Unloading Rail Tank Cars: Checklist for Pump Transfer with Pressure Assist

This method utilizes the receiver’s pump to transfer material from the rail tank car to the receiving tank. A small amount of dry air or nitrogen (N2) pressure is added to the rail tank car to maintain product supply to the pump and to replace the liquid volume being pumped out. Vapor discharge from the receiving tank may need to be treated during normal unloading operations. The Unloading Rail Tank Cars: Checklist for Pump Transfer with Pressure Assist app is a checklist that guides the user through the requirements and safety elements of this potentially hazardous process. When dealing with hazardous and flammable liquids, safety is of the highest priority. The tank containers must be carefully checked for any cracks or vapor leakage, and the capacity of the containers should be known before any pumping commences. All employees should wear the appropriate personal protective equipment for personal safety and the potential hazards should be fully understood. Personnel at storage facilities involved in safe handling and unloading operations of rail cars containing hazardous materials must be trained and certified in accordance with appropriate transportation regulations both for their own safety and the safety of those nearby.