Compliance - Overflow Piping & Housekeeping

Rules apply to specific processes in dipping, coating, and cleaning operations. Complying with these rules helps to maintain a safe work environment. Housekeeping procedures outline safe work practices that reduce risks for employees. Rules that address equipment function reduce the chance of injury from equipment failure or malfunction.

Housekeeping

Additionally, before an employee enters a tank for cleaning, the tank must meet certain standards:

• The tank must meet the requirements for permit-required confined spaces.
• The tank must be drained.
• The cleanout doors must be opened.
• Any pockets where hazardous vapors may have collected must be ventilated.

Overflow Piping

A dip tank must have a properly trapped overflow piping system that discharges to a safe location. This rule applies to any dip tank with a capacity greater than 150 gallons or a liquid surface area greater than 10 square feet.

Any overflow piping must be at least three inches in diameter and have sufficient capacity to prevent the dip tank from overflowing.

Piping connections on drains and overflow pipes must allow ready access to the interior of the pipe for inspection and cleaning.

The bottom of the overflow connection must be at least six inches below the top of the dip tank.

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