Tall Oil Fatty Acid (TOFA) Handling Design, Loading, and Installation.
Tall Oil Fatty Acid (TOFA) is a by-product of pine pulping used in industrial applications, including the production of soaps, adhesives, resins, and emulsifiers. While not classified as hazardous by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), TOFA requires strict handling protocols to ensure worker safety and environmental protection.
SafeRack provides custom loading solutions for railcars and tank trucks, incorporating spill containment, fall protection, and personal protective equipment (PPE) compliance to minimize risk and optimize throughput. Key Safety Considerations:
- Fall Protection – Operators load TOFA from the top of tankers, requiring OSHA-compliant gangways and safety cages.
- PPE Compliance – Protective gloves, eyewear, and long-sleeved clothing are necessary to prevent skin and eye irritation.
- Spill Containment – Proper spill pans, berms, and drainage solutions prevent contamination and maintain environmental safety.
- Ventilation & Fume Control – TOFA emits irritating vapors when exposed to heat; loading areas must be well-ventilated.
Tall Oil Fatty Acid
Safety & Compliance Expert
HAVE A QUESTION?
Talk to a Safety Expert Now
Download
We’re committed to your privacy. We use the information you provide to us to contact you about our relevant products and services. You may unsubscribe from these communications at any time. For more information, check out our Privacy Policy.
Thank You.
Your file is downloading
You can now download additional files
without
filling out the form again.
Tall Oil Fatty Acid
TOFA Handling & Loading Design
TOFA Chemical Properties & Safety
- Appearance: Amber to yellowish liquid with a distinct odor.
- Composition: Mixture of fatty acids and resins from the Kraft pulping process.
- Uses: Industrial applications include soaps, adhesives, rubbers, metalworking fluids, and alkyd resins.
- Hazards: Non-flammable but can release irritating vapors when exposed to fire.
- Handling Precautions: Avoid skin and eye contact, use proper PPE, and ensure adequate ventilation during loading and unloading.
TOFA Loading & Unloading Procedures
Tall Oil is typically shipped in 26,000 gallon DOT-111 insulated or non-insulated tank cars with safety valves. The rails cars themselves are ~ 9′ outside diameter with an overall length of ~45’ to 50′, with a 6’ x 6’ center opening or off-set crash box openings.
Tank truck (un)loading procedures are similar to railcar applications with the trailers meeting established DOT requirements for transporting TOFA or other commodities.
Railcar Loading & Unloading
- TOFA is loaded via splash loading (open dome) operations using chemical hoses or 3” carbon/stainless steel loading arms.
- Railcars used: 26,000-gallon DOT-111 insulated or non-insulated tank cars with safety valves.
- Typical railcar dimensions: ~9’ outside diameter, 45’-50’ overall length, 6’x6’ center or offset crash box openings.
Required Equipment:
- Fall Protection Systems – OSHA-compliant GX Gangways with safety cages to protect operators.
- Spill Containment Solutions – Track pans and containment berms for environmental protection.
- Grounding Systems – Ensures proper electrical grounding before transfer.
Tank Truck Loading & Unloading
- Similar to railcar procedures, tank trucks must meet DOT standards for TOFA transportation.
- Loading arms or hoses equipped with vapor recovery options reduce fume exposure.
- Operators should use safety gates and handrails for secure access.
Products
Supervised Temporary Holding Cell
The Supervised Temporary Holding Cell provides secure wire partitions, lock options, and customizable configurations for controlled detainee confinement.
Evidence & Security Enclosures
The Evidence and Security Enclosures provide durable wire partitions, secure locks, and custom configurations for protected storage and restricted access.
Wire Mesh Partitions and Walls
The Wire Mesh Partitions provide secure, durable enclosures with custom configurations and multiple door options for industrial storage and access control.
Tool Cribs and Equipment Cages
The Tool Cribs and Equipment Cages provide secure, modular storage with easy installation, custom configurations, and durable wire partitions for industrial use.
Driver Cages and Building Access
Our access cages protect your inventory, as well as visitors, vendors, and other warehouse or building personnel.
Mobile Computer Cabinet w/ Welded Shelf
The Mobile Computer Cabinet features steel construction, a welded shelf, a 3-point lock, adjustable shelves, and casters for secure, mobile industrial storage.
4 Shelf Bin Storage Cabinet
The Heavy-Duty 4 Shelf Bin Storage Cabinet features steel construction, lockable bins, adjustable shelves, and a secure 3-point lock for industrial storage.
All Bin Cabinet
The Heavy-Duty All Bin Storage Cabinet features steel construction, lockable bins, a 3-point lock, and sturdy legs for secure industrial storage.
Top View Computer Cabinet w/ Retractable Keyboard
The Top View Computer Cabinet features 12-gauge steel, a retractable keyboard tray, a 3-point lock, and adjustable shelves for secure industrial storage.
Outdoor Storage Cabinet
The Heavy-Duty Outdoor Storage Cabinet features 12-gauge steel, adjustable shelves, a 3-point lock, and a weather-resistant design for secure industrial storage.
