What should never be air tested if it contains flammable or combustible liquids?

Air testing is a method commonly used to check for leaks in various systems. However, when it comes to systems containing flammable or combustible liquids, certain precautions must be taken.

Underground storage tanks are designed to hold liquids that may be flammable or combustible. If air is introduced into these tanks during testing, there is a significant risk of creating a volatile atmosphere. This can lead to the potential for ignition, which poses a serious fire hazard. Additionally, if the tank is not completely sealed or if leaks are present, the flammable vapors may escape into the surrounding environment, further increasing the risk of an explosion or fire.

Because of these inherent dangers, regulations and best practices dictate that air testing should never be applied to underground storage tanks containing flammable or combustible liquids, as the safety of the environment and personnel is paramount. Proper procedures typically involve using liquid testing methods or other safe alternatives specifically designed to handle such substances without introducing a risk of combustion.