Barge
Cleaning Operations
» Chemical Cargo Barges
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Chemical cargo barge cleaning is the process of
removing residual cargo and cleaning the tanks on the barge in order
to load a new
or different
cargo, inspect, or repair. Cleaning may be conducted on a barge while at a pier,
in a drydock, while beached, or at anchor. The cleaning process normally includes:
Each of these steps include many of the
same hazards. The most important hazards are to due flammable
materials, and inhalation or skin contact from chemical exposures. It is important to
address Hazard Communication [1915.1200], personal protective equipment
[1915
Subpart I], and the exposure
limits in
1915 Subpart Z. These hazards should be evaluated throughout the
barge cleaning process.
Typical cargoes carried by tank barges, which may expose
workers, include but are not limited to: |
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Additional Resources:
- NIOSH Pocket Guide
- NFPA 306, Control of Gas Hazards on Vessels. National Fire
Protection Association.
- 33 CFR, Subpart 154 - Facilities Transferring Oil or Hazardous
Materials in Bulk. This regulation is available on-line
through the
GPO Access website.
- 154.735 - Safety Requirements. U.S. Coast Guard. This regulation allows for the incorporation of the International
Safety Guide for Oil Tankers & Terminals (ISGOTT) guide for tank
cleaning under 33 CFR 154.735(s)(1-3).
- OCIMF International Safety Guide for Oil Tankers & Terminals.
International Chamber of Shipping (ICS). This document outlines the
international standard for cleaning tanks.
- Safety Guidelines For Tank Vessel Cleaning Facilities. American Waterways
Shipyard Conference. This guideline was created by the American
Waterways Shipyard Conference (AWSC). AWSC merged with the
Shipbuilders Council of America (SCA) in 1999.
Note: Confined space entry is one of the
leading hazards associated with barge cleaning. Review the
Ship Repair: Confined/Enclosed Spaces and Other Dangerous Atmospheres
chapter for information on how to protect workers from this hazard.
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Step 1:
Pre-Planning and
Preparing to Clean |
Includes securing the barge, reviewing the structural
plan of the vessel, preventing static discharge, connecting hoses, ballasting, and
identifying hazardous materials.
The following safety and
health information should be reviewed:
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Figure 1: Mooring the barge and standing away from the edge.
Figure 2: Barge in the process of mooring up.
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Figure 3:
Connecting grounding static charge prevention.
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Figure 4: Barge grounding clamp and cable. |
Figure 5: Barge grounding clamp and cable. |
Figure 6:
Mailbox on barge for MSDS information. |
Figure 7:
Workers reviewing MSDS information before work begins. |
Figure 8: Shipyard Competent Person (SCP) checking atmosphere prior to entry. |
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Step 2:
Setup for Cleaning |
Includes setting up cleaning equipment,
opening covers and manholes, and visually inspecting tanks from
the outside.
The following safety and
health information should be reviewed:
Additional Resources:
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Figure 9: Releasing pressure and opening cover.
Figure 10:
Opening cover after pressure release.
Figure 11:
Access ramp to barge.
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Figure 12: Access walkway to barge.
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Figure 13: Part of a butterworth nozzle used for tank cleaning. |
Figure 14: Fire station. |
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Step 3: Cleaning |
Includes the cleaning processes, such as tank
washing, pumping of residues, ventilating for entry, entry procedures,
hand-cleaning in tanks, and cleaning of piping and pumps.
The following safety and
health information should be reviewed:
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Figure 15: Corpus blower with proper guards and grounded with alligator clip ventilating fuel tank.
Figure 16: Butterworth nozzle used for tank washing.
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Figure 17: Butterworth nozzle used for tank washing. |
Figure 18:
Worker hooking up suction hose. |
Figure 19: Blower venting a tank.
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Figure 20: Confined Space Log. |
Figure 21: Tank entry and hold watch. |
Figure 22: Washing barge tank. |
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Step 4: Completion |
Includes obtaining gas free/product certifications if necessary, final
inspection, equipment removal and closing up the barge (closing of butterworth and manhole lids).
The following safety and
health information should be reviewed:
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Figure 23:
Suction hose properly stored out of the way.
Figure 24:
Final inspection.
Figure 25: Barge void space hatch being opened or closed. |
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