How do you manage the risk of injury when you open flanges, replace valve packing, or disconnect loading hoses?
The above operations are all pipeline opening operations, and the risks come from two aspects: first, the hazards existing in the pipeline or equipment, including the medium itself, the process system and the possible impact after opening; Second, in the process of operation, such as the mistake of opening non-target pipeline, etc., may cause fire, explosion, personal injury, etc.
Therefore, before the pipeline is opened, the substances in the pipeline/equipment and the pipeline connection system should be identified; Method of confirming that the hazard has been removed; Carry out energy isolation and purge; Indicate working location to operators, check equipment and confirm process isolation;
Verify that the operation conditions, hazards and control measures are consistent with the operation permit documents; Formulate emergency measures after personnel accidents and accidents. After the pipeline is opened, use shields and baffles as far as possible; The body should be located upstream of possible leakage; Always assume the line/equipment is under pressure; Provide additional support as required to prevent potential “swing” hazards when valves, connectors or joints are opened; Do not remove bolts when loosening flanges and/or connecting pipes; When opening the joint, do not loosen the ring thread until it is completely disconnected so that it can be retightened in case of leakage; If the flange needs to be slightly opened to relieve pressure, the bolt far from the operator on the flange should be slightly loosened at first, so that the bolt close to the body is retained for a period of time, and then the pressure should be slowly discharged. Effective energy isolation, Lockout/Tagout confirmation and blind plugging operation compliance are also the guarantee to reduce the risk of pipeline opening operation.
Post time: Oct-09-2021