GP 24-40 - Fire Protection of Atmospheric Storage Tanks - 0900a86680163cfa PDF

Document No.
GP 24-40
Applicability Group
Date 27 July 2006
Guidance on Practice for

Fire Protection of Atmospheric Storage Tanks
GP 24-40
BP GROUP
ENGINEERING TECHNICAL PRACTICES
27 July 2006 GP 24-40
Guidance on Practice for Fire Protection of Atmospheric Storage Tanks
Foreword
This is the first issue of Engineering Technical Practice (ETP) BP GP 24-40. This Guidance on
Practice (GP) is based on incident investigation reports and parts of heritage documents from the
merged BP companies as follows:
British Petroleum
RP 58-1 Non Refrigerated Petroleum and Petrochemical Storage
Amoco
A PS-FES-00-G Process Safety - Fire Extinguishing Systems - Guide.
A PS-FES-00-E Process Safety - Fire Extinguishing Systems - Engineering Specification.
A FE-TK-00-G Fabricated Equipment - Tanks - Guide.
A FE-TK-00-E Fabricated Equipment - Tanks - Engineering Specification.
ARCO
900-97 Welded Oil Storage Tanks.
Copyright 2006, BP Group. All rights reserved. The information contained in this
document is subject to the terms and conditions of the agreement or contract under which
the document was supplied to the recipients organisation. None of the information
contained in this document shall be disclosed outside the recipients own organisation
without the prior written permission of Director of Engineering, BP Group, unless the
terms of such agreement or contract expressly allow.
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27 July 2006 GP 24-40
Table of Contents
Page
1. Scope .................................................................................................................................... 6
2. Normative references............................................................................................................. 6
3. Terms and definitions............................................................................................................. 7
4. Symbols and abbreviations .................................................................................................... 9
5. Fire hazard management philosophy ..................................................................................... 9
5.1. Tank firefighting philosophies...................................................................................... 9
5.2. Firefighting resources ............................................................................................... 10
6. Tank spacing, bunding, and road access ............................................................................. 13
6.1. Minimum requirements.............................................................................................. 13
6.2. Bunding .................................................................................................................... 13
7. Firewater main ..................................................................................................................... 14
8. Requirements for all type of tanks........................................................................................ 15
8.1. Tank equipment not specific to firefighting ................................................................ 15
8.2. Incident prevention and detection equipment ............................................................ 17
8.3. Firefighting equipment .............................................................................................. 17
9. Fixed roof tanks ................................................................................................................... 20
9.1. Limitations of use ...................................................................................................... 20
9.3. Fire detection equipment........................................................................................... 20
10. External floating roof tanks................................................................................................... 20
10.1. Limitations of use ...................................................................................................... 20
10.3. Fire detection equipment........................................................................................... 23
11. Emergency plan for tank farms ............................................................................................ 24
12. Fire system testing............................................................................................................... 24
Annex A (Informative) Typical emergency response plan.............................................................. 25
Bibliography .................................................................................................................................. 27
List of Tables
Table 1 - Minimum design requirements for fire protection of atmospheric storage tanks.............. 10
Table 2 - Water needed for foam production only for a full surface tank fire (fresh water; add 20%
in case of sea water use) (add cooling of exposures if needed) ........................................... 11
Table 3 - Foam application rates for most common foam destructive liquids................................. 12
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27 July 2006 GP 24-40
List of Figures
Figure 1 Tank Full Surface Fire.................................................................................................. 25
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27 July 2006 GP 24-40
Introduction
This Guidance on Practice (GP) will clarify policy with respect to firefighting and fire detection
design for new or retrofitted atmospheric storage tanks. The intent of this GP is not to examine all
possible situations but rather to aid fire risk assessors and fire protection engineers in settling on a
hazard management design that is fit for purpose for the most common tank types on sites.
Recent mergers and reorganisations have resulted in some confusion within BP Business Units as to
what the policy is with respect to tank fire protection design as regional and heritage practices are
different and what are preferred options. In addition, due to the proliferation of suppression/detection
system existing on sites and that have materialised in the industry over the past few years, those
responsible for facility fire protection are often faced with a confusing array of alternatives.
Application
This document may refer to certain local, national, or international regulations, but responsibility to
ensure compliance with legislation and any other statutory requirements lies with the user. The user
should adapt or supplement this document to ensure compliance for the specific application.
Feedback and Further Information
Users are invited to feedback any comments and to detail experiences in the application of BP ETPs,
to assist in the process of their continuous improvement. Please use the ETP Library comment feature
to provide feedback regarding issues with this document. Use the Shared Learning System to enter
shared learnings related to this document. You may access both systems through this link
http://technical_practices.bpweb.bp.com/. The ETP Library comment feature allows you to ask
questions to the subject matter experts and owners of the document content.
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27 July 2006 GP 24-40
1. Scope
This GP provides guidance for selection of fire detection and firefighting systems for new or
retrofitted vertical atmospheric storage tank fires containing Class I, II or III hydrocarbons. This GP
applies to all facilities with atmospheric storage tanks.
BP suffered three major full surface tank fires in the past 20 years. In all cases, what
started as a minor emergency (roof stuck, rim seal fire, etc.) escalated to a major
incident that lasted for days, with involvement of authorities and severe legal and
reputation issues. On the other hand, response to some other serious emergencies
(rim seal fires, sunken roof, etc.) has demonstrated the value of good design and
adequate emergency response preparedness.
The challenge for the fire protection engineer is to select or develop a risk based
and cost effective fire hazard management strategy for the protection of life, the
environment, and assets that also complies with societal expectations. Confronted by
often confusing claims and selective reporting of fire test results, it is crucial for
those responsible for fire protection to recognise that all the systems currently
available represent a compromise. As such, an appropriate balance must be struck
between efficient detection, extinguishing efficiency, environmental impact of
extinguishing agents and of the incident, damage to protected assets, the costs of
installation, changeout or maintenance, and the potential risk. Reference the BP
Fire Booklet Series and LASTFIRE Study 1996 and 2005 revision.
It is also recognised that, in some areas, there may be prescriptive legislative
requirements that will have to be applied. However, every time the requirements of
this GP are greater than local rules, this GP shall take precedence.
2. Normative references
The following normative documents contain requirements that, through reference in this text,
constitute requirements of this technical practice. For dated references, subsequent amendments to, or
revisions of, any of these publications do not apply. However, parties to agreements based on this
technical practice are encouraged to investigate the possibility of applying the most recent editions of
the normative documents indicated below. For undated references, the latest edition of the normative
document referred to applies.
BP
GP 04-20 Guidance on Practice for Civil Engineering.
GP 24-10 Guidance on Practice for Fire Protection - Onshore.
GP 44-10 Guidance on Practice for Plant Layout.
GP 44-60 Guidance on Practice for API RP 500 Area Classification.
GP 44-65 Guidance on Practice for IP 15 Area Classification.
GIS 58-101 Guidance on Industry Standard for Welded Steel Atmospheric Tanks for
Oil Storage.
GN 24-001 Safety Gates and Bar for Vertical Ladders (BP Std Dwg S-1969)
LASTFIRE Foam Tests 2002 LASTFIRE Live Fire Tests and Environmental Assessment of
Fire Fighting Foam Concentrates Used or Being Considered by
BP or Joint Venture Companies, September 2002, Resource
Protection International.
LASTFIRE Foam Tests 2003 LASTFIRE live fire tests and environmental assessment of fire
fighting foam concentrates used or being considered by BP or
Page 6 of 27
27 July 2006 GP 24-40
JV companies: June/July 2003 test series, October 2003,

