NFPA 326-2020 PDF Download

The NFPA 326-2020 standard is designed to protect personnel working in tanks and containers by establishing best practices and requirements for ensuring safety during entry, cleaning, and repair activities. The standard acknowledges the inherent dangers associated with working in tanks and containers that contain or have contained flammable, combustible, or hazardous substances.

This standard incorporates relevant content from other standards, such as NFPA 327 for small tanks and containers, as well as consensus and industry standards, and US government rules and regulations. It provides comprehensive guidance on precautions and procedures, testing, inspection, and certification to ensure that safety precautions required by CSB (Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board) and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) are followed.

The chapters of NFPA 326 cover various aspects, including basic precautions related to ignition concerns, preparation for safeguarding, testing procedures for oxygen content and flammable or toxic vapors, control or removal of vapors, inspection and certification, procedures for accessing and entering tanks, and cleaning tanks and containers. The standard is regularly updated to reflect the latest industry methods and technologies, with revised definitions and references to other publications.

By referencing NFPA 326-2020, companies in the oil and chemical industries, as well as other sectors that involve working in tanks and containers, can ensure the safety of their workers and comply with necessary regulations and standards.