If you have ever taught a LOTO course, you know that you will always get the questions… “Is ___ psi a hazardous energy source?”. Regardless of the gas’s inherent hazard(s), we should always answer by saying “Zero = Zero,” and in LOTO, we are required to achieve a zero energy state.
So, any psi of a gas is a form of energy; trying to define it as non-hazardous when it is anything above ZERO psi is a non-argument regarding safety.
However, I always use real-life examples in my training and walk the class through some scenarios, and in my courses, I can almost guess how these will be answered.
Who believes 50,000 psi is a form of hazardous energy? 100% raise their hands
Who believes 5,000 psi is a form of hazardous energy? 100% raise their hands
Who believes 500 psi is a form of hazardous energy? 100% raise their hands
Who believes 50 psi is a form of hazardous energy? 50% raise their hands
Who believes 5 psi is a form of hazardous energy? 10% raise their hands, and I might add they raised their hands because they recognized what I was trying to demonstrate; but most likely, they would not bleed off and lockout 5 psi.
PSI (Pounds per square inch) is no so much about the size of the number associated with it; it is more associated with the surface area confining the pressure. Take for example, my brick wall scenario…
CLICK HERE for the 2 slides from my LOTO course