ASTM_E_2733_-_10_2015.pdf

Designation:E273310(Reapproved 2015)Standard Guide forInvestigation of Equipment Problems and Releases forPetroleum Underground Storage Tank Systems1This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2733;the number immediately following the designation indicates the year oforiginal adoption or,in the case of revision,the year of last revision.A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.Asuperscript epsilon()indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.INTRODUCTIONThis guide provides a framework for the development of procedures and directions for theinvestigation of equipment problems associated with petroleum underground storage tank(UST)systems and releases.It gives the user practical suggestions of how to investigate equipment andinstallation problems,document findings,and in some cases prepare samples of failed equipment forlaboratory analysis.Use of this guide may result in the identification of equipment and installationproblems that can be corrected in future tank system designs and equipment maintenance programs toprevent releases to the environment.1.Scope1.1 OverviewThis guide is an organized collection ofinformation and series of options for industry,regulators,consultants and the public,intended to assist with the devel-opment of investigation protocols for underground storage tankfacilities in the United States.While the guide does notrecommend a specific course of action,it establishes aninvestigation framework,and it provides a series of techniquesthat may be employed to:identify equipment problems;insome cases prepare samples of failed equipment for laboratoryanalysis;and document the investigation.The guide includesinformation on methods of investigation,documentation,tak-ing samples of problem equipment;preservation of equipmentsamples;chain of custody;storage;shipping;working withequipment manufacturers;and notification of regulators andlisting laboratories.The goal in using the guide is to identifythe appropriate level of investigation and to gather andpreserve information in an organized manner,which could beused in the future to improve system design or performance.While this guide may act as a starting point for users withlimited experience in failure investigation,the user is encour-aged to consult with failure analysis experts for specificinvestigation procedures that may be needed for certain equip-ment and the investigation should be conducted by a qualifiedprofessional.As users develop their specific investigationprotocols,they may find that the investigations can be stream-lined for certain types of facilities.1.2 Limitations of This Guide:1.2.1 Given the variability of the different investigators thatmay wish to use this guide and the different types of facilitiesand failures that will be investigated,it is not possible toaddress all the relevant standards that might apply to aparticular investigation.This guide uses generalized languageand examples to guide the user.If it is not clear to the user howto apply standards to their specific circumstances,it is recom-mended that users seek assistance from qualified professionals.1.2.2 This guide does not address safety issues associatedwith the investigation,taking samples and storing equipment.users are cautioned to exercise proper care in handling equip-ment that was in contact with flammable and combustibleliquids and vapors.Some of the activities described in thisguide may be subject to OSHA(Occupational Safety andHealth Administration)regulations or may only be conductedby individuals with appropriate HAZWOPER(HazardousWaste Operations and Emergency Response)training certifi-cations recognized by federal and state regulatory authorities,such as HAZWOPER training.1.2.3 This guide does not address laboratory investigationsof material properties and detailed failure analysis.1.2.4 This guide does not cover underground storage tanksystems storing liquefied petroleum gas(LPG).1.2.5 This guide does not replace state-required closureassessments and investigations.Requirements vary from stateto state and often include specific sampling requirements.1This guide is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee E50 on EnvironmentalAssessment,Risk Management and Corrective Action and is the direct responsibil-ity of Subcommittee E50.04 on Corrective Action.Current edition approved April 1,2015.Published May 2015.DOI:10.1520/E273310R15.Copyright ASTM International,100 Barr Harbor Drive,PO Box C700,West Conshohocken,PA 19428-2959.United States1 1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regardedas standard.No other units of measurement are included in thisstandard.2.Referenced Documents2.1 ASTM Standards:2E1188 Practice for Collection and Preservation of Informa-tion and Physical Items by a Technical InvestigatorF1127 Guide for Containment of Hazardous Material Spillsby Emergency Response Personnel2.2 Other Standards:STD 2015 Requirements for Safe Entry and Cleaning ofPetroleum Storage Tanks,6th