Preparing ASME Tanks for Transportation

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To safely and properly install ASME tanks,
qualified propane personnel must understand and
know how to verify ASME tank condition, load,
transport, and unload at the customers site.

• In this module you will learn to
• Identify DOT regulations pertaining to
  transporting ASME tanks
• Verify ASME tank conditions
• Identify procedures for loading, transporting,
  and unloading an ASME tank using a tank setting
  trailer
• Identify procedures for loading, transporting,
  and unloading an ASME tank using a
  marketer-operated truck-mounted crane

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U.S. DOT Regulations Pertaining To Evacuating
ASME Tanks
The DOT regulatory reference for load securement
inspection is found in 49 CFR 392.9.

• Each container must be constructed in compliance
  with the requirements of the ASME code
• Each container must be equipped with safety
  devices in compliance with the requirements for
  safety devices on containers as specified in NFPA
  pamphlet no. 58
• Containers shall not be shipped when charged
  with liquefied petroleum gas to more than 5
  percent of their water capacity.
• Storage containers of less than 1,042 pounds
  water capacity (125 gallons) may be shipped when
  charged with liquefied petroleum gas in
  compliance with DOT filling density.

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Verifying ASME Tank Condition
Read, understand, and apply any company policies
and procedures for maintaining ASME tanks and
other containers used for customer propane
storage. Particular attention should be given to
company-specific standards that stipulate
requirements for condition of container coating,
customer information decals, sealing of container
valves when not in service, and inspection of
container valves, fittings, regulators, and other
container appurtenances.
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Verifying ASME Tank Condition

• The following items (as a minimum) should be
  checked on each tank transported from the bulk
  plant to a customer location
• Check for leaks at all tank welds and fittings

Figure 1. Checking for Leaks on AG/UG Tank
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Verifying ASME Tank Condition

• The following items (as a minimum) should be
  checked on each tank transported from the bulk
  plant to a customer location
• Check for leaks at all tank welds and fittings
• Verify that any tank over 125 gallons water
  capacity contains 5 or less propane in liquid
  form.

Figure 2. Liquid Level Must Be 5 or Less If
Tank Is Larger Than 125 Gallons
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Verifying ASME Tank Condition

• The following items (as a minimum) should be
  checked on each tank transported from the bulk
  plant to a customer location
• Check for leaks at all tank welds and fittings
• Verify that any tank over 125 gallons water
  capacity contains 5 or less propane in liquid
  form.
• Check the condition of the tank coating

Figure 3a. Underground Tank Coating
Figure 3b. Aboveground Tank Coating
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Verifying ASME Tank Condition

• Check the condition of each tank valve and
  fitting.
• Weather caps
• Plug is sealed on liquid withdrawal valve
• Tank is properly purged of air

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Verifying ASME Tank Condition
Figure 4a. Relief Valve
Figure 4b. Filler Valve
Figure 4c. Vapor Equalizing Valve
Figure 4d. Liquid Withdrawal Valve
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Verifying ASME Tank Condition

• Verify that the tank is properly marked and
  labeled for transportation. ASME data plate
  markings or ASME certification stampings in the
  tank head or shell must be readable.

Figure 5. Underground Tank Data Plate
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Verifying ASME Tank Condition

• If the tank contains propane, it must have proper
  shipping labels or placardsone on each side for
  tanks with water capacities less than 1,000
  gallons. If the water capacity is 1,000 gallons
  or more, flammable gas labels or placards are
  required on each end and both sides.

Figure 6. Flammable Gas Shipping Label
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Verifying ASME Tank Condition

• Check the condition of the tanks lifting lugs
  and supports.

After the condition of the ASME tank has been
determined to be satisfactory, the tank and any
required installation materials should be readied
for loading. Secure installation items such as
masonry foundation blocks on the delivery
vehicle they are considered cargo under DOT
regulations.
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Inspecting and Maintaining the Tank-Setting
Trailer
Read and follow manufacturers instructions for
inspecting, maintaining, and operating tank
setting trailers. Always be sure to comply with
any applicable company-specific procedures.
Figure 8. Components of a Typical Tank Setting
Trailer
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Inspecting and Maintaining the Tank-Setting
Trailer
Read and follow manufacturers instructions for
inspecting, maintaining, and operating tank
setting trailers. Always be sure to comply with
any applicable company-specific procedures.

