2.5.5 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 1 2.5.5 Coordinating Loading and...

2.5.5 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research Council

2.5.5

Coordinating Loading and Unloading of ASME Tanks

Using Contractor-Operated Construction Cranes

Coordination of ASME tank loading and unloading operations is essential to avoid injury or damage to equipment.

In this module you will learn to identify:

(1) Safety factors & pre-job planning procedures for tank loading and unloading operations

(2) Factors to consider when locating ASME tanks and lifting equipment

(3) Procedures for coordinating large crane loading and unloading operations

2.5.5 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research Council Page 1

Loading Safety Factors and Pre-Job Planning

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:

1. Develop a detailed tank loading or unloading plan along with a description for each person’s responsibilities in the operation.

2. Equipment operators must be assigned and the means used for communicating and coordinating each step of the job established.

3. 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.


Loading Safety Factors and Pre-Job Planning

Pre-Job Planning

4. 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.

5. Safety guidelines should be reviewed with emphasis allowing no one beneath a tank during lifts, swings, or positioning.

6. Any special tank handling requirements should be outlined with clear instructions for each person who has a responsibility in performing a related task


Locating ASME Tanks and Lifting Equipment

1. Verify the proper location and condition of the tank foundations. The location must be chosen based not only on minimum separation distance code requirements, but also with the operating characteristics of the tank handling equipment in mind.

2. Ensure that tank handling equipment can be properly located to set the tank within safe operating limits of the equipment used.


Locating ASME Tanks and Lifting Equipment

ValveEnd

ValveEnd

Self-PropelledCrane O utriggers

W ith ShoringPad

Saddles

1. Locate crane w ith boom centered over center point of saddles.2. Back tractor tra iler under center po int of rotated crane boom .3. Be sure no one stands or w alks under suspended tank, and that tank sw ing path is clear of tractor cab--if not, pu ll tractor tra iler in , and rotate tank 180 degrees in m id-sw ing to get va lve end positioned to front.

Figure 1. Locating Crane & Truck to Set a

Bulk Storage Tank


Coordinating Crane Lifting & Swing Operations

Fundamental principles of crane operations:

1. A crane is basically a large lever. Considering the basic forces at work on lever-type devices, the operator should understand the following:

a) A crane’s maximum lifting capacity is available when the boom (the lever) is as close to vertical as possible.

b) The crane’s 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.




2. As the crane’s boom is lowered from vertical, its lifting capacity is reduced.

3. As the boom angle is moved toward horizontal, it produces a center-of-gravity shift away from the center of the crane’s undercarriage (vehicle chassis on self-propelled cranes) toward the side of the vehicle where the boom is pointed. If the crane’s 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.




4. For safety and stability, cranes must be leveled and properly supported before any rigging, lifting, or load positioning is started.

5. The crane’s lifting and operating characteristics are also affected by the mechanical condition of all its components.

6. Watch for overhead electric wires, overhead utilities and any other overhead hazard.



Note:

The preparation, inspection, and operation of industrial/ construction-type cranes are not the responsibility of propane personnel. These functions are solely the responsibility of the crane company operating personnel. The information given above is provided to help propane personnel understand the nature of large crane operations, to give some indication of what crane operations involve, and provide some of the limitations that apply. Propane personnel may use this information to determine if crane operations provided by others are proper for handling ASME bulk storage tanks.


Tank Loading and Transport Operations

When bulk storage tanks are loaded for transportation, the following tasks are required:

• Preparing the tank for transportation

• Lifting the tank onto the trailer

• Properly positioning the tank for transportation

• Securing the tank to the trailer

• Determining placard and shipping paper requirements



Figure 2. Lifting the Tank onto the Trailer



Proper positioning of tanks that do not have steel saddles requires that the tank be slightly rotated (Figure 3), or fully supported above the trailer deck by the use of adequate blocking along the full length of the tank.

The weight of the tank should not rest on valve couplings. If the tank were transported with the valve couplings down, the weight of the tank and the force exerted by bumps and any holes in the road surface will be concentrated on the valve couplings. As a result, a crack in the coupling weld could occur



Figure 3. Tank Rotated to Protect Valve CouplingsDuring Transportation

Before unhooking from the crane, personnel should secure the tank to the trailer.



Figure 4. Securing the Tank Before Unhooking from the Crane

For any ASME tank, a minimum of 2 sets of chains and binders or cargo straps that have adequate load ratings should be used with an additional set placed every 10 feet along the length of the tank and trailer.



Figure 5. Bulk Tank Transportation Requirements

No Placarding Required if Bulk Storage Tank Is Purged of Propane

W ooden Cleats to Prevent Rolling or Shifting

2.1

2.1

Placarding for Bulk Storage Tank Containing Propane Vapor

W ooden Cleats to Prevent Rolling or Shifting

Properly Rated Chains or Cargo StrapsSecured at 10 Foot Intervals

Properly Rated Chains or Cargo StrapsSecured at 10 Foot Intervals

Placards on Front, Back, & Both S ides ofVehicle & Tank



Figure 6. Final Check BeforeTransporting Bulk Storage Tank(Tank shown does not contain propane.)

Final Check Before Transporting:• Placarding?• Shipping Papers?• Clearances?• Load Secured?



Be sure that you have read and understand any company policies or procedures that apply to bulk storage tank transportation and installation operations. Always follow any applicable company procedures regarding tank evacuation, purging or preparation for loading, transportation, or unloading operations.


Tank Unloading & Installation Operations

Before a bulk storage tank is unloaded and installed, crane operators and propane company person should complete the pre-job planning steps outlined in the first section of this module.

Figure 7. Removing Load Binders



The purpose of the insulating material is to protect the steel tank or steel saddle base from the corrosive effects of contact with concrete.

Figure 8. Fitting the Tank and ConcreteInsulating Material to the Saddles



All personnel must keep away from the swing path and never stand or walk under the suspended tank.

Figure 9. Swiveling the Tank With A Guide Rope

Figure 10. “Squaring-Up” the Tank



Good communication between the crane operator and propane company personnel is essential during this operation.

Figure 11. Rotating the Tank for Proper Valve Orientation



When the insulating material is in place the tank is slowly lowered into the saddles in its final installed position.

Figure 12. Placing the Insulating Material



OHSA regulations on slings & sling inspection are found in 29 CFR § 1910.184.

Technical Tip

It is a good practice to carry a broom on trucks used to transport ASME tanks.

2.5.5 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research Council Pages 11 & 12

Time to See If You Got the Key Points of This Module…

• Complete the Review on page 11.

• See if you are ready for the Certification Exam by checking off the performance criteria on page 12.

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