Security instructions relating to the handling at stations and during rail and road transportation of LPG tank containers

Scope of the instructions and safety-related responsibilities

Article 1: Scope of the Instructions

1.1 These instructions are intended to set out the safety measures to be taken during the various stages that apply when moving LPG tank containers, and primarily during handling at train stations (loading and unloading) and rail transportation.

1.2 LPG Definition
LPG stands for Liquid Petroleum Gas and is made up of butane or propane gases or a mixture of propane and butane. Two LPG liquefaction processes are currently in use: liquefaction under pressure and cryogenic liquefaction at very low temperature under atmospheric pressure.

1.3 These instructions apply for bi-modal transportation by Road (from the departure point or destination to the railway station and vice versa) and by RAIL (from the departure station to the destination station and vice versa) of LPG under pressure.

1.4 These instructions apply to all economic operators involved in the handling and transportation by rail and road of tank containers of bulk LPG.

1.5 These instructions do not void or replace other applicable safety and security instructions.

1.6 In the same way, these instruction do not affect national regulations in force, which remain applicable in their respective areas, especially:

• the highway code
• the regulations governing transportation of dangerous matters
• the regulations governing equipment containing pressurised gas
• the regulations governing lifting equipment
• the regulations governing rail transport

1.7 Access to the Arzew industrial estate, the movement and parking within this zone of vehicles, trains of tank cars, are strictly subject to the measures set out in the safety and security regulations that are specific to this area.

Article 2: Filling and transfer

2.1 Safety while filling tank containers at the LPG product loading centres is the responsibility of the operators involved.

2.2 Security during the transfer of tank containers at filling centre level is the responsibility of the operators involved.

2.3 Before any tank container filling or transfer operation, always ensure that tank containers are grounded.

Article 3: Road transport stage

3.1 Safety during road transportation of tank containers to the SNTF departure station, their loading onto rail trucks, their unloading at the destination stations and their transportation by road is the responsibility of STPE.

Article 4: Rail transport stage

The responsibility for transporting LPG tank containers by rail is that of SNTF, from the departure station to the destination station.

This responsibility relates to the following points: checking that the load is strapped down, immobilising parked rail trucks, performing manoeuvres in stations, complying with braking rules the composition and monitoring of trains. These safety measures are repeated in SNTF in-house corporate regulations.

SNTF personnel operating trains that transport tank containers of bulk LPG must comply with the specific safety measures and with applicable procedures relative to access to the Arzew industrial estate.

Safety instructions when moving tank containers

Article 5: Step definition

The three successive steps in moving tank containers that are covered by this chapter consist of:

5.1 The outbound and return road sections.

5.2 Handling at rail stations, for loading, unloading, and strapping down the containers on the rail trucks.

5.3 Container rail transportation.

Article 6: Safety instructions for truck drivers

6.1 Vehicle condition

6.1.1 The vehicle must be kept perfectly maintained and in perfect operating condition, especially as regards the braking system, the electrical equipment and tyres.

6.1.2 The tank container must be fitted with two 6 to 9 kg dry powder fire extinguishers, covered and easily accessible and operable.

6.1.3 The tank container must be suitably labelled and accompanied by the on-board documents comprising especially the:

• Testing certificate
• Applicable safety instructions
• Type of product

6.1.4 The vehicle’s loading bed must be equipped fixtures compliant with standards in force for strapping down containers.

6.2 Running instructions

6.2.1 The driver is bound to comply strictly with the stipulations of the highway code and instructions that are specific to the transportation of hazardous materials.

6.2.2 Any person carrying any kind of flame is forbidden from approaching the vehicle.

6.2.3 STPE is bound to define the routes of tank container vehicles ahead of time, in line with applicable regulatory stipulations.

6.2.4 Stopping along the route should be avoided; momentary stops, when inevitable, must wherever possible be made outside of built-up areas.

6.2.5 If stopping along the route is inevitable, abandoning the vehicle without surveillance on a public road is forbidden.

