Avoid Working Behind a Single Valve

Image © EPSC

Hazards

Single valves can leak because they are not fully closed, are fouled or just leak. During working behind a single valve the valve might be accidentally opened or start leaking, releasing chemicals.

When Important

  • During and after line breaking due to a repair or maintenance activity.
  • When the plant is not fully deenergized.

Challenges in the Field

  • Older plant design often might not provide a second barrier or full block and bleed option to isolate equipment.
  • Placing a blind, turning a spectacle flange.

Options to Get it Right

  • Realize when it is not possible to work behind double isolation.
  • Try to remove the substance or energy in the system before start working behind a single valve.
  • If isolation by a single valve cannot be avoided:
    • Validate that the single valve is not leaking e.g. at a drain point downstream of the isolation, or by a pressure gauge.
    • Mechanically lock the isolation valve handle to avoid accidental knocking open during the task, deactivate the actuator for automated valves after checking the valve fail-safe position.
    • Mount a spade or blind flange after the single valve directly after the line break.
    • Consider if emergency responders should be in place during the line break, until the blind-flange is placed.
    • Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) during the task.
    • Keep working time short and avoid critical process conditions during.

This page only summarises the guidance – refer to the EPSC website for further information.


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