T&O Regional Engineering

LAST External Inspection Checklist

FORMAL EXTERNAL INSPECTION (FEI) CHECKLIST

Tank Inspection Checklist Instructions

Apply the following instructions to both the external and internal inspection checklists.
The inspector should complete the checklist to the best of the inspectors ability for the
conditions of the tank at the time of the inspection. After the inspection, the data will be
analyzed and a fitness-for-service evaluation performed. For the purpose of the field
inspection, the inspector shall grade the observed conditions as follows:
Condition Codes:
E

A concern was observed for the item under consideration. An E does

not mean that correction is required, but only that further evaluation is
needed

OK

No concern was observed

NA

The item does not apply for this tank

Take a photograph of any item graded E. In addition, the inspector is encouraged to

take photographs of every tank component including but not limited to the foundation,
tank appurtenances, nozzles, valves, impoundment area, bottom extension, accessways,
wind girder, platforms, fixed roof, and floating roof.

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LAST External Inspection Checklist

Terminal:
Tank Number:
Inspection Date:
1.0

FOUNDATION

1.1

GENERAL
1
Identify the type of foundation (concrete ring,
concrete slab, asphalt, crushed stone, earth,
etc.)
2
Measure bottom elevations (see API 653
Appendix B for extent of measurements).
3
Does debris, vegetation, or earth contacting the
tank?
4
Does the site drain away from the tank?
5
Check operating condition of the dike drains.
6
Inspect for cavities or erosion around the tank
CONCRETE RING
1
Inspect for spalled or cracked concrete,
particularly under backup bars used in buttwelded annular rings under the shell.
2
Inspect drain openings in ring, back of water
draw basins and top surface of ring for
indications of bottom leakage.
ASPHALT
1
Check for settling of tank into asphalt base.
2
Look for areas of broken asphalt or where rock
filler is exposed.
CATHODIC PROTECTION
1
Identify the type of cathodic protection system
utilized if any
2
Review cathodic protection potential readings.
LEAK DETECTION
1
Check interstitial monitoring ports for indications
of leaks

1.2

1.3

1.4

1.5

2.0

SHELL

2.1

EXTERNAL
1
Visually inspect the shell for paint failures, leaks,
distortions, and corrosion
2
Locate leaks with dimensions on a sketch and
photograph.
3
Clean the shell-to-bottom joint and visually
inspect the bottom and shell-to-bottom weld.
Perform a magnetic particle examination where
linear indications are visually identified.
4
Inspect the bottom-to-foundation seal, if any.
5
Record paint color
6
Record thickness measurements at 6 locations
for each shell plate in the first course.
7
Record the bottom thickness at two places on
each sketch plate or annular ring section.
8
Record the nameplate information.
9
Inspect and record electrical grounding of the
tank.
INTERNAL
1
Visually inspect for grooving, corrosion, pitting,
and coating failures.
RIVETED SHELLS
1
Inspect rivet heads for metal loss.
2
Have vertical seams been full fillet lap-welded?

2.2

2.3

Revision Date: Oct2013May 2015

OK

NA

Comments:

OK

NA

Comments:

OK

NA

Comments:

OK

NA

Comments:

OK

NA

Comments:

OK

NA

Comments:

OK

NA

Comments:

OK

NA

Comments:

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3

2.4

2.5

2.6

2.7

If no record exists of vertical riveted seams,

dimension and sketch or photograph the rivet
pattern and record the number of rows, rivet
size, pitch, and whether the joint is butt-riveted
or lap-riveted.
WIND GIRDER
1
Inspect wind girder(s) (paint, corrosion),
especially at tack welds.
2
Inspect supports and support welds.
3
Does the wind girder have drain holes at low
points?
4
Record wind girder dimensions, including
thickness and elevation
ANCHORS
1
Inspect anchor bolts and chairs and record
dimensions, including spacing.
2
Inspect anchor bolts for stretching, corrosion, or
pull-out
SHELL INSULATION
1
Are there gaps in the insulation jacket that allow
precipitation to penetrate the insulation?
2
Record the insulation dimensions and type
3
Check for corrosion behind the insulation at
openings or damaged areas
4
Can water drain out from behind the insulation?
(typically the insulation stops 4 to 6 in. above
the shell to bottom weld. Is the insulation
caulked or sealed to the bottom extension?)
5
Inspect sealing of insulation around man holes
and nozzles
SHELL DIMENSIONS
1
Record the tank circumference and the elevation
at which the circumference was measured.
2
Record the shell height and the height of each
shell course
3
For double bottom tanks, measure and record
any shell offset between the shell and the dead
shell. Generally offset measurements are taken
at settlement survey locations.

