API and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) are working with the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to help advance safe working practices in the petroleum industry and in the process, build a foundation for continued collaboration. In March 2002, OSHA established the Alliance Program and aimed for participants to work collaboratively and to leverage resources in reaching and educating the nation's workforce in advancing safety initiatives. The Safe Tank Alliance, signed in March 2004 by API, OSHA and NFPA, is one such alliance.
The Safe Tank Alliance has already produced an impressive suite of products and services. Product examples are the development of pamphlets on safe hot work practices, safe tank entry and fall prevention on tanks. Click below to view/download the Fall Prevention for Aboveground Storage Tanks fact sheet.
View/Download
File Size: 216 KB | Version Date: November 2005 | License: Free
In April 2005, Chevron hosted the Safe Tank seminar at its refinery in Richmond, CA. The seminar brought together more than 80 tank safety professionals to share lessons learned and best practices and to network. In addition, OSHA personnel had a tour of the storage tank maintenance and repair operations at the refinery.
Soon to be completed is the development of a Confined Space E-Tool. The E-Tool is a multimedia interactive training device that can be accessed through the OSHA website for information on safely entering and working in a petroleum storage tank. The E-Tool will contain a primer on the petroleum industry and storage tank operations. It will also provide up-to-date information on safe confined space work, including industry practice and OSHA regulatory guidance.
Perhaps the most important success of the Alliance Program and the Safe Tank Alliance is the paradigm shift in how the relationship between industry and government is perceived and is being recast as a model of partnership and collaboration. Slowly, the adversarial mindset is being replaced with a culture of cooperation where all parties realize the immense benefits of working together to advance workplace safety and health.
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