Resource Protection International.
BP Group HSSE Position Paper: Halocarbons and the Environment.
BP Fire Response Workbook
Energy Institute (EI) Formerly the Institute of Petroleum (IP)

IP-MCSP-P19 Model Code of Safe Practice for the Petroleum Industry - Part 19 - Fire
Precautions at Petroleum Refineries & Bulk Storage Installations.
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

NFPA 11 Standard for Low-, Medium-, and High-Expansion Foam.
Oil and Gas Producers Association (OGP)

OGP Fire Systems Integrity Assurance (available at www.ogp.org.uk).
Process Industry Practices (PIP)

PIP STF05501 Fixed Ladders and Cages.
3. Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this GP, the following terms and definitions apply:
Active fire protection or active systems

Equipment, systems, and methods required for detection, alarming, control, and extinguishing of fires
using water, steam, dry powder (also called dry chemical), or gaseous extinguishing agents. An
example of such system would consist of detection equipment for fire, smoke, gas, or heat that
activates fixed extinguishing or control systems.
Application rate
Volume of foam solution (premix water + foam) to be applied on a unit of surface per unit of time
(i.e., l/min/m2 or gpm/ft2).
Bund (also called dike)

Wall, usually made of concrete or earth, designed to provide secondary containment around tanks:
refer to GP 44-10 for bund design.
Expansion ratio
Volume of finished foam compared to volume of foam solution: for example, expansion ratio of 6:1
means that one volume of solution will produce six volumes of finished foam once air has been
injected.
Fixed water/foam systems

Fixed systems are those consisting of permanently installed foam or water distribution equipment and
foam making equipment. These may be initiated automatically or manually with remote or local
control.
[Important note: For the purpose of this document, unless

specifically indicated, any mention of fixed systems refers
to both fixed and semi fixed systems.]
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27 July 2006 GP 24-40
Foam concentrate
Pure foam compound, usually used at 1%, 3%, or 6% concentration, to create foam solution. Once air
is added to solution, this is finished foam. In some areas, foam concentrate is referred to as foam
liquid.
Foam (finished)
Foam solution mixed with air.
Foam solution
Water with 1%, 3%, or 6% foam concentrate. Foam solution may be referred to as premix, but this is
normally only used if fluid is mixed before actual usage (e.g., foam extinguishers contain premix).
Full surface foam system

Designed to place foam on surface of liquid through pipework accessed from outside bund. Can be
used on fixed (cone) roof, floating roof, and internal floating roof tanks. Can be over top (top foam
pourers [also called top foam chambers]) or subsurface.
Grounding (also referred to as earthing)

Electrical connection of equipment to main body of earth to ensure that it is at earth potential.
Lower explosive (or flammable) limit

Concentration of a hydrocarbon gas in air below which there is insufficient hydrocarbon to support
and propagate combustion.
Passive fire protection or passive system

Provision of non combustible materials that, in a fire, for a defined period of time, protect equipment,
prevent collapse of structural supports, or limit spread of fire. In addition, passive systems embrace
basic requirements for area separation and classification.
Petroleum liquids or liquids

Class 0: Ethane, ethylene, propylene, LPG, and LNG. Class I: Liquids that have flashpoint below 21C
(70F). Class II: Liquids that have flashpoint from 21C to 55C (70F to 131F) inclusive. Class III:
Liquids that have flashpoint above 55C (131F) up to and including 100C (212F). Class II or III
liquids can be further subdivided. Class II (1) or III (1) liquids are those that are handled below their
flashpoints. Class II (2) or III (2) liquids are those that are handled at or above their flashpoints.
Pyrophoric iron sulphide

Iron sulphide capable of a rapid exothermic oxidation causing incandescence if exposed to air and
potential ignition of flammable hydrocarbon gas/air mixtures.
Retrofitted tanks
Tanks that:
will be subject to maintenance or modification work, including full cleaning and gas freeing of
tank and performing repair or modification work that involves hot work; OR
will be containing Class I, II or III liquids, when their previous service was products with a
flashpoint above 100C (212F).
As a guidance for application of this document, major maintenance or modification

can be considered to take place when the costs of the work is exceeding 15% of the
price of building a new tank.
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27 July 2006 GP 24-40
Rim seal foam system

System designed to place foam in area of rim seal of floating roof tanks. Foam/water solution is
injected into pipework system from outside bund area. It is aerated and allowed to fall into dam
constructed around seal. There are a number of variations of this system.
Semi fixed water/foam systems

Semi fixed systems are those that consist of permanently installed water or foam distribution
equipment but requiring manual intervention to connect up to water/foam supply. See important note
in Fixed systems definition.
Subsurface foam injection system (also called base injection)

Designed to discharge foam into base of tank, either through product lines or separate specific pipe
work. Foam floats to surface of liquid.
True vapour pressure

True vapour pressure of liquid is absolute pressure exerted by gas produced by evaporation from
liquid if gas and liquid are in equilibrium at prevailing temperature and gas/liquid ratio is effectively
zero.
Unmanned location
Site where no operator will tour tanks during 12 consecutive hr or more.
4. Symbols and abbreviations
For the purpose of this GP, the following symbols and abbreviations apply:
CCTV Closed circuit television.
ETBE Ethyl tertiary butyl ether.
GRE Glass reinforced epoxy.
HDPE High density polyethylene.
LEL Lower explosive limit.
LFL Lower flammable limit.
MTBE Methyl tertiary butyl ether.
TVP True vapour pressure.
VRU Vapour recovery unit.
5. Fire hazard management philosophy
5.1. Tank firefighting philosophies

a. In case of full surface tank fires, options available are:
1. Extinguishment.
2. Controlled burndown.
b. Controlled burndown option is not possible for products susceptible to boilover due to
relatively unpredictable nature of boilover.
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27 July 2006 GP 24-40
c. Between options in a., different alternatives are possible (mobile, fixed, or semi fixed
equipment, etc.).
This GP is intended to help designers and ensure consistency throughout SPU for
new or refurbished installations.
d. Table 1 summarises basic requirements for design of tank fire protection systems.
Table 1 - Minimum design requirements for fire protection of atmospheric storage tanks
Tank type Tank diameter Fire protection requirements

