Another pressuring test “gone bad”. I want to remind anyone who wonders how to DEFINE and QUANTIFY a “safe distance” when piping is being pressure tested, especially when that test is a “pneumatic” test. ASME PCC-2–2022, Repair of Pressure Equipment and Piping, Mandatory Appendix, 501-III, Safe Distance Calculations for Pneumatic Pressure Test is an EXCELLENT resource to use.
I have gotten some pushback in audits and hazard analyses that this standard ONLY applies to the pressure testing AFTER a repair has been made. So, I simply ask them how they define and quantify a “safe distance,” as stated in B31.3 or 31.5.
Need I remind everyone what these RAGAGEPs state in regards to establishing a “safe distance”:
(emphasis by me)