6.2.6 In the event of a breakdown, the vehicle must not be abandoned on a public road.

6.2.7 If stopping the vehicle is inevitable, it must be kept:

• more than ten metres away from homes
• away from naked flames
• away from buildings containing combustible materials.

6.2.8 Before every full container leaves, the driver must ensure that all of the valves are closed, that the box is locked and that the container is strapped down.

6.3 Conduct to apply when loading or unloading the container carrier vehicle in train stations

6.3.1 On entering the SNTF station, the driver becomes subject to the authority of the STPE manager in charge.

6.3.2 The driver must stop the vehicle at the indicated location; immediately after stopping, the following operations must be performed:

• Turn off engine
• Apply handbrake
• Switch off electrical equipment
• Chock wheels

6.3.3 During handling, the driver must not move away from the vehicle.

6.3.4 As soon as handling is finished, the driver must clear their vehicle from the station.

Article 7: Safety instructions for the stacker operator

7.1 Only a qualified stacker handling device operator may drive the stacker.

7.2 The stacker must be perfectly maintained and in perfect operating condition, and subject to periodic regulation technical inspections.

7.3 An operating and maintenance manual intended for handling device operators and drawn up in line with the manufacturer’s stipulations must be made available to the operator by STPE.

7.4 Carrying personnel is strictly forbidden.

7.5 Leaving the station area without permission is forbidden.

7.6 Abandoning the handling device with its engine running is forbidden.

7.7 Manoeuvres to hook up or clamp down tank containers must be performed in line with an indication plan.

Article 8: Safety instructions for handling operations in stations

8.1 Before any rail loading and unloading of rail trucks or of the container carrying vehicle, STPE must ensure that:

• The train of rail trucks is immobilised using screw brakes.
• Container condition does not show any visible anomaly or defect.
• Valves are closed and that the tank and accessories do not show any leaks.
• Grounding is correctly carried out.
• Safety instructions for loading and unloading containers are displayed, understood and most importantly, applied.

8.2 During handling, no flames or source of fire must be found close to the moving tanks.

8.3 Container loading and unloading operations must be performed with the help of a guide person to direct the handling device operator.

8.4 Tank container valve boxes must all be located on the same side of the train.

8.5 Care required when locking down containers

8.5.1 The STPE facility or centre managers must ensure that before each train leaves, all of the boxes are locked and the locking down pins are in place.

8.5.2 SNTF staff must ensure that the containers are properly locked down on the rail trucks.

8.5.3 Locking down using any other process (e.g. straps or chains) is forbidden.

8.6 Care required when manoeuvring rail trucks in stations

8.6.1 The rail trucks must not be manoeuvred by launching nor may they be hump shunted. These rail trucks must be manoeuvred with care and vigilance, at low speed and avoiding violent impact.

8.6.2 It is also forbidden to allow loaded rail trucks to be hit by other launched rail trucks

Article 9: Routing rail trucks loaded with LPG tank containers

In addition to the stipulations of the rules for transporting hazardous materials by rail (RID), the following safety rules must also be complied with.

9.1 The rail trucks containing empty or loaded tank containers must travel with valves, taps and all openings closed.

9.2 The rail truck containing the loaded containers cannot be the first nor the last car in a train; it must be separated from the locomotive by at least one buffer truck.

9.3 LPG tank containers carried by rail must be fitted with 6 to 9 kg dry powder fire extinguishers.

9.4 The routes taken by trains of container trucks must be direct and, wherever possible avoid stopping between stations or at intermediate stations.

9.5 Whenever a train of container trucks stops, and this cannot be avoided, the stoppage must take place under close surveillance by SNTF personnel.

9.6 To carry LPG, the train must be fitted with communication equipment suitable for dealing with any dangerous situation.

Article 10: Safety Measures and Instructions applied at the Arzew industrial estate

10.1 In addition to the above-mentioned safety instructions, SNTF and STPE are bound to comply strictly with the stipulations of the specifications for the Arzew Industrial estate, as set out for safety matters.

