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0 0 <br /> Section 3 - Internal Lining and Repair of Fiberglass Underground Storage Tanks <br /> 3.1 General Safety Requirements <br /> 3.1.1 Safety requirements for the repair and internal lining of fiberglass underground storage tanks are <br /> the some as the safety requirements for lining steel underground storage tanks. <br /> 3.1.2 When lining fiberglass tanks, adhere to all applicable permits, personnel training requirements, <br /> equipment requirements, tank isolation and vapor-freeing procedures and tank entry precautions <br /> discussed in Sections 1 and 2. <br /> 3.2 Cutting an Entry into a Fiberglass Storage Tank <br /> 3.2.1 If the fiberglass tank is not equipped with a man-way, enter through the head of the tank. <br /> 3.2.2 Before cutting into the tank,the head of the tank must be exposed and the excavation properly <br /> shored. A working area of five (5) square feet must be available. <br /> 3.2.3 The first cut must be made at least five (5)inches and no more than twelve (12) inches from the <br /> rib.The opening must be a minimum of eighteen (18) inches square. <br /> 3.2.4 To prevent the cutout section from falling into the tank, bevel cut the entryway, using an air- <br /> driven saber saw or other non-sparking tools to eliminate potential ignition sources. <br /> 3.3 Internal Inspection and Evaluation <br /> 3.3.1 Procedures for repairing and internally lining fiberglass tanks are similar to those used for steel <br /> tanks.The tank must be checked for damage,signs of structural failure,chemical attack of the gel coat, <br /> cracks,holes,wall buckling,bottom flattening and leakage around the seams where the walls are joined. <br /> 3.3.2 To monitor the structural and operational life of a fiberglass tank,the tank must be inspected and <br /> tested. <br /> 3.3.3 Inspection of a fiberglass tank for structural soundness may include a vacuum test established <br /> from the Underwriters Laboratories Standard 1316,and measurement of the interior tank wall diameter to <br /> determine the structural deflection limits. <br /> 3.3.4 Visually inspect internal fiberglass tank walls to determine any signs of damage or structural <br /> failure, the existence and extent of chemical attack to the tank walls, cracks, holes, delamination, <br /> leakage around the seams and wall buckling or flattening. <br /> a) The entire interior surface must be thoroughly cleaned with soap and water and then <br /> completely dried. <br /> b) The interior surface must be vigorously rubbed with a rag containing graphite powder. <br /> c) The graphite will adhere to cracks, stressed areas and holes not otherwise visibly <br /> noticeable. Repair any holes or cracks. <br /> 3.3.5 When the product stored is not compatible with the resin used in the manufacture of a fiberglass <br /> tank, chemical attack can occur; the tank walls develop excessive hairline cracks and the gel coat <br /> begins to soften. <br /> 3.4 Surface Preparation <br /> 3.4.1 Abrasive blasting procedures for fiberglass tanks are similar to those outlined for steel tanks. <br /> 2/99 <br /> Page 16 of 30 <br />