m ft
Fixed Roof < 18 < 60 Top pourers for full tank surface area,
except if it can be demonstrated that resources are adequate
to use mobile or portable foam monitors.
Fixed Roof > 18 > 60 Top pourers designed for full tank surface area.
Fixed Roof with internal floating All All Top pourers designed for full tank surface area.
roof
Open Top Floating Roof < 35 < 115 Top pourers designed for full tank surface area.
Open Top Floating Roof > 35 > 115 Top pourers designed for full tank surface area
or
Top pourers designed for rim seal protection supplemented
by mobile monitors and adequate resources designed for full
surface.
5.2. Firefighting resources
5.2.1. General
a. Controlled burndown shall not be an option for new tanks.
b. Resources shall be in place to extinguish full surface tank fires.
If calculations show that the intended tank is too big for local resources, the intent
of this ETP is for the design to be reconsidered either by:
Decreasing tank size.
Using two (or more) tanks instead of one, each tank being of a size compatible
with resources.
Increasing resources.
Mix of the above options.
5.2.2. Water resources
5.2.2.1. For foam production

a. Foam application rates shall be calculated as follow:
1. 4,1 l/min/m2 (0.10 gpm/ft2) for fixed systems (except rim seal fire pourers) up to 45 m
(150 ft) diameter.
2. 6 l/min/m2 (0.15 gpm/ft2) for fixed systems (except rim seal fire pourers) above 45 m
(150 ft) diameter.
3. 12,2 l/min/m2 (0.31 gpm/ft2) for rim seal fire pourers.
4. 6,5 l/min/m2 (0.16 gpm/ft2) for fixed and mobile systems on spill and bund fires.
5. 10,4 l/min/m2 (0.26 gpm/ft2) for mobile systems on tank fires.
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27 July 2006 GP 24-40
b. If seawater is used, values in a. shall be increased by 20% to take into account significant
degradation of finished foam quality.
c. Table 2 provides indication of minimum water requirements for single full surface tank
fire.
Table 2 - Water needed for foam production only for a full surface tank fire (fresh water; add 20% in
case of sea water use) (add cooling of exposures if needed)
Fixed equipment Mobile equipment

2 2
4,1 l/min/m2 (0,10 gpm/ft ) below 45 m (150 ft) dia. 10,4 l/min/m2 (0,26 gpm/ft )
2
6 l/min/m2 (0,15 gpm/ft ) above 45 m (150 ft) dia.
Tank diameter Approx rate of foam Water needed for foam Approx rate of foam Water needed for foam
solution application rate production only (add solution application production only (add
cooling if needed) rate cooling if needed)
m ft lpm gpm m3/h gph lpm gpm m3/h gph

8 26 206 53 12 3 186 523 138 31 8 283
10 33 322 86 19 5 132 817 222 49 13 343
12 39 464 119 28 7 168 1 176 311 71 18 636
14 46 631 166 38 9 971 1 601 432 96 25 926
16 52 824 212 49 12 742 2 091 552 125 33 130
18 59 1 043 273 63 16 404 2 646 711 159 42 650
20 66 1 288 342 77 20 527 3 267 890 196 53 371
22 72 1 559 407 94 24 429 3 953 1 059 237 63 516
24 79 1 855 490 111 29 410 4 705 1 274 282 76 466
26 85 2 177 567 131 34 047 5 522 1 475 331 88 522
28 92 2 525 665 151 39 886 6 404 1 728 384 103 703
30 98 2 898 754 174 45 258 7 351 1 961 441 117 671
40 131 5 152 1 348 309 80 869 13 069 3 504 784 210 261
50 164 11 781 3 169 707 190 117 20 420 5 492 1 225 329 536
60 197 16 965 4 572 1 018 274 325 29 405 7 925 1 764 475 497
80 262 30 159 8 087 1 810 485 217 52 276 14 017 3 137 841 043
90 295 38 170 10 252 2 290 615 145 66 162 17 771 3 970 1 066 251
100 328 47 124 12 674 2 827 760 468 81 682 21 969 4 901 1 318 145
120 394 67 859 18 288 4 072 1 097 301 117 622 31 700 7 057 1 901 989
5.2.2.2. For cooling of exposures

Shell (and roof for fixed roof tanks) cooling water deluges shall be:
a. Sized for minimum of 2,1 l/min/m2 (0.05 gpm/ft2) to protect against radiant heat from
nearby tank fire on all potentially exposed tanks (above 8 kW/m2). This can increase to 9,8
1/min/m2 (0.24 gpm/ft2) maximum in engulfment cases (bund fire).
b. Designed to limit plugging of nozzles (both by providing large orifices [such as
mushroom type outlets for roof protection] and preventing solids to enter or be generated
in risers).
c. Safely accessible for maintenance.
Water drainage shall also be considered to make sure that sewers can cope with
water runoff from a major fire. Any water potentially contaminated by foam or
hydrocarbons shall be contained onsite.
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27 July 2006 GP 24-40
5.2.3. Foam resources

a. Application rates given in this GP (refer to 5.2.2.1) are for usual hydrocarbons, containing
up to 15% MTBE or ETBE.
b. Application rates for most common foam destructive liquids are given in Table 3.
Table 3 - Foam application rates for most common foam destructive liquids
Liquid Fixed/semi fixed systems Mobile equipment

application rate application rate
2 2 2 2
l/min/m gpm/ft l/min/m gpm/ft
Methyl alcohol - Ethyl alcohol - Acrylonitrile - 6,5 0.16 10,4 0.26
Ethyl acetate -Methyl ethyl ketone
Acetone - Butyl alcohol - Isopropyl ether 9,8 0.25 15,7 0.4
c. Values provided in d. or foam manufacturer data or material safety data sheet values,
whichever is highest, shall be used:
1. If percentages in a. are exceeded.
2. For pure polar solvents or other octane enhancers.
d. Water soluble, certain flammable and combustible liquids, and polar solvents are
destructive to regular foams and require use of alcohol resistant foams. In most instances,
6% foam solution shall be necessary. Some Vendors now provide 1% or 3% alcohol
resistant foams.
e. Foam availability shall be calculated in accordance with NFPA 11 and tripled to allow for
vapour suppression by post emergency foam application and immediate refill. Also refer to
GP 24-10.
The requirement of this section can be met by either:
on site stocks, or
on-site plus offsite stocks(i.e. through Mutual Aid agreements).
However, the strict minimum on site shall be at least equal to the NFPA 11
requirements plus the quantity necessary for 2 hours of vapour suppression
(calculated as follows: 40 minutes of application at a third of the application rate
required for extinguishment).
f. For usual hydrocarbons, as defined in a., 6% foam concentrates shall not be used. 1% foam
concentrates shall be used for all mobile equipment options for tanks of 70 m (230 ft)
diameter or bigger. 1% foam concentrates shall be considered as preferred concentration
for all fixed or mobile equipment options for smaller tanks.
Application of foam at 10,4 l/min/m2 (0,26 gpm/ft2) with mobile equipment on a 70 m
(230 ft) diameter tank requires a minimum of 1,2 m3 of 3% foam concentrate per
min. A large foam carrier of 20 m3 will only last 16 min, stretching logistical
resources. A similar carrier with 1% foam concentrate will be able to supply foam
systems for 50 min.
g. Foam concentrate used shall have demonstrated good or acceptable performance in
accordance with LASTFIRE Foam Tests, if used with relevant type of foam nozzle most
appropriate to application for tank considered.
The LASTFIRE foam tests use the following three different nozzles to replicate real
application conditions of the foam on a fire:
Monitor aspirated.
Monitor semi aspirated.
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27 July 2006 GP 24-40
Fixed pourer.
5.2.4. Maximum size of individual tank