Access by the LPG container train to the Arzew Industrial estate

10.2 The LPG container train will, upon entry to the train station at the Arzew industrial estate, be subjected to a search and full inspection by the security organisation that covers the Arzew Industrial estate.

Access to and movement of container carrier trucks within the industrial estate

10.3 Container carrier trucks must have a card issued by the Industrial estate, in order to access the industrial estate. The vehicle will be subjected to a search and full inspection by the security organisation that covers the Arzew Industrial estate.

10.4 The driver of the container carrier truck must, when moving within the industrial estate, ensure that the vehicle complies with all of the stipulations in the above-mentioned articles in these instructions, covering vehicle condition and movement instructions.

Measures to be taken should an incident occur affecting the container carrier truck

10.5 If the container carrier truck safety guarantees are no longer fulfilled or if an incident occurs, the following measures must immediately be implemented by the driver: - Apply the measures set out in Chapter 4 and its Appendix, in these instructions – Immediately alert the Operations Coordination Centre (CCO) at Egzia.

Measures to be taken should an incident occur at the train station in the industrial estate

10.6 Should an incident occur at the train station in the industrial estate, the following measures must immediately be implemented: - Apply the response measures that are specific to the train station - Immediately alert the Operations Coordination Centre (CCO) at Egzia.

Article 11: Personnel training level required and availability of useful information and contact data

11.1 All of the entities involved are bound to provide training for their respective staff members working in bi-modal bulk LPG transportation using removable tank containers, on the dangers of the product itself, the instructions to be complied with and the measures to take should an incident arise, as set out in these instructions. Training must be provided before any of the personnel start work.

11.2 Drivers of tank container carrier trucks and handling equipment as well as LPG tank container train personnel must undergo rigorous training on all of the points set out in these instructions.

11.3 The entities involved must make available to their staff members concerned by the measures set out in these instructions, all necessary information and contact data.

Measures to be taken in case of Incident

Article 12: General measures to be taken when during transportation if the load no longer offers the requisite guarantees

12.1 If the condition of an LPG tank container load no longer, for any reason, offers the guarantees required by applicable regulations (due to an accident, impact, damage to the container, product leak), the necessary safety precautions must be taken immediately.

12.2 If this observation is made in-transit, the transportation car must stopped at the most suitable location, either so that it may be unloaded if handling can be performed safely, or so that it can be immobilised if unloading cannot be performed safely.

12.3 If the condition of the load may cause a serious danger (risk of explosion, fire hazard), it must be moved as far away as possible from any built-up area and public highways; STPE and NAFTAL must, in such cases, be informed immediately by the carrier and asked for their instructions.

12.4 In cases of emergency (danger, seepage or major leak) and in the absence of skilled personnel, the local authorities must be called on to immediately take the necessary safety measures; STPE/NAFTAL must be informed by the carrier and asked to take part in the necessary safety measures.

Article 13: Organisation Procedures in Case of Emergency

As soon as an incident or accident is observed, the following measures must be taken:

a- If the train is in a station

The stationmaster or department manager must:

13.1 Forbid the public from approaching the train transporting tank containers

13.2 Isolate the train truck with an anomaly

13.3 Alert local SNTF management, the Regional Command Post (PCR), Civil protection authorities, STPE, Naftal, as well as Local Authorities.

13.4 Maintain these stipulations in force until the return to normal takes place after intervention by Civil Protection authorities.

b- If the train is outside of a station (on open tracks or in a closed station)

The Train Chief must:

13.5 Inform the previous and next stations on the line to alert the PCR and the Local Authorities.

13.6 Move the train away to an area as far away as possible from all built-up areas and public highways.

13.7 Even if the local intervention has made it possible to momentarily correct the anomaly, the SNTF representative in charge must:

• Have the rail truck deferred by affixing a failure bulletin on it
• Inform STPE so that an assessment may be made of the container

13.8 In the event of a derailment, the initiatives taken are left up to the visitor and Train Manager present on-site.

Article 14: Organisations to alert

14.1 In cases where the incident or accident implies a danger that requires resorting to outside assistance, the following organisations should be informed:

• Local civil protection authorities
• The nearest brigade of Gendarmes or police station
• The Wali or Daïra Chief
• The Director of Transportation and the Director of Mining and Industry for the Wilaya (DMI)
• The regional representation and general management of STPE

Article 15: General rules relating to LPG fires

15.1 The general rule is to not extinguish a burning gas leak other than by stopping the leak, i.e. in practice by shutting a valve located upstream from the leak.

