COLD WORK PERMIT
CONTROL OF ISOLATIONS
Electrical/Mechanical Isolation General:
The electrical/mechanical isolation records (on separate Certificates) is meant to prevent any danger associated to the electrical and/ or mechanical equipment and shall be used whenever equipment/ machinery is mechanically switched off/ power is turned off in order to carry on maintenance and/ or replacement works.
The electrical/ mechanical isolation works must ensure that the isolated equipment/ machinery cannot start up accidentally. Isolation will be ensured by locking and labelling. The label will contain the warning: “DO NOT OPERATE”, the date, name and forename of the person who performed the isolation and the number of the isolation Certificate. The label will be posted on the electric panel where the isolation was done or on the mechanically isolated equipment.
If the electrical/ mechanical isolation of a safety system is needed, it will be attempted to isolate only the respective part of the system and not the entire system. In this case, the Approver will decide which the best isolation method is, so that the system is affected as little as possible.
All Isolation Certificates must be attached to the respective Permit and their numbers filled in Box 2 of the Permits.
Isolation Requirements
The following requirements apply to all isolations:
Competency
The Approver must ensure that the person nominated to do an Isolation/De-Isolation is competent for the task.
Electrical isolation and de-isolation must be completed ONLY by authorized electrical persons
Recording
Isolations are to be recorded in an Isolation Certificate. For complex isolations, marked-up P & IDs or line diagrams should be attached to the Isolation Certificate.
Visibility and Co-ordination
The Affected Area Responsible must record all isolated equipment on the Permit Location Boards. This is done to ensure that equipment is only isolated or de-isolated when it is safe to do so.
Electrical Systems
All electrical isolations are to be done in accordance with OMV Petrom specific procedures and Romanian legal requirements
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Mechanical Systems
Mechanical Isolations are to be done in accordance with OMV Petrom specific procedures and Romanian legal requirements
Approval for Isolation
All isolations must be fully described in the Isolation Certificate. All documented Isolations are to be authorised by the Approver, who must define the isolation point and sign the Box 4 of the Mechanical / Electrical Isolation Certificate. All Isolations are to be approved in accordance with specific valid OMV Petrom specific procedures and legal requirements
Isolation Process
All mechanical and electrical isolations and de-isolations must be carried out in compliance with OMV Petrom specific procedures and Romanian legal requirements
Energy Isolation Principle
A suitable lockout system must be carried out to ensure plant or/and equipment is isolated from all sources of mechanical, electric or fluid power so that the plant and/or equipment cannot operate.
Mechanical power covers all machinery that has a direct or indirect source of power (fluid, electrical, pneumatic) as well having moving parts and stored energy system that must be immobilised by physical means where possible.
Double block and bleed isolation principle must be used whenever and wherever is possible
Electrical power isolation covers low voltage (less than 1000 V) electrical isolations and high voltage (over 1000 V) electrical isolation.
Fluid power also includes the supply of compressed air (gas, liquids and steam).
The isolation principle shall be adopted, prior to carrying out maintenance or repair, depending on work activity and risks involved.
The following aspects shall be taken into consideration:
- whenever and wherever is possible padlock system shall be used;
- complex isolations shall be planned and recorded on Isolation Certificate and attached to the PTW;
- isolation shall be applied to any energy source (egg. mechanical, electrical, hydraulic etc);
- isolation shall only be applied and removed if authorised by the PTW Approver or Affected Area Responsible ;
- the tag labels applied on isolations shall be recorded on certificates;
- to prevent premature de-isolation where multi tasks are involved specific work instructions must be used;
- if the work is not completed within the Authorisation/Validation period, the work site shall be inspected by both Affected Area Responsible and Performer and
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ensure it is left in a safe condition and equipment cannot be re-instated until all work is properly completed;
- if the PTW is suspended, the status of the work site (eg: “mechanical/electrical isolated”, “under repairing” etc) shall be visible displayed in a suitable location (eg: control room or other onshore equivalent) and the padlock keys kept in a secure place to ensure unauthorized access.
