrical shutoff of all circuits within that component by qualified personnel. Use the appropriate circuit breaker or switch at the facility power panel to disconnect power to individual devices. Qualified persons must understand and comply with lockout/tagout requirements to ensure safety while servicing equipment. Refer to applicable procedures, codes and regulations (e.g., OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1919.147) for further description of lockout/tagout requirements. 3.4 Fire and Explosion Hazards. Gasoline and gaso- line/ethanol blends are examples of liquids that generate large quantities of vapors that are easily ignited. Be espe- cially careful when gasoline or gasoline/ethanol blends are present in an open container, spilled on the ground, or when working in or around enclosed spaces where gaso- line or gasoline/ethanol blend vapors may be present. When working on a dispenser, open both sides of the cabinet to allow any vapors inside to dissipate before proceeding with interior inspection, maintenance or testing. Similar precautions should be taken when working in confined spaces, such as containment sumps. pei.org