15.2 If a gas leak has caught fire, it is relatively easy to limit the material damage and avoid any extension of the fire by protecting the fire’s surroundings: by spraying with water and forming a water curtain.

15.3 In the medium term, a water tank provided with the means to project water will be incorporated into the train, making it possible to cool LPG rail tank trucks in case of fire. The capacity of the water tank and the range of the projection equipment will be defined in line with the number of rail trucks. STPE will be tasked with ensuring the proper operation of this equipment.

15.4 The same does not apply for a leak that has not caught fire and which when spreading as a layer, may be lit at a distance from its point of origin by any naked flame and will cause an explosion with unpredictable consequences.

Intervention techniques in case of Incident or accident

1. An incident causing damage to valves and/or accessories but which does not cause the tank container to overturn.

2. An incident/accident or impact causing damage to tank panels but which does not lead to the derailing or overturning of the tank container.

3. An incident/accident that leads to the derailing and overturning of the tank container and damage to the tank and/or the valves.

Incidents or accidents affecting LPG tank containers

These incidents may occur for one of the following reasons.

1. If there is impact damage to the valves and/or accessories but that does not cause the tank container to overturn.

1.1 If there is no leak. Drive the vehicle to a safe place where it is possible to transfer the product contained in the tank to another tank, prior to refurbishing.

1.2 If there is a leak affecting the valves or the accessories.

1.2.1 If the leak has not caught fire.

1.2.1.1 If the leak is a small scale one, dispersing easily into the atmosphere.

• carefully drive the vehicle to an isolated, well ventilated, location,
• forbid anyone from approaching with a naked flame,
• attempt to find the leak:

· by sound, or
· by seeing a gaseous release, or
· with the help of a foaming product

·        once the leak has been located, attempt to seal it (1):
· by tightening the device down onto its base, or
· by forcibly inserting a suitably shaped piece of wood, or
· by applying, around the leaking device and only if the leak is in the liquid phase, a damp cloth (which may freeze) and which is held in place by an improvised ligature (strap, steel wire, etc.).

(1) The operator must in this case wear gloves, that should, if possible be impermeable, and possibly wear eye protection.

1.2.1.2 If the leak is significant, with the formation of a gas cloud

• whenever possible, leave the vehicle in place and isolate it to avoid causing the gas cloud to ignite on an incandescent point,
• the Gendarmerie or Police and Civil Protection authorities must be alerted to ensure protection by forming a safety cordon at an adequate distance around the vehicle,
• spraying water over the gas jet must be performed with the aim of directing the gas cloud and accelerating its dilution,
• where necessary, form a curtain of sprayed water to avoid any gas cloud propagation,
• take all necessary measures to eliminate any naked flames in the area that the gas cloud is heading towards,
• in conjunction with other professionals in the sector, consider the possibility of requesting the emergency dispatch of a specialised empty tank truck for carrying the product involved, if the transfer of this product appears possible and necessary.

1.2.2 If the leak has caught fire.

1.2.2.1 If the leak is small and able, once extinguished, to easily disperse into the atmosphere – then extinguish it, if necessary with a powder fire extinguisher – seal off the leak as described in 1.2.1.1.

1.2.2.2 If the leak is significant and it cannot be extinguished or there is no desire to extinguish it for fear of the potential hazards entailed.

• In both cases, the Gendarmerie or Police and Civil Protection authorities must be alerted to ensure protection by forming a safety cordon at an adequate distance around the vehicle.
• Avoid needlessly exposing personnel.
• In all cases, and until the incident is brought under control, spray with water the parts of the tank and its equipment likely to rise in temperature, so as to avoid any weakening of the metal used caused by overheating.