a. Tank size shall be limited by the availability of resources to tackle a full surface fire as
described in 5.2.2 and 5.2.3, plus other required resource (monitors, pumps, manpower,
etc).
b. Adequate resources for extinguishment shall be available as follows:
1. In less than 4 hr for products that are susceptible to boilover.
2. In less than 6 hr for all other products.
c. Demonstration of resources availability shall be formally documented.
6. Tank spacing, bunding, and road access
6.1. Minimum requirements

a. Protection requirements for adjacent vessels and equipment are influenced by:
1. Geometry of structure and or vessel.
2. Metal thickness.
3. Flash point of stored product.
4. Burning characteristics of fuel on fire.
5. Nature of heat source.
b. Software packages are available for calculating these parameters and, if necessary, should
be used during fire risk analysis.
Hazard quantification: The level of radiation to which adjacent structures are
exposed depends on a number of factors, e.g., burning characteristics of the
material, wind velocity and direction, geometry and stress levels of structures, and
elevation of plant relative to the fire source. Radiation, jet/torching, and engulfment
fires shall be considered.
c. Thermal flux to which surfaces are exposed in a fire shall be used as basis from which
protection requirements are determined. Empirical basis for thermal flux calculations and
any computer software shall be subject to BP approval prior to use.
d. Tank spacing shall be designed in accordance with GP 44-10.
As shown in numerous incident, including the SRC tank fire (see Technical report on
1998 Singapore Refining Company tank fire), tank spacing is a critical design issue,
as it is the only good, failsafe measure to prevent escalation in case of fire.
6.2. Bunding
6.2.1. General
a. For new bunds:
1. Bunding shall be designed in accordance with GP 44-10 and constructed in
accordance with GP 04-20.
2. The exposed surface of spilled hydrocarbons shall not exceed 6 000 m2 (65 000 ft2).
When a bigger bund is necessary, it should be subdivided by internal compartments
smaller than 6 000 m2 (65 000 ft2) each, that overfill into one another. The use of
siphons should be preferred to prevent fire spread.
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27 July 2006 GP 24-40
Spill fires above 6 000 m2 (65 000 ft2) would be very difficult to tackle due to the
difficulty for the foam to spread over such large area, and to the intense radiant
heat.
Use of Medium Expansion Foam through MEX Pourers is preferred in bunded
areas, to quickly cover the surface with foam, minimise splashing of fuel, cover
valves, flanges and pipework under a cooling foam blanket, reducing escalation
potential.
b. Access shall be provided to bunded area for handling of equipment and for general
maintenance. Pipework should be designed to facilitate this access.
c. Access roads into bunds shall be blocked by a physical barrier or chain to prevent vehicle
access without proper authorisation and permit control.
In many incidents, vehicles entering bunds have ignited a spill. It is therefore
necessary to strictly control bund access through a control of work system.
6.2.2. Roads
a. Site roads shall separate bunds on all sides. Refer to GP 04-20 for minimum width for site
roads.
Attention should be given to accessibility under emergency conditions. During
incidents, the downwind side will be inaccessible because of smoke and radiant
heat. In multiple incidents, some major roads were unusable by emergency vehicles
because of direct damages (such as sewer covers blown off, sewers on fire, water
and product runoff) or being littered with debris from explosions (glass, trees, pipes,
etc.).
b. Equipment shall be located such that site roads are not classified as hazardous area as
defined in GP 44-60 and GP 44-65.
c. Minor site roads shall not be in area classified as Zone 0 or 1 (Class I, Division 1).
d. Any minor site road or in plant road classified as Zone 2 (Class I, Division 2) shall have
controlled access.
e. For new bunds, near each fire hydrant and near each semi fixed system connection point,
adequate parking space should be provided such that two fire trucks can park on one side
of a road, and road will still be free for other vehicles.
f. If elevated platform trucks are used for firefighting, adequate parking space should be
provided on side of road that includes deployment of stabilising outriggers on stable
ground such that road will still be free for other vehicles.
7. Firewater main
a. Fire mains shall be sized to be able to deliver sufficient water to tackle largest full surface
tank fire of bund. Hydrant capacity around each bund shall be equal to at least 133% of the
water required for the biggest tank fire scenario at this bund.
This provision is made in case some hydrants become inaccessible (smoke, radiant
heat, emergency vehicles and hoses pile-up, etc).
b. Fire mains shall be arranged as prescribed in GP 24-10 and in grid pattern sized to be able
to supply required amount of water at all exposures with one leg of grid isolated for repair.
Clearly marked valves shall be located to allow isolation of any fire main leg.
The fire mains should be arranged in a grid pattern, with sufficient isolating valves
to limit the loss of all firefighting systems from a single fracture or blockage of the
pipeline system or to better manage firewater usage in an emergency situation.
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27 July 2006 GP 24-40
For other water related equipment (pumps, water tank, pond, etc., refer to
GP 24-10). Attention should be given to the resilience of all the firewater equipment
to explosions, fires, and spills. In multiple incidents, the first equipment destroyed
included the fire pumps, and in some cases, the fire tanks/ponds were inaccessible,
damaged, or set on fire by product leaks. Redundant fire pumps with multiple energy
sources (electric/diesel) and water resources in different locations remote from
hydrocarbon storage/process areas and a grid pattern fire main with adequate
isolation valves are vital parts of a resilient water system.
c. If freezing can be a problem, fire mains shall be buried, with hydrants supplied through dry
risers.
d. Fire mains shall be cement mortar lined steel pipe or GRE materials. HDPE is also
acceptable for buried sections, provided there is no risk of hydrocarbon ground
contamination.
e. Fire mains and hydrants shall be protected against vehicle impact.
f. Hydrants
1. Hydrants shall be installed at least every 45 m (150 ft) and near every semi fixed
system connection.
This is intended to limit flexible hose deployment that is both manpower consuming
and an access issue. It will also make sure that even if some hydrants are
inaccessible or out of order, enough will be located at reasonable distance.
2. For sites with storage capacity above 1 000 m3 (265 000 gal), hydrants shall be at
minimum DN 200 (NPS 8) hydrants with least 6 70 mm (3 in) outlets or 1
150 mm (6 in) plus 2 70 mm (3 in) outlets.
3. If large cooling water or foam quantities are to be used, larger sized hydrant
connections shall be installed, particularly to supply special equipment, such as large
monitors.
Large modern monitors can apply up to 60 000 l/min (16 000 gpm) each and require
adequately sized fire main and hydrants. Average industrial fire trucks usually have
pumps of 12 000 l/min (3 200 gpm) or more. Traditional municipal hydrants with
2 70 mm (3 in) outlets are useless for these pumps.
According to equipment needed, and scenarios, key hydrant points should have
150 mm (6 in), 200 mm (8 in), 250 mm (10 in) or 300 mm (12 in) Storz/Victaulic
outlet valves, so large diameter hoses (LDH) or XLDH could be connected.
8. Requirements for all type of tanks
This section should be read in conjunction with 9, for fixed roof tanks, or 10, for
external floating roof tanks.
8.1. Tank equipment not specific to firefighting
8.1.1. Escape routes

