1 The area shall be roped off, barricaded or otherwise made secure to
prevent non-essential personnel from entering the line opening area.
1.2 It shall be verified that pumping, draining or venting of material in the line
has successfully been completed prior to section being opened.
1.3 Liquid material (non-toxic) that can be isolated in this manner must be
drained to suitable container where possible and disposed of properly.
1.4 Appropriate vents shall be opened to prevent the possibility of vapor
lock.
1.5 The portion of the line to be opened shall be isolated from those
preceding and following it in the most effective and safe way, i.e. double-block
and bleed, disconnecting, or blanking.
1.6 If a toxic material, such as Phosgene or Chlorine is involved, hammer
blanks shall be closed where applicable or blanks installed using a lock out tag
out.
1.7 Double block and bleed or the use of blanks shall be utilized, in conjunction with
Lock Out Tag Out.
1.8 Assure that non-rising stem valves quick opening valves and other valves that
are peculiar to the operation are in the closed position.
1.8.1 Prior to demolition/removal of lines, or valves that are LOTO, the
lock(s) and tag(s) shall be removed by the authorized individual(s) who
placed the lock & signed the tag on the object being removed.
1.9 Disable automatic operating valves in a positive manner to avoid
automatic operation of the valve and ensure valve is positioned properly.
1.10 Switches on the electrical equipment involved, such as pumps or
blowers, shall be locked out and red tags attached.
1.11 These pieces of equipment, especially automatic operating
equipment, shall be tested after locking out to assure equipment is inoperable.
1.12 In the case of toxic gases or vapors, the line shall be purged with
steam, nitrogen or air for a period of time adequate to remove the material
1.13 A water hose, pressurized, shall be stretched to the point of line
breaking when flammable solvents are involved.
1.14 Communications between maintenance and operations shall be such
that each knows the line is being opened and that no other process work,
maintenance or sampling is to be done on the line at the same time, without:
1.15.1 Proper communication links must be established which would
permit the summoning of assistance in event of an emergency
1.15.2 This can include but is not limited to operation pager/intercom
system, telephone, and/or radio.
1.16 When removing a pipe, the line being removed shall be
capped/plugged at each opening either prior to lowering the line or
immediately when the pipe is on the ground/floor level.