5706.5 Bulk Transfer and Process Transfer Operations
Bulk transfer and process transfer operations shall be conducted in approved locations. Tank cars shall be unloaded only on private sidings or railroad-siding facilities equipped for transferring flammable or combustible liquids. Tank vehicles and tank cars engaged in bulk transfer or process transfer operations shall be separated from buildings, above-ground tanks, combustible materials, lot lines, public streets, public alleys or public ways by a distance of 25 feet (7620 mm) for Class I liquids and 15 feet (4572 mm) for Class II and IIIA liquids measured from the nearest loading or unloading valve on the tank vehicle or tank car.
Exception: Buildings for pumps and shelters for personnel supporting transfer operations shall not be required to be separated from tank vehicles and tank cars engaged in bulk transfer or process transfer operations.
Static protection shall be provided to prevent the accumulation of static charges during transfer operations. Bonding facilities shall be provided during the transfer through open domes where Class I liquids are transferred, or where Class II and III liquids are transferred into tank vehicles or tank cars that could contain vapors from previous cargoes of Class I liquids.
Protection shall consist of a metallic bond wire permanently electrically connected to the fill stem. The fill pipe assembly shall form a continuous electrically conductive path downstream from the point of bonding. The free end of such bond wire shall be provided with a clamp or equivalent device for convenient attachment to a metallic part in electrical contact with the cargo tank of the tank vehicle or tank car. For tank vehicles, protection shall consist of a flexible bond wire of adequate strength for the intended service and the electrical resistance shall not exceed 1 megohm. For tank cars, bonding shall be provided where the resistance of a tank car to ground through the rails is 25 ohms or greater.
Such bonding connection shall be fastened to the vehicle, car or tank before dome covers are raised and shall remain in place until filling is complete and all dome covers have been closed and secured.
Exceptions:
- Where vehicles and cars are loaded exclusively with products not having a static-accumulating tendency, such as asphalt, cutback asphalt, most crude oils, residual oils and water-miscible liquids.
- Where Class I liquids are not handled at the transfer facility and the tank vehicles are used exclusively for Class II and III liquids.
- Where vehicles and cars are loaded or unloaded through closed top or bottom connections whether the hose is conductive or nonconductive.
Filling through open domes into the tanks of tank vehicles or tank cars that contain vapor-air mixtures within the flammable range, or where the liquid being filled can form such a mixture, shall be by means of a downspout that extends to near the bottom of the tank.
When top loading a tank vehicle with Class I and II liquids without vapor control, valves used for the final control of flow shall be of the self-closing type and shall be manually held open except where automatic means are provided for shutting off the flow when the tank is full. Where used, automatic shutoff systems shall be provided with a manual shutoff valve located at a safe distance from the loading nozzle to stop the flow if the automatic system fails.
When top loading a tank vehicle with vapor control, flow control shall be in accordance with Section 5706.5.1.10. Self-closing valves shall not be tied or locked in the open position.
Tank vehicles and tank cars shall not be located inside a building while transferring Class I, II or IIIA liquids, unless approved by the fire code official.
Exception: Tank vehicles are allowed under weather protection canopies and canopies of automobile motor vehicle fuel-dispensing stations.
Transfer operations shall be surrounded by a noncombustible fence not less than 5 feet (1524 mm) in height. Tank vehicles and tank cars shall not be loaded or unloaded unless such vehicles are entirely within the fenced area.
Exceptions:
- Motor fuel-dispensing facilities complying with Chapter 23.
- Installations where adequate public safety exists because of isolation, natural barriers or other factors as determined appropriate by the fire code official.
- Facilities or properties that are entirely enclosed or protected from entry.
Motors of tank vehicles or tank cars shall be shut off during the making and breaking of hose connections and during the unloading operation.
Exception: Where unloading is performed with a pump deriving its power from the tank vehicle motor.
Hydrostatic pressure-limiting or relief devices shall be provided where pressure buildup in trapped sections of the system could exceed the design pressure of the components of the system.
Devices shall relieve to other portions of the system or to another approved location.
Motors of tank vehicles or tank cars shall be shut off during the making and breaking of hose connections and during the unloading operation.
Exception: When unloading is performed with a pump deriving its power from the tank vehicle motor.
Liquids intended for use as motor fuels are allowed to be transferred from tank vehicles into the fuel tanks of marine craft and special equipment where approved by the fire code official, and where:
- The tank vehicle's specific function is that of supplying fuel to fuel tanks.
- The operation is not performed where the public has access or where there is unusual exposure to life and property.
- The dispensing line does not exceed 50 feet (15 240 mm) in length.
- The dispensing nozzle is approved.