My hat is off to the ANSI Z244 committee for dipping their toes into Line Break/Equipment Opening (LEO) hazards and how energy isolation plays a key role in completing this very hazardous tasks SAFELY. They are the first group to even touch the LEO topic. And although it is a brief discussion; it is an excellent discussion and one worth reading. This improvement effort began in July 2023 and made it into the 2024 Revisions. I have not looked at the make-up of this committee, but I just know there is great representation from the process industries as Section 8.9 reads like my Line Break/Equipment Opening program I have used since the early 1990’s.
Let’s look at how this ANSI standard can be IMMENSELY VALUABLE to those having “complex LOTO” situations within their facility; and nearly every facility will have a complex process (e.g. compressed air system, boilers, PRCSs, water treatment, etc.)
NOTE: this standard is EXCELLENT reading for all safety pro’s. Even if your company will not spend the $125 on the document, it is worth your time and $ to buy it on your own and read it. One of the best consensus standards written (IMPO). The risk analysis and minor servicing/alternative protection discussion/guidance is far better than OSHA’s 1986 edition!
8.9 Piping Systems
Piping systems shall have provisions for energy isolation. Piping systems often require maintenance where energy-isolating devices, pumps, or the piping itself need to be repaired or replaced. Since definitive verification of isolation in the network may be complicated or impossible (see 8.7.8), other risk reduction measures shall be applied.
Piping system opening and closing (known as line breaking) shall include pre-planned preparation and application managed execution for hazardous energy control. Line breaking procedures shall include anticipating toxic substances and trapped pressurized materials and applying appropriate risk reduction measures for task completion with acceptable risk.
Users should develop appropriate risk reduction measures commensurate with the anticipated hazards. Management of the task is often guided by application of a permit system and other measures. Additional informative details are provided in Appendix Q that should be considered when opening and closing piping systems. Similar protective measures can be used when auxiliary equipment (vessels, columns, receivers, etc.) too small to enter are opened/closed.
Appendix Q: Alternative Risk Reduction Measures for Piping System Opening and Closing (from section 8.9)
(Informative)
The following risk reduction measures apply for tasks involving piping system opening and closing. The processing industries routinely use many or all of these measures to protect personnel from the unexpected release of hazardous energy. These or similar measures are recommended for users in other industries that are unfamiliar with these measures, or that only occasionally open or close piping networks.
Risk Reduction Measures:
Listed in no particular order or degree of importance. The user is advised to consider all feasible measures when preparing to open/close piping systems.
Assign responsibility for a lead person that will direct the task work sequence and risk reduction measures to be used.
Institute a permit system analogous to those used for activities like confined space entry, hot work, demolition, etc.
Develop a policy and procedures that defines the process for piping opening and closing.
Consider the piping opening and closing tasks as non-routine since each task is likely to
present different hazards.
Isolate the piping section to be opened/closed.
Notify the individual responsible for the piping system and affected personnel of the work plan.
Conduct a task hazard analysis involving the participants prior to work commencing.
Establish a safe zone above, below, and around the task point that minimizes any potential personnel impact.
Determine the required personal protective equipment for those involved with the task.
Ensure that the minimum number of personnel are used at the initial piping system opening.
Depending upon the potential risk, have emergency assistance staged.
Depending upon the potential risk, provide equipment such as safety showers, etc.
Establish the requirements for “return to service” that includes area order, personnel accountability, equipment release, and controlled system activation
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