What is a critical safety measure to take before starting any maintenance on vapor recovery systems?

A critical safety measure before starting any maintenance on vapor recovery systems is to de-energize the system and apply NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) rules. This step is essential because vapor recovery systems often involve the handling of flammable and hazardous materials. By de-energizing the system, you eliminate the risk of ignition from electrical sources, and applying NFPA rules ensures that you are following established safety protocols designed to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of maintenance personnel.

In the context of vapor recovery systems, the risk of explosive mixtures and chemical exposure makes it vital to ensure that all electrical sources are turned off and secured. NFPA standards provide guidelines on how to safely manage these potentially hazardous situations, including the use of proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and emergency procedures.

Other safety measures may be important as well; however, the foundational step of de-energizing the equipment and adhering to NFPA rules creates a safe environment for conducting maintenance work. It acts as the cornerstone of safety that ensures all other precautions can be effectively implemented.