4.2.8 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage Installing Aboveground ASME Tanks Installing aboveground tanks is an important task performed by propane company service personnel. In this module you will learn to identify: (1)Considerations prior to tank installation (2)Tank installation procedures

4.2.8 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 1 Considerations Prior to Tank Installations Safety Precautions The following safety precautions are based on NFPA 58 and OSHA safety standards. Wear vinyl safety gloves and safety shoes during the loading, delivery, and installation of tanks. Because of the size and weight of ASME tanks that contain propane, proper lifting equipment should be used for lifting or moving operations. Tanks should be handled with not more than 5% liquid propane in them. Figure 1. Using Proper Lifting and Handling Equipment

4.2.8 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPages 1 & 2 Considerations Prior to Tank Installations Safety Precautions Electrical tools that are used for installation must be three-wire (grounded) or double-insulated as prescribed by NIOSH, ANSI and OSHA standards. When using electrical hand tools, always use three-wire electrical extension cords with proper ground lugs and a grounded power supply. When working with electrical tools, do not place any tools or extension cords in water puddles or damp grass. When transporting tanks to a customer site, always use proper equipment (i.e. tie-down straps, chains, etc.) to minimize tank movement on the truck while in transit.

4.2.8 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 2 Considerations Prior to Tank Installations Safety Precautions Only authorized employees of the company should assist during installation. AVOID ASKING FOR OR ACCEPTING ASSISTANCE FROM A CUSTOMER WHEN TANKS ARE BEING INSTALLED. Do not allow the customer or any children to be in the immediate work area during installation. Politely explain the possibility of injury and ask them to leave. Do not leave equipment unattended until all tools and equipment have been returned to the service truck and locked up.

4.2.8 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 2 Considerations Prior to Tank Installations Customer Relations The installation requires personnel to talk with the customer, verifying their preferences and communicating safety information and product warnings. Installation Planning and Documentation Because code and specific installation site requirements must be met, it is a good practice to use a worksheet during planning and installation. Some states require a similar worksheet to be filed with the local authority having jurisdiction or a state regulatory agency in order to obtain a permit to install cylinders. Review company procedures to determine when and how a cylinder installation worksheet should be used.

4.2.8 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 2 Considerations Prior to Tank Installations Customer Relations The installation requires personnel to talk with the customer, verifying their preferences and communicating safety information and product warnings. Installation Planning and Documentation Because code and specific installation site requirements must be met, it is a good practice to use a worksheet during planning and installation. Some states require a similar worksheet to be filed with the local authority having jurisdiction or a state regulatory agency in order to obtain a permit to install cylinders. Review company procedures to determine when and how a cylinder installation worksheet should be used.

4.2.8 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 3 Considerations Prior to Tank Installations Figure 2. Sample Planning & Installation Worksheet for an ASME Tank Installation

4.2.8 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 4 Identifying Tank Installation Procedures Types of Tanks This module discusses installations of aboveground ASME tanks with water capacities up to 2,000 gallons. The steps outlined are designed for installing tanks in most domestic, residential, agricultural, and light commercial applications. Step 1: Properly size the tank. Always size the tank for the customer vapor distribution system, not by customer information obtained over the telephone. Step 2: Select the proper location for the tank on the customer site. Do not sacrifice or ignore any safety requirement (distances) for a preferred customer location. If a location that meets all distance requirements cannot be found, politely explain the reasons for selecting the location that does.

4.2.8 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 4 Identifying Tank Installation Procedures Figure 3. Aboveground ASME Tanks

4.2.8 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 5 Identifying Tank Installation Procedures NOTE: The distance requirements above are based on recommendations in NFPA 58. They do not replace any requirements in your state or local codes Tanks with water capacities of 500 gals. or less should always have a small space for maintenance. Figure 4. Multi-Tank Installations

4.2.8 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPages 6 & 7 Identifying Tank Installation Procedures Figure 5.

4.2.8 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPages 6 & 7 Identifying Tank Installation Procedures Figure 5.

4.2.8 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 7 Identifying Tank Installation Procedures Figure 5.

4.2.8 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPages 8 & 9 Identifying Tank Installation Procedures Step 3: Prepare the tank, tools, and equipment required for the installation. Once a location for the container has been determined, the service representative should return to the plant and select all items needed for the installation. Service (pickup) Truck with Crane Flatbed Truck with Crane Lifting Sling The person using a sling is required by OSHA regulations to inspect the sling prior to each use. Using a sling found to have a safety defect is prohibited. Tank Setting Trailer Other Tools, Supplies & Equipment Solid Masonry Blocks

4.2.8 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPages 8 & 9 Identifying Tank Installation Procedures Figure 6. Always Inspect Lifting Slings Before Use

4.2.8 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPages 8 & 9 Identifying Tank Installation Procedures Figure 7. Aboveground Tank Installation

4.2.8 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 11 Identifying Tank Installation Procedures Step 4: Properly load and deliver the tank to the customer location. Figure 8. Always Extend and Lock Crane Outriggers, If Crane Is So Equipped

4.2.8 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 14 Identifying Tank Installation Procedures Step 5: Prepare the foundation for the tank. The bottom of the tank should be approximately 6" above the ground. Figure 9. Leveling Tank Foundation Blocks

4.2.8 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 15 Identifying Tank Installation Procedures Step 6: Properly install the tank. Figure 10. Stable Tank Installation

4.2.8 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPages Identifying Tank Installation Procedures Step 7: Prepare the tank for service. Step 8: Explain maintenance & safety precautions to the customer. a.The area 10 feet in any direction from the tank(s) must be kept clear of loose or stored combustible materials. b.Sources of ignition must be kept at least 10 feet from the tank(s). c.Any valve or tank leaks must immediately be reported to the company. d.Explain the operation and function of the shutoff valve. Instruct the customer to close the shutoff valve in the event of any unusual odors or emergency conditions. Vent a small quantity of propane from the maximum fixed liquid level gauge. Ask the customer to “sniff” the vapor after the gauge is closed to determine if the customer can smell propane odorant. e.Explain the function of the relief valve. f.Provide the customer with copies of all applicable company safety information and product warning notices.

4.2.8 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 18 Identifying Tank Installation Procedures IMPORTANT: If the tank installation includes installation of new vapor distribution lines, the new or modified lines must be pressure tested as required by NFPA 58 and 54. Prior to placing the distribution system into service, a leak check should be completed and documented as well. Follow your company’s procedures for completing & documenting all tasks you perform related to tank installation.

4.2.8 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPages Time to See If You Got the Key Points of This Module… Complete the Review on pages 19 & 20. See if you are ready for the Certification Exam by checking off the performance criteria on pages 21 & 22.