• Tank Setting Trailer Components designs vary
  in the following ways
• type of lifting mechanism
• method for activating braking systems
• method for securing the tank support
  cross-members (called bunks, in their tank
  transporting and empty traveling configurations)

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Inspecting and Maintaining the Tank-Setting
Trailer
Braking Systems
On electric/hydraulic brake systems, the
electrical current flows when the towing
vehicles brake lights are activated. Proper
operation of the brake lights is critical to the
operation of the trailer braking system, along
with proper electrical connection to the towing
vehicle. On coupler-activated hydraulic systems,
proper lubrication and movement of the trailer
tongue-mounted hydraulic cylinder levers is
critical to proper braking system operation.
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Inspecting and Maintaining the Tank-Setting
Trailer
Figure 1. Components of a Typical Tank Setting
Trailer
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Inspecting and Maintaining the Tank-Setting
Trailer
Pre-Trip Inspection If the trailer is towed on
public roadways a pre-trip inspection is required
by DOT regulations.
Pre-use inspection items on tank trailers should,
as a minimum, include

• Hydraulic Systems
• Electrical System
• Mechanical Components
• Mounting Hardware
• Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir
• Lights
• Reflectors

• Tongue Tow Coupling
• Tongue Jack
• Bunks
• Safety Breakaway Mechanism
• Safety Chains
• Rims and Tires
• Placard Holder

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Inspecting and Maintaining the Tank-Setting
Trailer
Post-Trip Inspection
A towed tank trailer used to transport ASME tanks
is a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) under U.S.
Department of Transportation regulations. Before
the vehicle is operated on a public roadway, the
driver must complete a pre-trip inspection,
including a review of the previous Driver Vehicle
Inspection Report (DVIR). At the end of the day,
or when use of the CMV is finished for the day, a
post-trip inspection and a DVIR must be
completed. The towing vehicle as well as the
trailer must be included in the CMV pre-trip and
post-trip inspections and DVIR.
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Inspecting and Maintaining the Tank-Setting
Trailer
Basic Trailer Maintenance The best source for
guidance for trailer maintenance is the
manufacturer owners manual. General
maintenance items include
Trailer Tires Check for proper inflation and condition, loss of flexibility, dry rot, and becoming out-of-round.
Brake Pads and Drum Check condition as part of the scheduled maintenance program for the complete braking system.
Storage Battery (if used) Check for terminal corrosion, proper electrolyte levels, and periodically recharge
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Inspecting and Maintaining the Tank-Setting
Trailer
Hydraulic System Check for leaks and defects
Hitch and Tongue Jack Lubricate as specified by the manufacturer. If a defect is found in the hitch, it should be repaired or replaced without delay.
Lifting Cables and Slings Inspect for defects or damage and make sure there is adequate lubrication applied to extend the cable life.
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Inspecting and Maintaining the Tank-Setting
Trailer
Protective Rubber Coatings Check coatings to electrical wiring insulation, hydraulic hoses, and tires.
Corrosion Protection Metal primers and coatings should be applied to prepared metal surfaces when the original finish is lost or damaged.
Lifting Cables and Slings Inspect for defects or damage and make sure there is adequate lubrication applied to extend the cable life.
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Loading, Unloading Transporting Tanks
Vehicle Placards If the weight of the tank and
LP-gas exceed 1,001 pounds, the vehicle must be
placarded on the front, back and both sides with
placards.
Figure 2. LP-Gas Placard (Either Hazard Class 2
or Division 2.1 may be used.)
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Loading, Unloading Transporting Tanks
Tank Labels Tanks having water capacities less
than 1,000 gallon must be labeled on two sides.
Figure 3. (4 x 4) Flammable Gas Shipping Label
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Loading, Unloading Transporting Tanks
Tank Labels
During transportation, ASME tanks that contain
propane must be labeled using either flammable
gas shipping labels or placards. Flammable gas
shipping labels or placards must be placed on two
sides of tanks with less than 1,000 gallons
capacity during transportation in addition to the
four placards required for the vehicle. Tanks
with 1,000 gallon capacity and larger must have
labels or placards placed on both sides and both
ends.
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Loading, Unloading Transporting Tanks
Securing the Tank Straps or chains should be
secured in at least two locations, one on either
side of the tank dome or the valves, if the dome
is removed.
Figure 4. 1,000 Gallon Water Capacity ASME Tank
Being Prepared for Transportation
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Loading, Unloading Transporting Tanks
Loading the Tank
Figure 5. Positioning the Trailer Tank for
Loading
Figure 7. Securing the Bunks to the Trailer
Frame
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Loading, Unloading Transporting Tanks
Loading the Tank
Follow manufacturer instructions for installing
the bunks and be sure that they are secured as
directed. If lock pins or clips are required, be
sure that they are in place. If the bunk shows
any defect such as a broken weld, or if it is
bent so that it does not fit properly, do not
continue the loading operation until the bunk is
repaired or replaced.
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Loading, Unloading Transporting Tanks
Loading the Tank
Figure 8. Lowering Tank Onto Bunks
Figure 9. Securing the Tank with Cargo Straps
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Requirements Precautions for Tank Installation
Tank Installation

• When tanks are installed at customer locations,
  propane personnel should consider the following
  factors before driving on the customers property
  or unloading the tank.
• Is the soil around the installation location
  sufficiently dry to support the towing vehicle
  and trailer ?
• Are all underground facilities marked ?
• Does the tank installation location meet NFPA 58
  code, and can it be serviced ?