3.0

SHELL APPURTENANCES

3.1

MAN HOLES AND NOZZLES

1
Inspect for cracks and leakage on welds at
nozzles, man holes, and reinforcing plates.
2
Inspect for shell plate dimpling around nozzles,
caused by excessive pipe deflection.
3
Inspect for flange leaks and leaks around
bolting.
4
Are telltale holes open to the atmosphere?
5
Record each nozzle and man hole associated
dimensions (size, reinforcing plate dimensions,
centerline elevation, telltale hole, weld spacing,
and circumferential location, thicknesses)
EXTERNAL PIPING
1
Inspect piping, flanges, and valves for leaks up
to the first flange, threaded joint, or welded
joint outside the tank.
2
Inspect fire fighting system components.
3
Is there anchored piping which would be
hazardous to shell connections during earth
movement?
4
Check that thermal pressure relief of piping to
the tank is present.

3.2

Revision Date: Oct2013May 2015

OK

NA

Comments:

OK

NA

Comments:

OK

NA

Comments:

OK

NA

Comments:

OK

NA

Comments:

OK

NA

Comments:

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5

3.3

3.4

3.5

3.6

3.7

Check operation of regulators for tanks with

purge gas systems.
6
Check temperature indicators for damage.
7
Check welds on shell-mounted davit clips.
AUTOGAUGE SYSTEM
1
Inspect autogauge tape guide and lower sheave
housing (floating swings) for leaks.
2
Inspect autogauge head for damage and check
legibility.
3
Bump the checker on autogauge head to check
for proper movement of tape.
4
Identify size and construction material of
autogauge tape guide (floating roof tanks).
5
Ask operator if tape tends to hang up or suffer
other problems during floating roof movement
(floating roof tanks).
6
For board-type autogauges, inspect condition of
board and legibility.
7
Test freedom of movement of marker and float.
8
Record the product level.
SHELL-MOUNTED SAMPLE STATION
1
Inspect sample lines for function of valves and
plugging of lines, including drain or
return-to-tank line.
2
Check circulation pump for leaks and operating
problems.
3
Inspect bracing and supports for sample lines
and equipment.
HEATER (SHELL MAN HOLEY MOUNTED)
1
Inspect condensate drain for presence of
product indicating leakage.
MIXER
1
Inspect for proper mounting flange and support.
2
Inspect for leakage.
3
Inspect condition of power lines and connections
to mixer.
SWING LINES
1
Indicator: Check that the indicator moves in the
proper direction: Floating swing line indicators
show a lower level as cable is wound up on the
winch. Non-floating swing line indicators show
the opposite.
2
Cable: check for wear or fraying.
3
Does the floating suction board indicator have
top and bottom position markings on the shell
with written labels?

4.0

FIXED ROOF

4.1

GENERAL
1
Is the roof free of debris?
2
Record the roof type, roof slope, and roof-toshell connection dimensions.
3
For aluminum dome roofs, record the
manufacturer and serial number.
4
Record roof thickness measurements (steel
roofs). Take at least 10 thickness
measurements at a maximum spacing of 10 ft
along two perpendicular lines. If any thickness
is less than 0.09 in., measure 3 additional
thicknesses in a 100 in2 area around that
location.
ROOF CORROSION
1
For safety, before accessing the roof, check its

4.2

Revision Date: Oct2013May 2015

OK

NA

Comments:

OK

NA

Comments:

OK

NA

Comments:

OK

NA

Comments:

OK

NA

Comments:

OK

NA

Comments:

OK

NA

Comments:

