4.2.8
Installing Aboveground
ASME Tanks
Installing aboveground tanks is an important
performed by propane company service personnel.
task
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 Council
Page 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 Council
Page 1
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 Council
Pages 1 & 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 Council
Page 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 Council
Page 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 Council
Page 2
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 Council
Page 3
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 Council
Page 4
Identifying Tank Installation Procedures
Figure 3. Aboveground ASME Tanks
4.2.8 Student Book  © 2004 Propane Education & Research Council
Page 4
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 Council
Page 5
Identifying Tank Installation Procedures
Figure 5.
4.2.8 Student Book  © 2004 Propane Education & Research Council
Pages 6 & 7
Identifying Tank Installation Procedures
Figure 5.
4.2.8 Student Book  © 2004 Propane Education & Research Council
Pages 6 & 7
Identifying Tank Installation Procedures
Figure 5.
4.2.8 Student Book  © 2004 Propane Education & Research Council
Page 7
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 Council
Pages 8 & 9
Identifying Tank Installation Procedures
Figure 6. Always Inspect
Lifting Slings Before Use
4.2.8 Student Book  © 2004 Propane Education & Research Council
Pages 8 & 9
Identifying Tank Installation Procedures
Figure 7. Aboveground Tank Installation
4.2.8 Student Book  © 2004 Propane Education & Research Council
Pages 8 & 9
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 Council
Page 11
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 Council
Page 14
Identifying Tank Installation Procedures
Step 6:
Properly install the tank.
Figure 10. Stable Tank Installation
4.2.8 Student Book  © 2004 Propane Education & Research Council
Page 15
Identifying Tank Installation Procedures
Step 7:
Prepare the tank for service.
Step 8:
Explain maintenance & safety precautions to the customer.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
The area 10 feet in any direction from the tank(s) must be kept
clear of loose or stored combustible materials.
Sources of ignition must be kept at least 10 feet from the tank(s).
Any valve or tank leaks must immediately be reported to the
company.
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.
Explain the function of the relief valve.
Provide the customer with copies of all applicable company safety
information and product warning notices.
4.2.8 Student Book  © 2004 Propane Education & Research Council
Pages 17 - 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 Council
Page
18
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.
4.2.8 Student Book  © 2004 Propane Education & Research Council
Pages 19 - 22