Safety procedures for filling and emptying fuel tanks

Special care must be taken when filling and emptying fuel tanks. These are hazardous workwhich give rise to explosive, inflammable and toxic hazards for most types of transported substances, including light and heavy petroleum products. Work may only be carried out by persons who have TDT authorisations to operate the UNO. In order to obtain them, it is necessary to obtain training and to take an examination before a commission of the Transport Technical Supervision.Filling can be carried out in several ways, including through the top hatch or through the side drain valves, the tee or the top valve from below. Before filling the tank, the wagon must be carefully rolled to the loading area and blocked with wooden elements. Personal protective equipment is required for the work. The earthing must also be connected and the condition of seals and sealing points checked.

When filling the fuel tanks from the top, check that the main valve is closed, then open the upper hatch, open the aeration connector and start the pump, constantly checking the filling level of the tank as well as the presence of faults and watercourses. The total weight of the load must not be greater than the amount of the determined weight for the wagon in question. Finally, also seal the top hatch, aeration port, cap, handwheel and side drain valves. Check that the valves and the valve of the heating system are closed. When filling the tank with the bottom, proceed in the same way - detailed information on how to proceed with the exercises is provided UNO course.

Emptying takes place through the main valve and one of the side discharge valves using a pump or by gravity. Preparatory operations are similar to those for filling the tank. When emptying, connect the discharge line to the side discharge valve, open the valve, the aeration stub or the top hatch in case it is not present, and the main valve. When finished, proceed in a similar way as for the completion of the filling of the tank, remembering to carry out the operations to drain off all the product.