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4.3

4.4

4.5

4.6

4.7

4.8

4.9

thickness ultrasonically or lightly use a ball peen

hammer to test the deck plate near its edge for
thinning. (Corrosion normally attacks the roof
plate at the edge and the rafters in the center of
the roof first.)
2
Visually inspect for paint failure, holes, pitting,
and corrosion.
ROOF DRAINAGE
1
Look for indication of standing water. (Significant
sagging may indicate rafter or foundation
failure, or overload.)
ROOF INSULATION
1
Visually inspect for cracks or leaks in the
insulation weather coat where precipitation
could penetrate the insulation.
2
Remove small sections of insulation and check
roof for corrosion. Check for corrosion near the
edges of the insulation.
SAMPLE HATCH
1
Inspect condition and operation of sample hatch
cover.
2
Check the condition of the seal inside the hatch
cover
3
Where sample hatch is used to reel gauge stock
level, check for marker and tab stating hold-off
distance.
4
Inspect the reinforcing pad where sample hatch
pipe penetrates the roof.
5
On floating roof sample hatch and recoil
systems, inspect operation of recoil reel and
condition of lines.
6
On ultra clean stocks such as JP4, check for
presence and condition of protective coating or
liner inside sample hatch (preventing rust from
pipe getting into sample).
SCAFFOLD SUPPORT
1
Inspect scaffold support for corrosion, wear, and
structural soundness. Record dimensions
AUTOGAUGE: INSPECTION HATCH AND GUIDES
1
Check the hatch for corrosion and missing bolts.
2
Inspect the tape guides and float guides wire
anchors
VENTS (ON ROOF AND AT TOP OF SHELL)
1
Record size, manufacturer, model number, and
number of manufactured vents, and dimensions
and number of other vents. Note if vents are
open or closed types.
2
For closed vents: check pallets and sealing
surfaces. Ensure proper movement and record
any weights that are present.
3
Are vents free of obstructions?
4
Check the condition of the emergency vent.
Record manufacturer, size, and model number.
5
Inspect the external condition of the flame
arrestor.
6
Record manufacturer, model number, size, and
quantity of all flame arrestors
OVERFLOW ALARM SYSTEM
1
Identify and record the types, manufacturer, and
model numbers of overfill protection devices.
2
Check overfill protection devices for signs of
damage.
3
Check with the operator to confirm that routine

Revision Date: Oct2013May 2015

OK

NA

Comments:

OK

NA

Comments:

OK

NA

Comments:

OK

NA

Comments:

OK

NA

Comments:

OK

NA

Comments:

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testing of the overfill protection devices has
been performed.
5.0
FLOATING ROOF
External floating roof inspections shall be conducted from gaugers platform and from walking on the roof itself. The
exception is if the floating roof is made of aluminum or if the space on the roof is a permit-required confined space and the
inspector does not have adequate certification or training to enter that space.
5.1
GENERAL
E OK NA Comments:
1
Look for indications of standing liquid on top of
the roof. (Large standing liquid areas on a
floating roof indicate inadequate drainage design
or, if to one side, a non-level roof with possible
leaking pontoons.)
2
Visually inspect the floating roof top surface
(Corrosion, paint condition)
3
Check roof legs (damage, and that they all are
pinned at the same height).
4
If leg racks are present, check that leg
extensions are present in the racks.
5
Check that any grounding / static bond cables
from the fixed roof to the floating roof or on the
floating roof components are not frayed and are
properly attached
6
Are any portions of the topside of the floating
roof submerged or are its legs collapsed?
7
Are there any covers, lids, or seals that are not
closed?
8
Inspect lightning shunts, if applicable.
5.2
LEVEL OF FLOATING ROOF
E OK NA Comments:
1
At several locations, measure distance from roof
rim to the top of the shell. A variance in the
distances indicates a non-level roof with possible
shell out-of-round, out-of-plumb, leaking
pontoons, or hang-up.
5.3
GAS TEST ABOVE FLOATING ROOF
E OK NA Comments:
1
Test for explosive gas in the vapor space above
the floating roof. High concentrations could
indicate a leaking roof, leaking seal system, or
inadequate ventilation of the head space above
the internal floating roof.
5.4
RIM SEALS
E OK NA Comments:
1
Record the type of seal(s)
2
Inspect seals for holes, tears, or openings.
3
Inspect metallic parts for corrosion and wear.
4
Inspect secondary seals for signs of buckling or
indications that their angle with the shell is too
shallow.
5.5
GUIDEPOLE (A.K.A. GAUGEPOLE, GAUGEPIPE, WELLS)
E OK NA Comments:
1
Record the number and type of each well
(column, gauge pole, ladder, autogauge, etc.)
2
Does the gauge pole have a float inside?
3
Does the gauge pole have a pole wiper?
4
Check automatic gauge tape cable for wear or
fraying caused by rubbing on the gauge well
cover.
5
Inspect well seals.
6
Inspect the gauge pole for thinning, and record
the dimensions of the pole and its slots
7
Inspect roof guide for gauge well, particularly
the condition of the rollers.
8
Is the opening through the floating roof
equipped with a gasket between the sliding
cover and the rim?

