This recommended practice API RP 2027:2024 outlines the necessary safety measures to prevent and manage vapor releases, fire risks, and other associated dangers when conducting abrasive blasting operations on elevated liquid hydrocarbon storage containers operating under atmospheric pressure. It is widely acknowledged in the petroleum industry that the optimal method is to empty, vapor-free, and clean aboveground petroleum storage tanks before commencing abrasive blasting work. However, this may not always be practical or even feasible, and it could increase the risk of an undesirable hazard or incident in certain situations. Therefore, it is essential to understand the potential ignition and safety hazards when planning abrasive blasting and to implement appropriate safeguards before starting this work.

This recommended practice helps employers develop operational procedures that identify hazards and significantly reduce ignition risks during abrasive blasting of hydrocarbon storage tanks in service that may contain or have the potential to develop a flammable atmosphere in the vapor space. While this RP does not cover all the precautions required to safely perform abrasive blasting, owners/operators and contractors must conduct a thorough hazard analysis and pre-job start-up safety and health review for each specific abrasive blasting job to ensure that all necessary precautions and safeguards have been identified and implemented prior to beginning work.