Sometimes it is nice to be validated, even if it is by the government (who sets the minimum performance standards) and about 28 years late! But OSHA has finally made it clear in an LOI that a “single line valve is not permitted for isolation of hazards during entry“…
Background: An employer has installed a single knife gate valve equipped with a bleed valve at the bottom of the assembly. Sleeves or gaskets within the knife gate valve form a tight seal when the valve is closed.
Question: In reading the two definitions [“Isolation” (29 C.F.R. § 1910.146(b)) and “Energy isolating device” (29 C.F.R § 1910.147(b)] can it be interpreted that a single line valve is not permitted for isolation of hazards during entry into a confined space?