Outdoor Storage Cabinet w/ Angle Frame Base
The Heavy-Duty Outdoor Storage Cabinet features 12-gauge steel, an adjustable shelf, a 3-point lock, and a weather-resistant design for secure industrial storage.
Multi-Compartment Outdoor Cabinet
The Heavy-Duty Outdoor Cabinet features 12-gauge steel, 6 high-capacity drawers, a 3-point lock, and weather-resistant design for secure industrial storage.
Top View Computer Cabinet for Flat Screen
The Top View Computer Cabinet provides steel construction, a retractable keyboard tray, a 3-point lock, a power strip, and a slide-out shelf for secure industrial storage.
Extra Workspace Computer Cabinet
The Extra Workspace Computer Cabinet provides steel construction, a retractable keyboard tray, adjustable shelves, a cooling shelf, and a secure 3-point lock for industrial storage.
Multi-Data Entry Computer Cabinet
The Multi-Data Entry Computer Cabinet features steel construction, a 3-point lock, cooling shelf, adjustable storage, a power strip, and a filtration fan for secure industrial use.
Desktop Computer Cabinet
The Desktop Computer Cabinet features steel construction, a retractable keyboard tray, a 3-point lock, a power strip, and a filtration fan for secure industrial workstations.
Small Desktop Computer Cabinet
The Small Desktop Computer Cabinet features steel construction, a clear window, and a space-saving design for secure workstation storage.
2 Compartment Computer Workstation
The 2 Compartment Industrial Computer Workstation features steel construction, adjustable shelves, a power strip, a filtration fan, and a secure 3-point lock for durable industrial use.
In Plant System
The Industrial In-Plant Computer Cabinet features steel construction, adjustable shelves, a power strip, a filtration fan, and a secure 3-point lock for protected workspaces.
Workstation with Accessories
The Industrial Workstation with Accessories features steel construction, a keyboard tray, adjustable shelves, and a swivel stool for a secure, functional workspace.
3 Shelf Bin Cabinet
The 3 Shelf Bin Cabinet provides steel construction, lockable bins, adjustable shelves, and a secure 3-point lock for industrial storage.
4 Drawer Bin Cabinet
The Heavy-Duty 4 Drawer Bin Cabinet provides steel construction, lockable bins, adjustable shelves, and high-capacity drawers for secure industrial storage.
Bin Storage Cabinet w/ Wardrobe Shelves
The Bin Storage Cabinet with Wardrobe Shelves provides durable steel construction, lockable bins, adjustable shelves, and a secure 3-point lock for industrial storage.
Upright Tool Storage Bin Cabinet
The Upright Tool Storage Bin Cabinet features steel construction, lockable bins, adjustable shelves, a pegboard back, and a 3-point lock for secure industrial storage.
All Secure Full-Width Drawer Cabinet with Bins
The All Secure Full-Width Drawer Bin Cabinet provides durable steel construction, lockable bins, adjustable shelves, and heavy-duty drawers for secure industrial storage.
Extra Wide Bin Cabinet
The Extra Wide Bin Storage Cabinet features durable steel construction, lockable bins, adjustable shelves, and a secure 3-point lock for industrial storage.
King Size Bin & Shelf Storage Cabinet
The King Size Bin Storage Cabinet provides durable steel construction, lockable bins, an adjustable shelf, and a secure 3-point lock for industrial storage.
Countertop Bin Door Storage
The Countertop Bin Door Storage Cabinet provides durable steel construction, lockable bins, adjustable shelves, and a secure 3-point lock for industrial storage.
Long Tool and Bin Storage Cabinet
The Long Tool and Bin Storage Cabinet provides durable steel construction, lockable bins, and open shelving for secure industrial tool and part storage.
Slim Line Bin Storage
The Slim Line Bin Storage Cabinet offers compact, durable storage with 12-gauge steel construction, secure lockable bins, and a 3-point locking system, perfect for space-saving industrial organization.
One Sided 210 Bin Rack
The One-Sided 210 Bin Rack provides compact, organized storage with 210 small bins, ideal for maximizing space in workshops, factories, and parts storage areas.
Mobile Bin Rack
The Heavy-Duty Mobile Bin Rack provides durable steel construction, lockable bins, and mobility for secure industrial storage.
Loading Dock Stairs
Prefabricated IBC, ADA, or OSHA Loading Dock Steps
Signs and Signals
Signs and Signals
Top Loading Arms
Top Loading Arms
MaxRack Elevated Platforms
Powered elevating platform system for accessing railcars and trucks
Filters
Tall Oil Fatty Acid Solutions
Best Practices for Tall Oil Fatty Acid Handling
- Only trained personnel should handle TOFA to prevent exposure risks.
- Use proper PPE – gloves, long sleeves, sturdy footwear, and eye protection.
- Ensure eyewash stations and emergency showers are available near handling areas.
- Maintain ventilation systems to prevent inhalation of vapors.
- Spill Response – Contain spills immediately using absorbent materials and SafeRack’s spill containment pans.
