1. BLABO safety
BLABO®
safety

2. BLABO safety
BLABO and safety
• Oreco never compromises on safety
• Our mission is to provide the safest
system in the world
• Design, construction and cleaning
process comply with:
• European directives (ATEX, Machines
Directive, Pressure equipment directive
etc.)
• Regional/international standards like
CSA/UL (upon request)
• Other national regulations that may
apply

3. BLABO safety
ATEX directive
ATEX consists of two European directives:
Directive 1999/92/EC
• Also known as the 'ATEX Workplace Directive’.
• Deals with the safety and health of workers, potentially at risk
from exposure to explosive atmosphere.
• Has been in force from 30th of June 2003.
• Deadline for enforcement is 30th of June 2006.
Directive 94/9/EC
• Known as the 'ATEX Equipment Directive’.
• Deals with equipment intended for use in potentially explosive
atmosphere.
• Has also been in force since 30th of June 2003.

4. BLABO safety
What does ATEX mean for tank cleaning?
• Main purpose is to minimise, or completely
eliminate, the risks associated with
explosive areas and to limit the harmful
effects in case of an explosion.
• This means that both service providers,
offering tank cleaning services, and tank
owners must prepare and carry out
procedures for performing safe work in
areas/zones with potentially explosive
atmospheres.
• Only ATEX approved equipment can be used
for tank cleaning in specified zones.

5. BLABO safety
Selected safety measures
in the BLABO system
3
2
5
1
6 - 16
BLABO process / BLABO system
17 - 19
Tank roof
4
Nozzle
Tank blanketing
SafeTap
Distribution header
Safe area
Auxiliary modules
Personal safety

6. BLABO safety
Inside the tank
and on the roof
1 Tank roof
• Tank roof is zone 1 area.
• All Oreco ‘tank roof equipment’ with a
potential ignition source is category I
approved according to ATEX.
2 Cold tapping tool - SafeTap
• Designed in accordance with the European
standard EN 1343-1.
• Is certified as category 1/2 equipment.
• Tested at approved by notified body.
3 Distribution header
• Approved for zone 1.
5 Tank blanketing
• Inerting eliminates the risk of ignition.
• Inerting is covered by ATEX 1999/92/EC.
• Tank owners’ or service providers’ responsibility
to ensure inert atmosphere.
4 Nozzles
• Certified as category I equipment, according
ATEX 94/97EC. Approved by notified body.
• Operation of nozzles is covered by ATEX
1999/92/EC for work in potentially explosive
atmospheres.
1 · 2 · 3
5
4
Tank roof
Sump
Nozzle
Inerting
BLABO

7. BLABO safety
BLABO process modules
7 Pressure piping
• Constructed in accordance with EU directive
97/23/EC for pressurized equipment.
• Non destructive test (EN 13480-4).
• Unique tracking number and material
certificates.
6 Piping
• Has no potential ignition source and do
therefore not fall within ATEX.
• User must ensure piping is safely earthed.
• BLABO’s Victaulic piping and couplings are
clam-fitted to ensure 100% conductivity.
8 Electronic cabinets
Re-circulation & Separation modules
• Recirculation and Separation modules.
• Designed and built according to EN 50016
(Electrical apparatus for potentially explosive
atmospheres - pressurized apparatus ‘p’).
• Verified and tested according to ATEX
directive 94/9/EC.
10 Gas detectors
• Approved as at lease category II equipment.
• Fulfil requirements in standards EN 50057
and EN 50058.
9 Electronic cabinets
Suction & Skimming modules
• Designed and built according to EN 50018
(Electrical apparatus for potentially explosive
atmospheres - flameproof enclosure ‘d’).
• Verified and tested according to ATEX
directive 94/9/EC.

8. BLABO safety
BLABO process and BLABO system in general
11 Temperature
• Insulated pipes, valves and flange
connections.
• Surface temperature does not exceed
55˚C.
12 All moving parts
• Moving parts protected by covers.
• Cannot be opened without tools.
• Risk assessed according to EU directive
98/37/EC for machinery safety.
13 Electrical equipment
• As minimum zone I approved.
• Constructed in accordance with EN
50014 (requirements for electrical
apparatus in explosive atmospheres).
14 Monitoring and Auto-shut down
• Continuous monitoring.
• Built-in warning systems.
• Monitoring of oxygen level.
• Shut-down of process if oxygen level exceeds 8%.
• Shut-down of process if LEL exceeds 20%.
15 Closed loop
• Tank cleaning media runs in a closed circuit.
• Operators never get into contact with the media.
16 Non-man entry
• Risk of sparks due to high activity inside tank
is eliminated.

9. BLABO safety
Other personal safety measures
19 Other personal safety and health issues
• No staff is exposed to toxic or carcinogenic substances.
• No respiratory problems or oxygen deficiency.
• No injuries caused by inadequate lightning or structural tank
failure.
• Containers are equipped with gas detectors.
• Insulated pipes, valves and flanges.
• Etc.
17 Training
• Thorough training by Oreco in operating the system.
• Thorough training in safety procedures.
18 Non-man entry
• No personnel inside tank during cleaning
process.

10. BLABO safety
Other personal safety measures
19 Other personal safety and health issues
• No staff is exposed to toxic or carcinogenic substances.
• No respiratory problems or oxygen deficiency.
• No injuries caused by inadequate lightning or structural tank
failure.
• Containers are equipped with gas detectors.
• Insulated pipes, valves and flanges.
• Etc.
17 Training
• Thorough training by Oreco in operating the system.
• Thorough training in safety procedures.
18 Non-man entry
• No personnel inside tank during cleaning
process.