In addition to requirements in 8.1.1.1, 8.1.1.1.d, 8.1.1.2, and 8.1.1.3, stairways, gangways, and
handrails shall comply with GP 04-20 and GIS 58-101.
8.1.1.1. Stairways
a. If two or more tanks are sited in one bund and distance between tank shells exceeds 9 m
(30 ft), each tank shall have separate stairway.
b. Stairways may be radial, tangential, or any combination of these types.
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27 July 2006 GP 24-40
c. Support
1. Radial and tangential stairways should be designed such that their support
foundations are placed clear of tank foundation.
2. Supports should be designed to allow for differential settlement between tank and
support foundation.
3. Spiral stairways shall not be used.
Self supported spiral stairways (if all the steps are attached to a central column)
have been the source of incidents, either by the disorientation sensation after
multiple turns or by operators tripping over the lower handrail. They are also
making the deployment of fire equipment difficult. Spiral staircases also create
issues for tanks designed to BS 2654, where the nominal shell thickness exceeds 13
mm (1/2 in) and for insulated tanks.
d. Landings
1. Intermediate landings shall be provided at approximately 10 m (33 ft) vertical
intervals for all types of stairway.
2. If required by local authorities, vertical intervals may be less.
8.1.1.2. Vertical ladders

a. Tanks 48 m (158 ft) in diameter and greater shall have vertical escape ladder in accordance
with GIS 58-101.
b. Ladder shall be suitably supported from shell and terminate at ground level on opposite
side of tank from stairway in accordance with PIP STF05501.
c. If vertical ladders are required, safety gate or bar shall be fitted in accordance with
GN 24-001.
d. Intermediate landings shall be provided at 9 m (30 ft) vertical intervals maximum. If
required by local authorities, vertical interval may be less.
e. Escape poles (so called firefighter poles) shall not be acceptable.
8.1.1.3. Gangways
a. If two or more tanks are grouped within one bund and distance between tank shells is less
than 10 m (33 ft), gangways may be fitted between tank roofs, served by stairway(s)
common to several tanks, arranged such that escape route is available from any one tank
without crossing roof of another.
b. If common gangway services number of tanks, additional means of escape in emergencies
shall be provided. Vertical ladders may be used for this purpose.
To provide easier access to the tank stairway from outside the bunded area and at
the same time facilitate escape in an emergency, a gangway may be provided from
the top of the bund wall direct to the bottom of the stairway. Steps from the gangway
for access into the bunded area may be provided.
8.1.2. Pumpout
If possible, product pumpout arrangements should be provided to allow operational measures to
reduce duration of fire.
Page 16 of 27
27 July 2006 GP 24-40
8.1.3. Floating roofs (internal and external)

Pan type (flotation accomplished by upturned rim), or bulkheaded pan (open-top compartments)
roofs shall not be used.
These roofs have no inherent buoyancy and therefore they do not qualify as floating
roofs for the siting requirements of Industry standards. A single small leak will be
enough to sink a pan type roof.
8.2. Incident prevention and detection equipment

a. Tanks shall have level measurement, alarms and switches per GIS 58-101.
b. All level devices shall be fail-safe.
Protection against overfill is normally provided by independent high level switches,
which initiate an alarm in a manned control room. The setting of this alarm should
give sufficient time for the tank filling to be terminated either by assured manual
intervention or automatic means.
Radar devices are the preferred continuous level measurement device for most
applications.
A combination of the frequent calibration of the remote gauging system, e.g., Enraf,
plus operator supervision, or real-time reconciliation with flow into tank (overfill
protection only, not draining) and associated alarming if discrepancy appears do
not negate the requirement for an independent high-level alarm in section a. above.
c. Tanks in unmanned locations shall have fire detection systems.
d. Alarm of system described in section c. shall activate firefighting systems, either directly
or after remote confirmation (i.e., by camera).
Alternative fire detection systems, such as the Micropak micro CCTV or the Dtec
microprocessor fire detection addition to CCTV, can be useful systems to detect and
confirm fires without the need to send personnel on site.
e. Bunds containing class I products shall have gas detectors installed at low points.
Serious incidents have been caused by leaks inside the bunds (damaged drains of
floating roofs, piping failure, tank floor failure, overfilling, etc.) that went
undetected for too long, allowing liquid to accumulate, creating a substantial
vapour cloud, with the potential for unconfined explosion.
If bunds are susceptible to flooding, gas detectors can be positioned on floating raft
attached to a pole such that the gas detectors will never be flooded and will always
stay at the lowest point of the bund to provide the earliest possible alarm in case of
leak.
Operators shall be trained to respond to gas alarms by remotely shutting down all
operations and investigating carefully, with portable gas detectors and without
using any ignition source (like gasoline/diesel driven vehicles).
f. All alarms (high level, fire, gas) shall be transmitted to a permanently manned location.
8.3. Firefighting equipment

