Tank Truck and Tank Car Loading Audit

Inspection template for verifying safe loading operations for tank trucks and tank cars, including bonding, grounding, vapor recovery, wheel chocks, and emergency shutoff controls.

Site Readiness and Traffic Control

• Loading position is clear, level, and free of obstructions
  Inspect the truck or railcar loading position for debris, standing liquid, uneven surfaces, and any obstruction that could affect safe spotting or transfer operations.
• Wheel chocks are installed and properly positioned
  Confirm wheel chocks are in place for tank trucks or other wheeled equipment as required by site procedure and that they are positioned to prevent movement.
• Traffic control devices and exclusion zone are in place
  Verify cones, barriers, signs, or other controls are used to keep unauthorized vehicles and pedestrians out of the loading area.
• Parking brake and vehicle immobilization verified
  Confirm the tank truck parking brake is set and the vehicle is otherwise secured per site procedure before loading or unloading begins.
• Tank car hand brakes and securement verified
  For rail operations, confirm the tank car is secured according to site and railroad procedures, including hand brake status and any required wheel/track securement controls.

Bonding, Grounding, and Static Control

• Bonding connection installed before transfer
  Verify the bonding cable or approved bonding method is connected before hoses, arms, or product lines are opened.
• Grounding connection installed and verified
  Confirm the grounding system is connected and the indicator or test method shows a valid ground path where required by site procedure.
• Bonding and grounding cables are intact and undamaged
  Inspect cables, clamps, and connectors for broken strands, corrosion, loose fittings, or other visible damage.
• Static control verification completed per site procedure
  Confirm any required continuity test, indicator check, or pre-transfer verification was completed before loading began.
• No bypass or defeat of static control devices observed
  Verify no bonding, grounding, or interlock device has been bypassed, defeated, or left disconnected during the operation.

Transfer Equipment and Vapor Recovery

• Transfer hoses or loading arms are in good condition
  Check for leaks, abrasion, kinks, damaged couplings, missing gaskets, or other visible defects on product transfer equipment.
• Connections are secure and leak-free at startup
  Verify all product and vapor connections are properly seated and show no visible leakage at the start of transfer.
• Vapor recovery system connected where required
  Confirm vapor recovery hoses, couplings, and valves are connected and routed according to site procedure for the product being loaded.
• Vapor recovery equipment shows no visible damage or leakage
  Inspect vapor lines, seals, and fittings for cracks, wear, missing caps, or signs of vapor release.
• Valves and caps are correctly aligned for the transfer sequence
  Verify the correct product path is selected and unused openings are closed or capped as required by procedure.

Emergency Shutdown and Fire Protection

• Emergency shutoff control is accessible and unobstructed
  Confirm the emergency stop or emergency shutoff device can be reached immediately and is not blocked by hoses, vehicles, or stored materials.
• Emergency shutoff device is clearly labeled
  Verify the emergency shutoff control is identified with durable signage or labeling visible to operators and responders.
• Emergency shutdown function tested or verified per procedure
  Confirm the emergency shutdown system has been tested within the required interval or verified ready for use according to site procedure.
• Fire extinguishers are present, charged, and accessible
  Verify required portable fire extinguishers are in place, within inspection date, and not blocked from access.
• Spill response materials are staged and ready
  Confirm absorbents, drain covers, and other spill response materials required by site procedure are available at the loading area.

Operator Practices and Documentation

• Operator is trained and authorized for the loading task
  Verify the person performing or supervising the transfer is authorized and trained for the specific product and loading method.
• Required PPE is worn
  Confirm PPE required by the site risk assessment and product SDS is being worn, such as eye protection, gloves, flame-resistant clothing, or respiratory protection where applicable.
• Loading checklist and permit records are complete
  Verify required permits, pre-transfer checklists, or operating records are completed and retained according to site procedure.
• Inspector comments and corrective actions documented
  Record all deficiencies, non-conformances, and corrective actions taken during the inspection.