All persons authorized to carry out isolation works shall be assessed for their competence prior assignment and they shall:
- be suitably qualified;
- have experience on the plant/equipment;
- have received specific instructions on the plant, isolation method etc.
Their areas of responsibility shall be clearly defined.
The Performer must inspect work area after all isolations have been completed and before starting the work.
Isolation
When the isolation has been approved by the Approver, the Performer is to take the Permit and Isolation Certificate to the Affected Area Responsible or appropriate Electrical Person, to request isolation.
The Affected Area Responsible (or Electrical Person for electrical isolations) is then to:
Check the Permit Location Board to ensure that the isolation will not conflict with any other work.
When satisfied that it is safe to isolate, DO the isolation, tagging and securing of the valves/switches etc.
NOTE:
The Affected Area Responsible can nominate a competent person to perform isolation/de-isolation, or, if is specified in his nomination (by the sector chief), having the necessary competence, he can perform mechanical/electrical isolation/de-isolation, as appropriate
Prove that the isolation has fully isolated the systems and equipment from pressure/electricity
If part of the isolation is at a remote location under the control of another Affected Area Responsible, submit (fax or other suitable communication means are accepted) a copy of the Isolation Certificate to that location and obtain a return copy with a signature that the remote isolation is known and complete.
Sign the Isolation Certificate to confirm that isolation is complete. Then add the marker and details of the isolation to the Permit Location Board.
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Tagging of Isolation points
Every valve, spade, switch, breaker etc. used in an isolation must be marked with a tag label.
The tag label (See Annex no. 17) is to identify the number of the Isolation Certificate authorising the isolation
Each valve/switch etc. used as part of more than one isolation scheme will have a tag label for each Isolation Certificate. It is not necessary to fit additional physical securing for each Isolation Certificate (except if this is required for electrical isolations by other specific work instructions)
Securing of Isolations Mechanical
All valves, etc. used as part of an isolation boundary are to be locked and secured in the required position using a high visibility securing device, e.g.
red/white chain. The purpose of securing the isolation is to prevent valves from being moved accidentally, and to show everyone in the area that the valve is being used as part of isolation.
Electrical
All electrical isolations are to be secured where practicable, locked in the 'open' position with SAFETY PADLOCKS or similar type locking devices
NOTE:
If the electrical apparatus or equipment at the point of isolation is not provided with suitable means of locking or if SAFETY PADLOCKS cannot be applied, and the circuit cannot be isolated by the withdrawal of fuses or links, then other suitable precautions shall be taken to avoid DANGER to person whilst working on the circuit.
Proving of Isolations
Whenever the isolation is complete, the isolator must prove that the area within the isolation is fully isolated from pressure/electricity. This can normally be done by checks at vent valves or by the checks to prove electrical equipment dead with an APPROVED voltage testing device suitable for the rated voltage of the circuit. The voltage testing device shall be checked before and after use to check it is working correctly.
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If it is not possible to check that a pressure system has been de-pressurised without unbolting a flange, the work party must be made aware of the possible pressure hazard. The JSA must include clear instructions on controlling the unbolting of the first flange to ensure that any pressure is released before bolts have been removed.
Using more than one Permit in an Isolation Boundary
If more than one Permit is to be worked on within the same isolation boundary, the isolation for each permit is to be recorded, authorised and labelled separately. This will minimise the risk of an isolation being removed before all work is complete.
De-Isolation on Completion of Work
When work is complete, the Performer is to sign the Isolation Certificate to request de-isolation. If equipment testing is not required, the Performer must also sign Box 6a of the Permit to confirm that the work is complete. If testing is necessary before the Permit can be signed off, the procedure in Section below is to be followed.
The Affected Area Responsible (or Authorized Electrical Person for electrical de-isolations) is then to:
Check the Permit Location Board to ensure that the removal of the isolation will not affect the isolation boundary for any other work.