a. Subsurface injection system shall not be used instead of top foam pourers.
Preference is for top pourers rather than subsurface system, as the latter are more
difficult to maintain and cannot be easily tested, unless special test points are
incorporated into the design. They do not allow change of product in the tank (from
non foam destructive to foam destructive) or upgrading of the tank (from simple
fixed roof to fixed roof with internal cover float). These systems also represent a
Page 17 of 27
27 July 2006 GP 24-40
potential liquid leak source. However, it must also be recognised that top pourers
are more vulnerable to damage from an internal explosion or the subsequent fire.
Subsurface application is ineffective on polar solvents because the foam dissolves
and topside application is required. It is not suitable for floating roof tanks, cone
tanks with internal floating roofs, or water soluble fuels. There are also semi
subsurface injection systems that are designed to protect the foam from the
hydrocarbons, but these cannot be tested or maintained without taking the tank out
of service.
There is no positive experience of subsurface injection systems in BP or heritage
companies, despite some attempts during incidents.
When tanks equipped with subsurface injection are retrofitted (as defined in Section
3), their foam systems shall be made compliant with this GP.
b. Foam pourers
1. Foam pourers shall:
a) Comply with NFPA 11 or equivalent (including any necessary foam dams).
b) Be fitted to shell of tank, not roof.
This is to minimise possibility of damage during an incident.
c) Be accessible safely for maintenance, inspection, and testing.
2. Inlet connections shall be compatible with national design code applicable to country
of operation.
3. Access to platforms shall comply with GP 04-20.
4. Accessibility for maintenance, operations, and refill of foam equipment/pourers shall
be considered during design phase.
5. Battery limits for foam feed shall be in a safe location outside bund (dike) wall.
Systems shall be fully operable without need for human intervention, even for short
duration, inside bunded area (i.e., actuation and/or connection points shall be outside
bund). Actuation and/or connection points for a particular tank or bund fire
suppression/deluge system shall be located at the greatest distance of the 2 options
below:
a) Outside of the 4,7 kW/m2 contour for this particular scenario;
b) At least 20 m (66 ft) away from closest edge of equipment on fire.
6. Piping shall allow supply of all foam pourers from single source.
7. Battery limit piping shall terminate in single foam solution inlet connection, and all
valves controlling routing of foam solution supply shall be located downstream of
foam solution connection, outside of bund (dike) wall.
8. Manifolds and valving required to supply more than one tank from single foam inlet
shall be located outside of bund (dike) wall.
9. Strainers shall not be used on inlets of foam makers to minimise possibility of
clogging.
10. Air injection point shall be as close as possible to foam discharge. This air injection
point shall be visible and accessible for maintenance and inspection.
High back pressure generators are not an acceptable application for top foam
pourers. Flowing finished foam through dry pipes will result in most cases in poor
quality foam, of too low expansion to be efficient. Also, maintenance will be difficult
if these systems are located at high level.
Page 18 of 27
27 July 2006 GP 24-40
11. Clear signs should be installed at foam inlet point, giving operating conditions
required for foam making, and, in the case of manifold feeds, indication of which
valve corresponds with which tank.
12. Air inlets of foam makers shall be arranged to prevent rain and debris falling into
them and to prevent blockage by snow.
13. Rimseal pourers shall have wire mesh/gauze to prevent birds/insects nesting inside.
14. Systems shall be designed such that pourers can be foam discharge tested while tank
is in service.
Testing of foam systems while the tank is in service can be difficult because of
potential contamination of stored product. Also, testing on internal floating roof
tanks cannot be done if the roof has not been designed to cope with water load.
Therefore, foam pourers shall be designed such that they can easily be accessed and
reversed for discharge testing outside of tank if necessary to avoid contamination of
product (not normally a problem for crude oil tanks). Multiple solutions are
available from manufacturers.
15. Piping runs within bund (dike) area should be as short as is reasonably practical.
c. Firefighting systems shall be adequately designed to prevent corrosion and plugging during
decades of predicted life of tank.
d. Unless evidence can be provided that other materials are adequate, the following shall be
used:
1. For aboveground dry or wet piping below 150 mm (6 in) diameter: stainless steel or
GRE.
2. For aboveground dry or wet piping above 150 mm (6 in) diameter: stainless steel or
GRE.
3. For below ground and large diameter: HDPE, cement mortar lined steel, or GRE.
e. At bottom of vertical pipe runs (i.e., foam and water risers on tank shell), section of
vertical pipe of 1 m (3 ft) of same diameter shall be fitted to trap large debris, with drain
valve of at least 100 mm (4 in). Area under this valve shall be at least 1 m2 (10 ft2) wide
concrete to prevent ground erosion.
f. No gaseous fire suppression system shall be used on tanks. Reference BP Group HSSE
Position Paper Halocarbons and the Environment.
g. Fixed foam systems shall:
1. Be designed to be easily and quickly refillable or allow content to be transferred to
foam carrier in case of emergency.
2. Have adequate capacity for use on one tank on fire and on adjacent tanks rim seal
areas simultaneously (external and internal floating roof tanks).
In case of a tank fire, the rim seal areas of adjacent tanks will have to be quickly
covered in foam to limit the chances of escalation.
3. Be protected from vehicle impact.
4. Avoid use of bladder systems that cannot be tested or checked easily.
5. Protect foam stock from extreme temperatures and sun exposure.
6. Be designed or operated to minimise area of concentrate/air interface (e.g., by
providing expansion dome and always filling tank to this level).
h. Semi fixed systems shall be preferred to fixed systems only if it can be demonstrated that
there are sufficient mobile resources and manpower to activate them. At unmanned
Page 19 of 27
27 July 2006 GP 24-40
locations, fixed systems shall be installed, with either automatic or remotely controlled
activation.
9. Fixed roof tanks
9.1. Limitations of use

a. True vapour pressure (TVP) of product to be stored in fixed roof storage tanks shall not
exceed 1,5 psia (10,3 kPa) without internal deck being considered.
b. Flash point of product to be stored in fixed roof storage tanks shall not be less than 55C
(130F) without internal deck or VRU being fitted.

a. Fire retardant material shall be used for internal floating roof rim seals.
b. The shell to roof welded seam shall be designed and built so that it will always fail first in
case of overpressure (so called frangible weld). If the roof cannot be proven to be
frangible (as is often the case for small diameter tanks), emergency venting shall be
provided.
9.3. Fire detection equipment

a. Consideration shall be given to the installation of fire detection equipment on fixed roof
tanks.
b. Electric cable type shall be preferred to pneumatic type, as it is more reliable, has quicker
response time, and can be as easily tested.
c. Alarm shall be transmitted to permanently manned location.

a. Fixed roof, without internal floating deck:
1. Fixed roof tanks without internal floating deck with diameter less than 18 m (60 ft)
shall have top pourers for application rate of 4,1 l/min/m2 (0,1 gpm/ft2) over full
surface area of tank. Use of mobile or portable monitors is an acceptable alternative if
it can be demonstrated that adequate resources (water, foam, monitors, hoses,
manpower, etc.) are available.
2. Fixed roof tanks without internal floating deck with diameter more than 18 m (60 ft)
shall have top pourers for application rate of 4,1 l/min/m2 (0,1 gpm/ft2) over full
surface area of tank.
b. Fixed roof with internal floating deck shall have top pourers that cover full surface area.
Fires in tanks fitted with an internal floating deck are difficult to tackle if fixed
systems are not provided, as the large vents can allow enough air to feed the fire
without enough damage to the roof to allow a mobile monitor attack. Therefore,
fixed systems must be provided for all sizes of tanks fitted with an internal floating
deck.
10. External floating roof tanks
10.1. Limitations of use

a. TVP of product to be stored in floating roof storage tanks:
1. shall not exceed maximum value of 11,1 psia (77 kPa) for single deck roofs (annular
pontoons).
Page 20 of 27
27 July 2006 GP 24-40
2. shall not exceed maximum value of 12 psia (83 kPa) for double deck roofs without
relief valves.
b. In some very specific cases, the use of double deck floating roofs fitted with relief valves
may be considered up to 13 psia (90 kPa). The design of such an installation shall be
compared to other alternative options (use of pressure vessel), formally risk assessed and
subjected to a comprehensive Process Hazard Analysis.
Above these values, product is considered too volatile for floating roof tank, as it
may cause roof collapse due to instability. Many incidents, including full surface
tank fires, were caused by high TVP product storage. It is therefore essential to
ensure that the TVP values considered during design include the whole life cycle of
the installation, including worst cases (i.e. off-specification product during process
upsets, winter/summer specifications, etc.).
As the TVP increases, daily heating of the product underneath a single deck will
produce sufficient vapours to balloon the deck. It is common for these vapors to
condense during the cooler evening hours, allowing the roof to resume a normal flat
shape. It must be emphasized, however, that if the tank is in an area of significant
rainfall, ballooning of a single deck roof may not permit normal water drainage to
the primary roof drain. An unbalanced load can quickly be developed that can sink
the floating roof. Also, with increasing TVP the overall effectiveness of any floating
roof design is reduced. More evaporation will occur and this vapour will escape to
the atmosphere above the floating roof. Air pollution and the risk for a fire is
increased under these conditions.
Above 11,1 psia (76,5 kPa), a double deck roof will maintain its ability to drain
water while containing some amount of product vapour. The double-deck roof can
help reduce vapours from product heating due to the insulating effect the design
provides to the product surface.
Above 12 psia (83 kPa) relief valves are needed. However, discharging vapour onto
the deck from relief valves increases the possibility of a fire and therefore, the use of
a pressure vessel is often safer, as it solves both the roof stability and the flammable
vapours issues.
Above 13 psia (90 kPa), floating roof tank shall not be used.

