1.1 This recommended practice addresses only the safety aspects of hot work performed on petroleum storage tank bottoms. It discusses safety precautions for preventing fires, explosions, and associated injuries. The term “hat work,” as used in this publication, is defined as an operation that can produce a spark or flame hot enough to ignite flammable vapors. API 2009 provides more in-depth information on safe hot work practices, and its requirements are not duplicated here.
1.2 This recommended practice does not contain all safety precautions and procedures that may be required prior to, during, or atfter a specific hot work activity. Al hot work should be performed in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulatory requirements and recognized industry practices. Work practices of concern for working on tank bottoms include, but are not limited to, confined space entry, lockouttagout, atmospheric testing, ventilation, and requirements for use of personal protective equipment (PPE). API 2015 provides guidance for tank entry consistent with OSHA regulations noted in Section 2, Normative References. This recommended practice does not repeat the detailed information provided in the referenced documents. Some of the relevant OSHA regulations from 29 CFR Part 1910 and 29 CFR Part 1926 are included in the references. It is the responsibility of each organization to review and comply with applicable regulatory requirements.