When satisfied that the work is complete and that it is safe to de-isolate, do the de-isolation (or ask a competent person to do it). If any of the valves/switches etc. are part of another isolation boundary, the tag for the current de-isolation is to be removed, but other tags are to be left in place.
The securing device must not be removed until all isolations on the valve/switch have been removed.
When the isolation has been removed, compare the tags from the valves/switches with those attached to the Permit/Isolation Certificate to ensure the De-Isolation is complete. Then remove the marker and description of the isolation from the Permit Location Board.
If part of the de-isolation is at a remote location under the control of another Affected Area Responsible, submit (fax or other suitable communication means are accepted) a copy of the Isolation Certificate to that location and obtain a return copy with a signature that the remote de-isolation is known and complete.
Sign the Isolation Certificate to confirm that the de-isolation is complete.
De-Isolation for Testing
If testing is required to confirm that the work is complete, de-isolation is allowed before the Permit is signed in Box 6a. In this case, the work description on the
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Permit must include a test, and the Permit must be suspended before testing starts.
When the test is to start, the Affected Area Responsible is to de-isolate, using the procedure, except that he is not to sign the Permit/Isolation Certificate until the test is complete and the equipment is finally de-isolated. If a test shows that more work is needed, and the equipment is to be re-isolated, the Permit is to be Re-Validated for the work to be done.
This process is not to be used for Hydrostatic or Pneumatic Testing.
Transfer of Isolations between Permits
If a Permit reaches the end of its Validity Period and work is to continue under a new Permit, the Isolations can be transferred between the two Permits. Box 6b of the old Permit is to be signed by the Affected Area Responsible to show that work is not complete.
If the isolation was authorised on a Mechanical Isolation Certificate or Electrical Isolation Certificate, the number of the new Permit is to be written in the “Work continuing on Permit No.” Box on the Certificate. This transfer can only be done 3 times. The Isolation Certificate number is to be written in Box 6b of the old Permit. The Isolation Certificate is then attached to the new Permit.
Extended Period Isolations
Use of Extended Period Isolations
Extended Period Isolation (EPIs) are isolations which must remain in place although no work is being done within their boundary. They may be required for two main reasons:
a) Where work was suspended past the Validity Period of the Permit (e.g.
awaiting spares for a repair)
b) Where equipment becomes redundant and is to be isolated permanently or until will be dismantled.
Authorization of EPIs
The procedure for authorising and documenting EPIs is as follows:
a) Any Permits for work related to the isolation are to be Closed by the Affected
Area Responsible.
The Affected Area Responsible is to sign Box 6b of the Permit and tick the appropriate box if the work is complete or not, writing the Isolation Certificate number in the space after “Isolation retained under Cert. No.”
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b) Where no work is required, but equipment is to be isolated for an extended period for other reasons, an Isolation Certificate is to be raised to document the isolation.
c) The Affected Area Responsible is to indicate in the EPI section of the Isolation Certificate the reason for the isolation and the number of any associated Permit being signed off.
d) Both copies of the Isolation Certificate are to be kept in the EPI section of the Permit Rack.
Confined Space Entry Certificate
A registration number shall be given in the Unique Work Permits Register and written on the certificate, respectively in the associated permit
A Confined Space Entry Certificate is required whenever entry is made into any space that is classified as a confined space.
A Confined Space Entry Certificate is valid for no more than 1 working shift period. If the work takes longer than this, a new certificate is to be raised for each new shift. The first Certificate to be authorised by the Approver, but later ones can be authorised by the Affected Area Responsible, with all precautions from the previous ones.
A brief description of the use of the Confined Space Entry Certificate is given below:
BOX 1 – APPLICATION
Box 1 is to be completed by the Performer, giving the details of the job and the number of the Permit for it.
BOX 2 - SAFETY PRECAUTIONS REQUIRED
This is a list of items to be considered by the Performer (in box “Necessary”) and checked by the Approver/Affected Area Responsible before anyone enters the Confined Space.