Furthermore, in conjunction with other professionals in the sector, the possibility should be considered of:

• Recovery of the product, or
• Setting up a torch to burn off the product, far enough away from the vehicle to avoid excessively intense heat radiation effects.

2. Collision or impact that damage the tank structure without overturning it

2.1 If there is no leak.

After first ensuring that there truly is no leakage, check that the valves and accessories are not damaged.

If possible, carefully drive the vehicle away from traffic and any built up area, in order to allow specialist inspection.

2.2 If there is a leak and the tank panels are cracked

The following measures must be taken:

• The Gendarmerie or Police and Civil Protection authorities must be alerted to ensure protection by forming a safety cordon at an adequate distance around the vehicle.
• In conjunction with other professionals in the sector, the possibility should be considered of requesting the dispatch of an empty specialised tank truck for carrying the product involved, in order to transfer the product.

2.2.1 If the leak has not ignited

2.2.1.1 If it is not a significant leak and its direction does not threaten the environment.

• Forbid anyone from approaching with a naked flame within the safety cordon.
• If it is possible to approach the tank, in liaison with the profession, it is possible to envisage, under the protection of a water spray fog(1), connecting a product recovery line directed:

· at an empty tank truck specialising in the transport of the product in question, or
· at a burn off torch that is located far enough away. In both cases, maintain a water spray curtain between the damaged vehicle or the torch and the recovery vehicle.

2.2.1.2 If it is a significant leak and its direction does threaten the environment

• The vehicle must, immediately if possible, be moved away from traffic or homes.
• Take all necessary measures to eliminate any naked flames within the safety cordon.
• A gas jet must be sprayed with the aim of directing the gas cloud and accelerating its dispersion (with the help of a water spray, for example).
• Aim the nozzle towards the operator, who must be equipped with gloves and a helmet and face screen, so that the connection can be made with as little risk as possible.

2.2.2 If the leak has ignited

2.2.2.1 If it is not a significant leak and the flame is not causing any immediate damage to the tank and its environment
- it is preferable to extinguish it and proceed as in 2.2.1.1.

2.2.2.2 If it is a significant leak and its direction does threaten the tank and its environment.

• Evacuate the vicinity,
• To limit the heat rise, spraying the leaking container carrier vehicle may be attempted if necessary, but without needlessly exposing personnel,
• Where possible, move the vehicle away from traffic or homes while continuing to spray it with water.

3. Accident causing the tank container to derail and damaging the tank and/or valves

3.1 If there is no leak

The Gendarmerie or Police and Civil Protection authorities must be warned so that they can ensure safety.

In conjunction with other professionals in the sector it the following could be considered: - Recovery of the product using an empty specialised tank truck to transfer the product involved, or – Any other operation that can be performed given the condition of the vehicle.

3.2 If there is a leak (the tank metal is cracked and/or the valves are out of service and/or inaccessible).

The following measures must be taken: - the Gendarmerie or the Police and Civil Protection authorities must be alerted so that they can ensure protection by forming a safety cordon at an adequate distance from the vehicle.

3.2.1 If the leak is not lit

3.2.1.2 If it is not a significant leak and the direction of the gas jet does not threaten the tank, or its environment
- Proceed as in 2.2.1.1.

3.2.1.2 If it is a significant leak and/or the direction of the gas jet threatens the tank and/or its environment.
- The gas jet should be sprayed with the aim of directing the gas cloud (using a nozzle for example) and to accelerate its dilution (using a water spray).

3.2.2 If the leak has ignited

3.2.2.1 If it is a significant leak and its direction does not threaten the tank or its environment
- it is preferable to extinguish it and to proceed as in 2.2.1.1.

3.2.2.2 If it is a significant leak and the flame direction threatens the tank and its environment.

• Evacuate the vicinity.
• To limit the heat rise, spraying the leaking container carrier vehicle may be attempted if necessary, but without needlessly exposing personnel.
• Move the non-derailed parts of the train away.