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0 • Locate the tank, together with piping, vents and man ways. Sample the tank to verify that the tank contains the product that was indicated. Note liquid levels. Check for the presence of water and other contaminants. Sample the tank vapor space with 02/LEL meter to verify safe/unsafe conditions. Tank Excavation • Establish the boundaries of the exclusion zone so that unprotected personnel will not accidentally come in contact with any possible liquid splashes or vapors arising from the excavation. • Ensure that all walking or working surfaces and areas are in safe condition. There must be a firm footing for equipment and personnel on the overburden. If not, the areas need to be stabilized. If it is possible for excavation or hoisting equipment to contact overhead power lines, then these will need to be de-energized prior to beginning operations. Note that for tracked vehicles, the proper alignment with an excavation is to have the tracks perpendicular to the excavation. • While the overburden is being removed, if free product or saturated soil is likely to be contacted, then a proper storage area for this spoiled material must be designated. This area may need to be lined and diced. If free product or saturated soils are found, both toxic and flammable reading shall be taken at the work site and perimeter. • The excavation wall may have to be sloped or shored to ensure that the walls do not collapse. Remember that an excavation above shoulder level is considered a confined space. These are definite OSHA standards for both excavation and confined space energy that we addressed in this Health and Safety Plan. • If personnel enter the excavation, they shall use the proper protective equipment, and follow confined space entry procedures, as appropriate. • If open excavations are left unattended, proper fencing and warning signals shall be set up to actively warn all personnel of the open pit hazard. In certain areas, additional security measures may need to be instituted in the form of fences or security guards. Tank Removal and Decontamination • All products will be removed by pumping (if possible). If the tank atmosphere is flammable, the tank must be inert prior to removal. This can be done by introducing nitrogen or dry ice (CO2) until the oxygen content is 8 percent or less, or "foamed" with fire fighting or vapor suppression foam to suppress vaporization, along with ventilation to below 10 percent LEL. Depending on the situation and product, one method may be preferred to the other. (A description of each method is discussed later in this section under Safety Certification). • If possible, all lines will be removed by disconnecting joints rather than cutting or burning. No hot work will be performed without a hot work permit issued after LEL testing.