Those who practice “process safety” are all too familiar with “Line/Equipment Opening” safe work practices. Although there is NO formal OSHA standard, nor even a RAGAGEP on this extremely hazardous task, we should consider implementing a “permit” of some type to manage the risks associated with opening any pipe, line, hose, equipment that handles a hazardous material. One such dangerous substance would be Natural Gas (NG), so many of us have at our workplaces. NG is so standard these days, much like electricity, many overlook its potential to cause harm, as was the case in this accident…
At 1:15 p.m. on June 23, 2017, two employees were replacing a gas line on a customers backup boiler. They had begun to work on the gas line and were loosening the flange where the new regulator would be installed when gas started to escape through the opening. The service person used a corded power tool to quickly re-tighten the bolts on the flange when the escaped gas flashed. The two employees suffered flash burns to their face, arms and neck. One employee was hospitalized.
Opening up an NG line using an electrical power tool WITHOUT the aid of an atmospheric monitor is just asking for trouble. I must also point out that there was likely some LOTO issues in this incident as CAL-OSHA issued two (2) LOTO citations; one was regarding the contractor’s lack of LOTO, and the other was the facility did not take control of the LOTO as required under CAL-OSHA.
CLICK HERE for this OSHA case file