a. Rolling ladders shall be provided for access to roof.
b. Rolling ladders can be removed only if handrails (360 degrees access around top of tank as
specified in c.) and firefighting equipment (foam riser, foam dam, and foam pourers in
accordance with 10.4) are in place. Also, it shall be demonstrated that roof will be
accessible with regularity for integrity checks.
For fire response: access to a seal fire with the floating roof at a low level:
While the theory is that the fixed or semi fixed foam system will extinguish the fire,
one of the major findings from the joint oil company study LASTFIRE was that, in
many cases, fire response personnel had to go on the roof to extinguish elements of
the rim seal fire using hand foam lines and/or 9 kg (20 lb) dry powder extinguishers,
because the foam will not always run around the entire foam dam. This is a last
resort, but in many cases, that is the only way to accomplish final extinguishment,
and therefore a safe methodology should be in place. The only alternative is to have
360 degree access around the top of the tank on the wind girder walkway and hand
hose connections as demonstrated by the Bulwer large crude tank rim seal fire of
3rd June 2003 (that required spot fires to be extinguished using hand lines to
supplement the semi fixed foam system).
Page 21 of 27
27 July 2006 GP 24-40
Ref: LASTFIRE study and fire safety video on "The manual response to rim seal
fires" and Refining Quarterly Safety Bulletin 1Q 2003 item 3.3 on Bulwer tank fire.
For inspection, maintenance, operations: how to perform routine checks of the roof
integrity and other operations that require roof access (changing legs position,
checking drain sump, opening manholes once the tank is emptied, etc.)?
There are many checks that are needed on a regular basis on floating roof tanks
(see typical list below) to avoid incidents.
Critical Items for Inspection
Vents and pressure/vacuum valve.
Tank shell.
Bund/dike drain valves.
Grounding/earthing equipment.
Tank top access, walkways, emergency exits, etc.
Floating roof.
Roof drain valves.
Roof drain sump.
Pontoon compartments (including LEL testing).
Seal, weathershield, and metallic shunts.
Lower internal roof drain valve.
Emergency roof drains.
Wax scrapers.
Guide/gage poles.
Ladders.
Foam pourers and foam dam.
The usual good practice is to do this when the roof is in the HIGH position, but this
may not be always possible. Removing the rolling ladders then creates a dilemma:
safety risk to personnel or postponement of checks (overdue integrity check).
A recent major incident in the Group has highlighted the importance of performing
pontoon integrity checks regularly by gas testing them (element 9 in list above). The
same incident also highlighted that rolling ladder incidents could also be a symptom
of a more serious problem (tank differential settlement, shell moving away from a
circle shape, high RVP product creating vapour pockets under roof, etc.).
c. Handrails shall be installed round full circumference of tanks that are equal to or bigger
than 18 m (60 ft) diameter, to allow safe access on the wind girder for maintenance and for
firefighting (see 10.3.a).
d. If no wind girder is planned, design shall provide safe access to all foam pourers and at
points at top of shell at least every 30 m (100 ft) apart.
e. Pontoon covers shall be secured (for example with bayonet type fittings).
This is to prevent water/product ingress as unbolted covers can be removed by high
winds or firefighting water streams or if the roof is tilting. In the past, some
designers preferred to have loose covers in the hope of minimising internal
explosion damage. Experience has proven that these covers cannot act as explosion
relief doors, and letting them loose can increase their potential to be transformed
into dangerous missiles in case of an explosion. Also, regular gas testing, as
recommended in f., will minimise the risk of an explosion in pontoons.
Page 22 of 27
27 July 2006 GP 24-40
f. Gas testing hatches shall be installed on pontoon covers, and each one shall be clearly
identified by distinctive number or letter with tank reference repeated regularly (e.g.,
Tank CO10, pontoon G).
Gas testing is the only reliable way to assess that the mechanical integrity of
pontoons is intact while the tank is in service. Leaking pontoons can have
hydrocarbon vapours above LEL without any sign of liquid inside, particularly in
hot climates. A pontoon filled with vapours will quickly explode in case of adjacent
rim seal fire and escalation to full surface might follow (as demonstrated during a
recent fire in BP).
Therefore, regular gas testing of pontoons is a good industry practice that shall be
allowed by adequate design of the pontoon covers.
g. Fire retardant material shall be used for rim seals.
In the absence of fire retardant material, a punctual rim seal fire will very quickly
become full circumference rim seal fire. This emergency will be more difficult to
tackle, as it will require all foam pourers to perform fully and will multiply the
chances of a pontoon explosion and escalation to full surface (as demonstrated
during a recent fire in BP).
10.3. Fire detection equipment

a. Linear fire detection shall be installed immediately above seal area of floating roof tanks.
Other types of detection systems (such as IR detectors, temperature point detectors,
etc.) cannot achieve the reliability and cost-efficiency of linear heat detection. They
also often create additional issues (i.e. dozens of detectors required to cover full
seal area on large tanks, spare parts needed, testing requires roof access, etc.).
b. Electric cable type shall be preferred to pneumatic type, as it is more reliable, has quicker
response time, and can be as easily tested. Two wire digital type is preferred option.
c. Alarm shall be transmitted to permanently manned location.
d. End of line test connection shall be provided outside of bund area for electrical type of
linear heat detector.
e. Linear heat detector shall be mounted as close as possible to top of seal but within 50 mm
(2 in) maximum distance from it.

