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Removal and Disposal of Used Underground Petroleum Storage Tanks SECTION 1—GENERAL 1.1 Introduction 1.2.3 The procedures outlined in this recommended Underground petroleum storage systems that are no practice can be carried out without the need to enter the longer needed or suitable for product storage must be tank. Should tank entry be desired, the procedures properly disposed in place or removed in order to avoid outlined in API Publications 2015, 2015A, and 2217 future safety or environmental hazards. Because of the and Recommended Practice 1631 should be followed. nature of the flammable or combustible liquids that are 1,3 Special Precautions stored in these tanks, hazardous conditions may arise in the work area during disposal in place or removal and During the course of underground storage tank subsequent handling of tanks. For this reason, all per- removal or in place disposal, workers may be exposed to sonnel involved in the procedures outlined in this petroleum hydrocarbon liquids, vapors, or wastes. The recommended practice should be familiar with the precautions in 1.3.1 and 1.3.2 should be observed by all potential hazards, and be knowledgeable in the appro- individuals engaged in the procedures discussed in this priate health and safety measures needed to ensure a recommended practice. safe working environment. 1.3.1 TOXICITY CONSIDERATIONS: 1.2 Scope and Purpose PETROLEUM SUBSTANCES 1.2.1 This publication recommends procedures for Users should be aware of appropriate health precau- the disposal in place, removal, storage, and off-site tions. When high concentrations of petroleum hydro- disposal of underground storage tank systems that have carbon vapors are inhaled, symptoms of intoxication contained flammable or combustible fluids. In general, may result. These symptoms, ranging from simple dizzi- it outlines requirements, procedures,and operating con- ness to excitement or unconsciousness, are similar to ditions to be followed by contractors, engineers, or those produced by alcohol or anesthetic gases. If such other individuals who may be involved in these practices. effects occur, the individual should be removed to fresh While this recommended practice specifically addresses air. For minor effects of exposure,breathing fresh air or underground petroleum storage tank systems at service oxygen results in rapid recovery. If breathing has stop- station facilities, the principles outlined may be applied ped, artificial respiration should be applied promptly. to similar systems used at other petroleum storage facili- Medical attention should be obtained as soon as possi- ties. All such work must be accomplished in accordance ble. Paragraphs 1.3.1.1 and 1.3.1.2 contain special with federal, state, and local requirements as well as toxicity considerations for benzene and tetraethyl lead, accepted safety standards. Before initiating work, the which may be present in petroleum products or wastes appropriate government agencies should be consulted found in underground storage tanks. Care should be ex- concerning applicable regulatory and permit require- ercised to minimize exposure to these substances when ments. they are present during the handling of used under- 1.2.2 All applicable permits must be obtained prior to ground petroleum storage tanks. beginning any work. Where required, contractors must WARNING: Tests have shown that prolonged or be approved by local authorities. Contractors, sub- repeated exposure to some petroleum substances, in contractors, and their employees responsible for tank liquid or vapor form, may cause serious illness, in- abandonment or removal should be familiar with: (a)all cluding cancer, in laboratory animals. Although the applicable safety rules and regulations, (b) the use of significance of these test results to human health is not equipment and procedures for testing and vapor-freeing fully understood, exposure to petroleum substances tanks, (c) the handling and disposal of the types of should be minimized. The following health precautions wastes likely to be encountered, and (d) the applicable are suggested: sections of the publications referenced in 1.4. a. Avoid skin contact and inhaling vapors.