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9

5.6

5.7

5.8

5.9

Is the opening through the floating roof

equipped with a wiper gasket between the
sliding cover and the pole?
UNSLOTTED GUIDEPOLE
10
Is the guidepole equipped with a cover or cap on
the top of the pole?
SLOTTED GUIDEPOLE with FLOAT (no sleeve)
11
Is the float properly floating inside the
guidepole?
12
Is there a wiper gasket or seal around the rim of
the float?
13
Is the wiper around the rim of the float at or
above the height of the pole wiper?
SLOTTED GUIDEPOLE with SLEEVE (no float)
14
Is the sleeve attached to the cover or rim of the
guidepole well (the opening through the floating
roof)?
SLOTTED GUIDEPOLE NO FLOAT OR SLEEVE
15
Is the slotted guidepole equipped with a flexible
enclosure around the outside of the pole,
extending from the floating roof to the top of the
pole and with a cover on the top of the pole?
SAMPLE HATCH
1
When equipped with a reel opening device,
check its operation.
EMERGENCY ROOF DRAINS
1
For internal floating roofs: Do emergency roof
drains have seals covering at least 90% of the
opening?
VACUUM BREAKERS
1
Report number and type of vacuum breakers. If
high legs are set, check for setting of
mechanical breaker in high leg position.
2
If the floating roof is not landed on its legs, is
the vent closed?
HATCHES
1
For pontoon compartments, check that covers
are in place and static bond cables present
2
For internal floating roofs, are hatches bolted
closed?

6.0

ACCESSWAYS

6.1

RAILING (STAIRS, PLATFORMS, AND FIXED ROOFS)

1
Identify and report type (pipe, galvanized pipe,
square tube, angle) and dimensions of railing.
2
Inspect for corrosion and paint failure.
3
Inspect welds.
4
Identify sharp edges.
5
Inspect safety devices at openings in handrails
for integrity and operation.
PLATFORM
1
Inspect frame for corrosion and paint failure.
2
Inspect the attachment of frame to supports and
supports to tank for corrosion and weld failure.
3
Check reinforcing pads where supports are
attached to shell or roof.
4
Are flat-surface-to-flat-surface joints sealwelded?
5
Inspect walking surface for corrosion or holes
(not drain holes) and paint failure.
6
Inspect walking surface-to-frame attachments
for corrosion.
STAIRWAY AND LADDERS

6.2

6.3

Revision Date: Oct2013May 2015

OK

NA

Comments:

OK

NA

Comments:

OK

NA

Comments:

OK

NA

Comments:

OK

NA

Comments:

OK

NA

Comments:

OK

NA

Comments:

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1

6.4

Check for any uneven or irregular spacing of

stair treads or ladder rungs.
2
Record average dimensions of stair treads and
ladder rungs.
3
Inspect stair treads or ladder rungs for
corrosion, paint failure, and weld failure.
4
Inspect stringers for corrosion, paint failure, and
weld failure. Inspect attachment of treads/rungs
to stringer.
5
Inspect support-to-shell welds and reinforcing
pads.
6
Inspect stringer attachment to concrete base, if
any.
ROLLING LADDER
1
Inspect rolling ladder stringers.
2
Identify type of ladder treads (square bar, round
bar, treads, self leveling treads).
3
Check for wear and corrosion where rolling
ladder attaches to gauging platform.
4
Inspect pivot bar for wear and integrity.
5
Inspect operation of self-leveling stairway
treads.
6
Inspect rolling ladder wheels for freedom of
movement, flat spots, and wear on axle.
7
Inspect alignment of rolling ladder with track on
the floating roof.
8
Inspect top surface of rolling ladder track for
wear by wheels. Record the length of unworn
track at each end of the track.
9
If the rolling ladder track extends to within 5 ft
of the edge of the roof on the far side, is there a
handrail on the top of the shell on that side?
10
Are static bond cables present, in good
condition, and properly secured to the rolling
ladder, tank, and floating roof?

OK

NA

Comments:

Rim Seal Gap Measurements (U.S. Air Rules-Regulated Tanks ONLY)

(Insert additional rows if necessary)
PRIMARY SEAL
SECONDARY SEAL
Gap Length
Maximum Gap Width
Gap Length
Maximum Gap Width
L (in.)
Wmax (in.)
L (in.)
Wmax (in.)

Rim Seal Condition

No

Yes Comment If No

Does the bottom of the (primary) shoe

extend into the liquid?
Does the top of the primary shoe extend
24 or more vertically above the liquid?
Are the rim seals free of holes, tears, or
other openings through the seal?

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Figure 1 - Fall Prevention Anchorage point

Nozzle Thickness:
Nozzle to Repad Filet:
Repad Thickness:
Repad Diameter:
Repad to Roof Filet:
Roof Thickness:

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