- First Aid Measures – In case of exposure, flush eyes with water for 15 minutes and wash skin thoroughly. Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
Below are some of the loading and unloading solutions for illustrative purposes only. Our experts will work with you and your team for a custom solution to suit your needs.
Loading Gangways
A wider access gangway (48″-60″ is preferable) as it helps improve access and egress to and from the vessel. In addition, a wider gangway will reduce the risk of the operator’s PPE getting caught, torn or damaged, and will improve productivity and safety. Powered gangway solutions are also an option, with both hydraulic and pneumatic solutions being commonly used.
Loading Arms
In paper millls, Tall Oil Fatty Acid (TOFA), Black Liquor, White Liquor, and Green Liquor (Spent Pulping Liquor) is typically loaded into railcars or tank trucks via boom-supported stainless steel loading arms or chemical hoses with a flange connection. The arm or hose will have a top inlet with a control valve to ensure that it is self-draining after use and is supported along the length of a mechanical loading arm to improve handling, known as a by-pass arm. You can install one liquid and one vapor arm, or mount both the liquid and vapor hoses on one by-pass arm.
For unloading, typically you would use a rigid stainless steel self-draining loading arm with Buna-N, PTFE or Viton seals. Purge lines can be fitted to the arm, for nitrogen purging. Additional features such as parking latches with proximity sensors can be incorporated into the total system to ensure the arm is correctly stowed when not in use, before any rail movement can occur.
Eye Wash/Drench Showers
Spill containment pans will be provided at the point of loading operations and is an essential piece of equipment in overall site safety and environmental protection
Spill Containment
Spill containment pans will be provided at the point of loading operations and are an essential piece of equipment in overall site safety and environmental protection.
Wheel chocks allow for safe access to and storage of treatment chemicals, while spill containment pans utilized at the point of loading operations serve as essential safety and environmental protection tools.
Grounding
While much of the products being transferred in the pulp and paper manufacturing aren’t combustible, it is an industry best practice to include the grounding of all vessels before starting the (un)loading process.
Ground controllers — ensure true grounding before product flow is permitted
Explosion-proof enclosures — meet or exceed UL, CSA and Ex requirements
Non-sparking tools are also recommended while working around this product
Loading Platform Options
Lighting – General exterior and task lighting to illuminate work and walk areas.
Platform & Canopies – Full platform canopies reduce exposure to the elements and improve the safe and productive loading operation from the operator’s perspective.
Operator Shelter—Depending on your site requirements, consider the requirement of an operator or guard building to keep personnel out of the elements. This can be customized to meet specific site requirements.
Wheel Chocks – SPCC options to allow for safe access and storage of water treatment chemicals.
Safety Gates, Stairs, Ladders, & Platforms
Safety Gates will be installed at the top of stairs and any other openings to ensure operator safety.
SafeRack’s line of industrial safety gates is the most flexible product on the market with the ability to span openings between 16” and 36” and is field adjustable with nothing more than a wrench. We also have guardrails, metal handrails, and full-fledged fall protection solutions with customizable options to fit your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, all AeroStep platforms meet or exceed OSHA safety standards, ensuring compliance for aircraft maintenance and ground support operations. Features such as enclosed handrails, slip-resistant surfaces, and adjustable height options enhance worker safety.
Tall Oil 101
Things to know about Tall Oil
Tall Oil is not regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) as a hazardous chemical; therefore it doesn’t have a unique UN identification number.
Tall oil is a by-product of the Kraft process in pulping wood for paper and corrugated paper products. TOFA is primarily a mixture of resin and fatty acids. Tall oil is used in the manufacturing of adhesives, rubbers, inks, as well as an emulsifier. It can also be used in metalworking fluids, oil field fluids, such as “fracking”, cleaning agents, soaps and alkyd resins.
Only properly trained and equipped personnel should be permitted to handle this product. Operators should wear approved PPE equipment including apron, long sleeve clothing, sturdy footwear, gloves, and safety glasses or safety goggles.
Acute exposure to Tall Oil can cause irritation to the skin and eyes. Do not breathe dust/fumes/mist/vapors; use only outdoors, or in a well ventilated area.
First aid measures for exposure include – removing operators from the source of exposure and into fresh air. Remove contaminated clothing immediately; wash skin thoroughly with soap and water; flush eyes with tepid water for 15 minutes. If exposed, seek medical assistance immediately Avoid contact with eyes, skin and prolonged breathing of vapor or mist. Avoid contact with acids or strong oxidizers. Tall Oil is not corrosive to most metals including aluminum, carbon, stainless and galvanized steel.
Projects
-
Optimizing Safety and Efficiency in Pulp and Paper Mills
Wood Yard The process of making paper begins in the wood yard. Here, wood is unloaded, debarked, chipped, and screened.…
-
Caustic, Tall Oil, and Black Liquor Railcar Loading System
Georgia-Pacific Chemicals manufactures resins, additives, coatings, catalysts, and other chemical products. The company offers its products to various industries including aerospace,…