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Requirements Precautions for Tank Installation
Precautions

1. DO NOT use a tank trailer that has any mechanical
   or structural defect.
2. Be sure that the towing hitch is rated to carry
   the load in sound condition.
3. Be sure safety chains and breakaway connections
   are properly secured to the towing vehicle.
4. Check the tongue jack and dolly to be sure that
   it is locked in the transport position.
5. Be sure that the trailer hitch is secured and
   locked on the towing vehicles towing hitch
   before lifting the tank.

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Requirements Precautions for Tank Installation
Precautions

1. Check the condition of the trailers lifting
   equipment before attaching or lifting a tank.
2. Do not lift a tank by its lifting lugs if it
   contains more than 5 liquid propane.
3. Avoid placing hands, arms, or any body part
   beneath a suspended tank.
4. Be sure that tank bunks are secured according to
   manufacturers instructions before lowering the
   tank.
5. Secure the tank with at least two suitable
   securing devices

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Requirements Precautions for Tank Installation
Precautions

1. Be sure that the trailer tongue weight does not
   overload the towing vehicle hitch. If too much
   weight is carried on the rear axle of the towing
   vehicle, it can cause loss of steering control,
   fishtailing, or unstable braking.
2. Secure any loose tools, slings or chains in a
   toolbox on the trailer or towing vehicle before
   transporting the tank, or after setting a tank
   and returning to the bulk plant.
3. Be sure that bunks are secured and locked onto
   the trailer according to manufacturer
   instructions before leaving the tank installation
   location.

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Moving an ASME Tank Using a Truck-Mounted Crane

• Pre-Job Planning
• Before the tank is lifted, transported, and
  placed in its new location, pre-job planning that
  includes everyone who will be involved should
  establish the following objectives
• Develop a detailed tank loading or unloading plan
  along with a description for each persons
  responsibilities in the operation.
• Equipment operators must be assigned and the
  means used for communicating and coordinating
  each step of the job established.
• The locations of trucks and other equipment used
  should ensure that crane lifts, swings, and other
  movements are smooth and clear of people and
  property.

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Moving an ASME Tank Using a Truck-Mounted Crane
Pre-Job Planning

1. Truck drivers and equipment operating personnel
   should do a walk through before trucks or
   cranes are brought onto the site. Special care
   should be given to ensuring proper support for
   vehicles, avoiding buried structures and
   overhangs, and slopes or terrain hazards that
   could lead to truck or crane overturn.
2. Safety guidelines should be reviewed with
   emphasis allowing no one beneath a tank during
   lifts, swings, or positioning.
3. Any special tank handling requirements should be
   outlined with clear instructions for each person
   who has a responsibility in performing a related
   task

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Coordinating Truck-Mounted Crane Operations
Where two or more employees are involved pre-job
planning, assignment of individual
responsibilities, agreed clear communication
methods are imperative to protect people and
property.
Figure 15. Positioning the Crane Truck
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Coordinating Truck-Mounted Crane Operations
Operating the Truck-Mounted Crane Truck-crane
operators should read and follow the
manufacturers instructions for inspecting,
maintaining and operating the crane. They should
know the cranes maximum lifting capacity, and
how the crane boom angle and positions affect the
cranes load capacity and stability.
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Coordinating Truck-Mounted Crane Operations

• Operating the Truck-Mounted Crane
• Fundamental principles of crane operations
• A crane is basically a large lever. Considering
  the basic forces at work on lever-type devices,
  the operator should understand the following
• A cranes maximum lifting capacity is available
  when the boom (the lever) is as close to vertical
  as possible.
• The cranes most stable lifting configuration is
  when the boom is as close to vertical as
  possible, and outriggers distribute the weight of
  the crane and its load over a wide area.

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Coordinating Truck-Mounted Crane Operations

• Operating the Truck-Mounted Crane
• Fundamental principles of crane operations
• As the cranes boom is lowered from vertical, its
  lifting capacity is reduced.
• As the boom angle is moved toward horizontal, it
  produces a center-of-gravity shift away from the
  center of the cranes undercarriage (vehicle
  chassis on self-propelled cranes) toward the side
  of the vehicle where the boom is pointed. If the
  cranes counterweights and the load-bearing area
  for the crane (outriggers and soil) do not exceed
  the force imposed by the load, the instability
  may result in crane overturn or collapse.

