Special Cases - Opening Tanks and Vaults

For tanks or vaults, OSHA recommends the following procedures:

• When opening a tank or vault, follow the procedures for opening a sealed drum.
• If needed, vent the express pressure in cases where the container holds volatile substances.
• When the tank is opened, use deflecting shields (placed between workers and the opening). This will help to prevent direct contamination of workers by materials forced out by pressure when the tank is opened.
• Always guard openings to tanks or vaults (such as manholes or access portals). This will help to prevent personnel from falling into the tank.

After opening, the contents of a tank or vault will undergo the characterization (identification) process. You will now learn about this.

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