Safety Principles

Riverlake has a strong background in operating tank terminals. Safety is of paramount importance, not only during operations, but also when designing and building a terminal. This article provides an overview of the basic safety principles that we apply when operating a tank terminal.

General Safety

The following general safety principles should always be applied:

— All persons must be trained and competent in the work they execute.

— All persons must know and comply with the safety regulations and procedures at the location he works on.

— Work will not be conducted without a job safety assessment.

— Emergency response plans and equipment will be in place before work starts.

— It is each person’s responsibility to stop unsafe work.

Product storage and handling

Prior and during storage and transfer of any product:

— The safety information on the product must be available, known and understood

— The tank should be suitable for the product

— The pipeline configuration and line-up should be checked

— Electrostatic discharge should be prevented by means of appropriate grounding

— Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) should be prescribed and used

Change Management

Temporary and permanent changes to systems, processes, equipment, products or personnel cannot proceed unless:

— A risk assessment of the change has been executed

— A work plan has been issued that controls the change

— The change is authorized by the responsible person

Permit to Work

Operational or maintenance work that have no written procedure needs a permit that ensures safe execution:

— Clear work description

— Hazard identification and risk assessment

— Risk mitigating measures

— Authorized by the responsible person

— Known and understood by all involved

Isolation of Energy

Any isolation of energy systems, mechanical, electrical, hydraulic or other, cannot proceed unless:

— Stored energy is discharged

— A system of locks and signs is used at the isolation points (called Lockout Tagout)

— The isolation is effective and periodically monitored

Confined Space Entry

Entry into a confined space (e.g. tank, truck, rail wagon, underground duct) cannot proceed unless:

— A permit to work is issued

— The confined space is isolated

— The atmosphere has been tested for oxygen content, explosivity and toxicity

— A rescue plan, equipment and staff are in place

Working at Heights

Working at heights (typically above 2 meter) cannot proceed unless:

— A fixed working platform is used with appropriate railing.

Or, if this is not achievable:

— A fall arrest system that is approved and periodically inspected

Excavation

Excavation (i.e. a manmade cavity or trench
in the soil) cannot proceed unless:

— All underground hazards (i.e. pipelines, power cables, etc.) are identified and isolated

— Ground slides or collapses are prevented by appropriate shoring or sloping

— A confined space entry permit is issued when applicable

Motorized vehicles

All motorized vehicles, including forklifts,
must not be operated unless:

— The vehicle is regularly inspected and maintained and in good working order

— Loads do not exceed the vehicle’s load capacity and are properly secured

— The road safety regulations are complied with

— The driver or operator is qualified and trained to operate the vehicle

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