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Coordinating Truck-Mounted Crane Operations

• Operating the Truck-Mounted Crane
• Fundamental principles of crane operations
• For safety and stability, cranes must be leveled
  and properly supported before any rigging,
  lifting, or load positioning is started.
• The cranes lifting and operating characteristics
  are also affected by the mechanical condition of
  all its components.
• Watch for overhead electric wires, overhead
  utilities and any other overhead hazard.

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Operating the Truck-Mounted Crane
The crane truck should be located on level ground
so that the ASME tank can be lifted and
positioned within safe working limits of the
crane. The vehicle parking brakes should be set,
and chock blocks placed in front of and behind
the vehicles rear wheels.
Figure 2a. Set the Parking Brakes
Figure 2b. Place Chock Blocks
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Operating the Truck-Mounted Crane
Next, the crane outriggers should be fully
extended and locked into position. Crane
outriggers (where provided by the manufacturer)
are used to prevent damage to the truck chassis
and maintain stability.
Figure 3. Setting Outriggers and Leveling the
Crane
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Operating the Truck-Mounted Crane
Before lifting the tank, the crane should be
given a brief but thorough visual inspection.
Special attention must be directed to the lifting
hook and swivel to be sure that it is not
damaged, and that locking pins or set screws are
present to secure the hook and swivel.
Figure 4a. Inspect the Lifting Hook
Figure 4b. Inspect the Sling
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Operating the Truck-Mounted Crane
If the tank contains more than 5 liquid, the
tanks lifting lugs or eyes should not be used.
Instead a basket lift should be made using
slings or chains with adequate load ratings.
Figure 4a. Inspect the Lifting Hook
Figure 4b. Inspect the Sling
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Inspecting Lifting Chains and Slings
OSHA regulations on slings are found in 29 CFR
1910.184. Regulations on truck-crane operations
are found in 29 CFR 1910.180

• OSHA guidelines include
• The operator must exercise intelligence, care and
  common sense when selecting and using slings.
• Slings must be selected in accordance with their
  intended use, based upon the size and type of
  load.
• All slings must be visually inspected before use
  to ensure their effectiveness.

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Inspecting Lifting Chains and Slings

• OSHA guidelines include
• When inspecting alloy steel chain slings, pay
  special attention to any stretching, wear in
  excess of allowances made by the manufacturer,
  and nicks and gouges. These signs indicate that
  the sling may be unsafe and they must be removed
  from service.
• When inspecting wire rope slings, if ten randomly
  distributed wires in one lay twisted wire
  bundle lay describes the direction the wires
  and strands are twisted during the construction
  of the wire rope are broken, or if five wires in
  one strand of a rope lay are damaged, the sling
  must not be used. Wire rope slings must also be
  removed from service if the inspection reveals
  any of the following conditions

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Inspecting Lifting Chains and Slings

• Wire-rope sling rejection criteria
• Damaged end fittings
• Excessive corrosion
• Localized wear
• A one-third reduction in outer wire diameter
• Distortion, kinking, bird caging, or other
  structural damage to the wire rope

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Inspecting Lifting Chains and Slings

• When inspecting fabric rope or web slings, the
  sling must be removed from service if any of the
  following defects exist
• Acid or caustic burns
• Melting or charring of any part of the surface
• Snags, punctures, tears, or cuts
• Broken or worn stitches
• Wear or elongation exceeding the amount
  recommended by the manufacturer
• Distortion of the fittings

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Rigging Lifting Slings
Slings used should have load ratings well in
excess of the weight of the tank and its
contents. Operators must always bear in mind
that if slings are not arranged to lift
vertically as shown in the illustration on the
left of Figure 5, the load capacity of the sling
decreases as the sling angle moves from vertical
to horizontal.
Figure 5. The Effect of Sling Angle on Sling
Lifting Capacity
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Rigging Lifting Slings
After the arrangement and selection of lifting
slings is determined, operating personnel should
coordinate the attachment of the slings, tank
lift, and travel. At NO time should operating
personnel stand or walk beneath the lifted tank.
Figure 6a. Using a Chain Sling to Lift Tank
Figure 6b. Staying Clear of the Lift
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Time to See If You Got the Key Points of This
Module

• Complete the Review on pages 21-24.
• See if you are ready for the Certification Exam
  by checking off the performance criteria on
  pages 25 - 27.

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