a. Foam dry riser terminating at gauger platform shall be installed to facilitate attack using
portable equipment to extinguish remaining pockets of fire in rim seal, if fixed/semi fixed
pourers are not totally effective in extinguishing fire.
b. Foam dam higher than secondary seal shall be installed on floating roofs. Integral foam
dam (dam located directly above edge of the pontoon, closer to the shell than traditional
NFPA 11 dams) shall be preferred. However, dams designed in accordance with NFPA 11
are acceptable.
Integral foam dams prevent water and oil accumulation on the pontoons and allow
fast accumulation of foam while reducing the amount of foam necessary. This type of
dam should therefore be preferred whenever possible.
For NFPA 11 dams, a distance of 0,6 m (2 ft) from tank shell is usually adequate.
Drain slots (in accordance with NFPA 11) are mandatory and shall be big enough
to allow for rain water/foam water to flow, including an allowance for debris
accumulation.
Page 23 of 27
27 July 2006 GP 24-40
c. For tanks up to and including 35 m (115 ft) diameter, foam pourers shall be fitted for full
surface fires. Above that size, site shall choose between:
1. Foam pourers alone, designed for full surface (possible up to 60 m [200 ft] diameter).
2. Combination of foam pourers designed only for rim seal fires and mobile equipment
for full surface fires.
Under 35 m (115 ft), there is no significant cost increase to design fixed systems for
full surface fires. There is also no significant risk of sinking the roof by applying
foam for such rate on a rim seal fire or during a test. A cost benefit analysis in line
with the procedure described in the LASTFIRE study report can be used to help
decide which option is most appropriate.
d. Central foam distribution systems from central foam manifold supply located on roof
(same principle as roof drain but flowing from bottom to top) shall not be used.
These systems are relying on the roof being stable and afloat. Any problem below
the roof requires taking the tank out of service for repairs. By injecting foam under
the weather shields of the rim seal, they can also push product (and therefore the
fire) onto the roof.
11. Emergency plan for tank farms
a. Detailed emergency plans, including detailed foam, water, and equipment resources as
calculated in 0, shall be available for each tank emergency.
b. Format shall comply with pre-fire plans in BP 1994 Fire Response Workbook (which is
also in accordance with latest version of IP-MCSP-P19).
See example in Annex A.
12. Fire system testing
a. On construction completion, fire systems shall be tested by full discharge (with foam for
foam systems) and records kept.
b. Foam systems shall be discharge tested annually with foam. General principles described
in OGB Fire Systems Integrity Assurance document shall be applied.
It is recognised that it may not be practical or necessary to discharge test every
foam system in large tank farms. However, assurance must be provided that foam
quality (expansion and drainage time), foam coverage, and foam concentrate
proportioning rate are within acceptable tolerances (for example, in the case of
several tanks of the same type and dimension being fed with foam solution from the
same source, it may be acceptable to only discharge foam through one system and
water only through the others).
Page 24 of 27
27 July 2006 GP 24-40
Annex A
(Informative)
Typical emergency response plan
The reverse page of a typical emergency response plan is as follows:
Figure 1 Tank Full Surface Fire
Page 25 of 27
27 July 2006 GP 24-40
Front text page is as follows:
EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN FOR Description of type of fire anticipated and plant, pumps, tanks, or
equipment first involved.
STRATEGY Fire control (firefighting) strategy that states overall objectives to prevent fire spread, bring incident under
control, and extinguish fire.
IMMEDIATELY ACTIONS EQUIPMENT RESOURCES COMMENTS
Usually control room Logical step by step What equipment Any specific resources not As required.
or site personnel who actions that are required to perform previously mentioned or
will alert and required according to actions. personnel who will need to
shutdown and fire type and location. Valves or devices to react immediately.
evacuate, etc. Typically, alarm, isolate.
evacuation, isolation,
shut down, informing,
etc.
1ST RESPONSE ACTIONS EQUIPMENT RESOURCES
May be site personnel Logical step by step Valves or devices to Any foam concentrate As required.
who will use portable actions necessary to isolate. required. Anticipated water
fire equipment or fixed isolate fuel or perform Fixed fire systems demand for fire. Fire
fire systems. If no initial fire control installed onsite. hose/nozzles required.
personnel available for actions. Number of hose will be
this, first response Portable fire based on hydrant locations
would be site fire equipment for initial and fire vehicles used. Fire
brigade. control. Any water or vehicles from local fire
foam monitors department and manpower.
required.
2ND RESPONSE ACTIONS EQUIPMENT RESOURCES
Usually supporting fire Logical step by step Fixed fire systems Any foam concentrate Foam application
group or local actions necessary to installed onsite. required. Anticipated water rate applied, etc.
municipal fire brigade. control and extinguish Any water/foam demand for fire. Fire
Site personnel may be fire. monitors required. vehicles from local fire
required to do other brigade and manpower.
tasks at this stage.
ONGOING POTENTIAL HAZARDS

Any obvious hazards that will be present because of anticipated fire either from flame impingement or radiated or
conducted heat. Also consider any explosion possibility.
OTHER CONCERNS
Any other concerns. Personnel safety, gas releases, public exposure, etc.
Page 26 of 27
27 July 2006 GP 24-40
Bibliography
[1] BP Fire Booklet Series, Liquid hydrocarbon storage tanks: prevention and fire fighting (2003).
[2] BS 2654, Specification for manufacture of vertical steel welded non refrigerated storage tanks with
butt-welded shells for the petroleum industry.
[3] Fire safety video, The manual response to rim seal fires (available at BP Fire Engineering - General
videos).
[4] The Large Atmospheric Storage Tank Fire (LASTFIRE) Joint Industry Project, 1996 original study
and 2005 Risk Reduction Operations report (available at BP Fire Engineering LASTFIRE &
Boilovers).
[5] Refining Quarterly Safety Bulletin, - 1Q 2003.
[6] Technical report 1998 Singapore Refining Company (SRC) tank fire.
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Document No.

Guidance on Practice for

Figure 1 Tank Full Surface Fire.................................................................................................. 25

Feedback and Further Information

JV companies: June/July 2003 test series, October 2003,

Energy Institute (EI) Formerly the Institute of Petroleum (IP)

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

Oil and Gas Producers Association (OGP)

Process Industry Practices (PIP)

3. Terms and definitions

Active fire protection or active systems

Bund (also called dike)

Fixed water/foam systems

[Important note: For the purpose of this document, unless

Full surface foam system

Grounding (also referred to as earthing)

Lower explosive (or flammable) limit

Passive fire protection or passive system

Petroleum liquids or liquids

Pyrophoric iron sulphide

As a guidance for application of this document, major maintenance or modification

Rim seal foam system

Semi fixed water/foam systems

Subsurface foam injection system (also called base injection)

True vapour pressure

4. Symbols and abbreviations

CCTV Closed circuit television.

ETBE Ethyl tertiary butyl ether.

GRE Glass reinforced epoxy.

HDPE High density polyethylene.

LEL Lower explosive limit.

LFL Lower flammable limit.

MTBE Methyl tertiary butyl ether.

TVP True vapour pressure.

VRU Vapour recovery unit.

5. Fire hazard management philosophy

5.1. Tank firefighting philosophies

Tank type Tank diameter Fire protection requirements

5.2. Firefighting resources

5.2.2. Water resources

5.2.2.1. For foam production

Fixed equipment Mobile equipment

m ft lpm gpm m3/h gph lpm gpm m3/h gph

5.2.2.2. For cooling of exposures

5.2.3. Foam resources

Liquid Fixed/semi fixed systems Mobile equipment

5.2.4. Maximum size of individual tank

6. Tank spacing, bunding, and road access

6.1. Minimum requirements

8. Requirements for all type of tanks

8.1. Tank equipment not specific to firefighting

8.1.1. Escape routes

8.1.1.2. Vertical ladders

8.1.3. Floating roofs (internal and external)

8.2. Incident prevention and detection equipment

8.3. Firefighting equipment

9. Fixed roof tanks

9.1. Limitations of use

9.2. Tank equipment not specific to firefighting

9.3. Fire detection equipment

9.4. Firefighting equipment

10. External floating roof tanks

10.1. Limitations of use