The Approver check the measures considered by the Performer and he can add in box “Necessary” supplementary measures he consider
The Affected Area Responsible is to check if considered measures are completed and tick box “Checked” to indicate that all necessary precautions are in place.
Special measures shall be taken (ventilation of the confined space, for example), especially whenever it was proved, by gas detection tests, that the atmosphere inside the confined space is dangerous for the personnel.
A watch man must be permanent present to supervise work performed into confined spaces.
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BOX 3 - GAS TESTING
Immediately before first entry to the Confined Space each day the Affected Area Responsible is to test the space for Toxic and Explosive Gases/Vapours and for Oxygen Concentration. Further testing during the work can be done by any Authorised Gas Tester.
The Affected Area Responsible must be competent and authorised in order to perform gas testing, otherwise another authorised person must do it
The results of these tests are to be written in Box 3 of the Certificate.
BOX 4 – AUTHORISATION
Once he is satisfied that the Confined Space is safe to enter (check boxes 2 and 3), the Approver/ Affected Area Responsible is to complete Box 4 to define the period for which the Certificate is valid, and then authorise the entry to proceed.
Digging/Excavation Certificate
The Certificate excavations (digging) shall be used for digging in any location within or in the vicinity of facilities.
A registration number shall be given in the Unique Work Permits Register and written on the certificate, respectively in the associated permit
Additional Gas Test Record See Annex 12
A registration number shall be given in the Unique Work Permits Register and written on the certificate, respectively in the associated permit
Lifting Plans
For any non-routine or hazardous lifting operations, specific procedure has to be used and all lifting plans shall be issued according this standard.
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This section to be completed when this Certificate remains in force without an associated Permit.
ELECTRICAL ISOLATION CERTIFICATE Certificate No:
WHITE - Worksite ; YELLOW - Permit Issue Point
1. APPLICATION (by Performer)
2. REASON FOR ISOLATION (by Performer)
3. DETAILS OF ISOLATION (by the Authorized Electrical Person)
ISOLATED
EQUIPMENT / SYSTEM ISOLATION MEASURES THAT HAVE BEEN TAKEN Applied Safety Padlocks Nos
De-Isolation does not affect other work and is Completed and Proved by.
Isolation transferred to EPI and recorded at Permit Issue Point
Name Position
Signed Time Date
EPI OFF. New Permit No.
EPI transferred to Isolation and recorded at Permit Issue Point
Name Position
Signed Time Date
1 2 3
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Standard Annex 8
This section to be completed when this Certificate remains in force without an associated Permit.
MECHANICAL ISOLATION CERTIFICATE Certificate No:
WHITE - Worksite YELLOW - Permit Issue Point
1. APPLICATION (by Performer / Permit Applicant) Name
2. REASON FOR ISOLATION (by Performer / Permit Applicant)
3. DETAILS OF ISOLATION (To be completed by the Affected Area Responsible)
VALVE/LINE No. OPEN SHUT SPADE BLIND D/CONN TAG LABEL No. OTHER DETAILS: (Attach
Drawing if required)
De-Isolation does not affect other work and is Complete and Proved.
Isolation transferred to EPI and recorded at Permit Issue Point
Name Position
Signed Time Date
EPI OFF. New Permit No.
EPI transferred to Isolation and recorded at Permit Issue Poi
Name Position
Signed Time Date
1 2 3
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WHITE - w orksite ;
YELLOW - Affected Area Responsible (Permit Rack)
Location:………..
Worksite:………..
Checked
YES NO
Equipment surrounding area checked and safe from hazards arising from other w ork/operations Life lines, breathing apparatus and resuscitation equipment available
Adequate access and escape routes are provided
Performer Name (in capital letters) _______________________________________ Function __________________________
Signature : Date :___________________ Hour :_________
3. TESTING THE ATMOSPHERE IN THE CONFINED SPACE Results of initial gas test
%
%
%
%
10 ppm ppm
I have tested this space for the above gases, w ith the results show n above Gas Tester Name (capital letters) __________________________
Date :______________________ Time ___________________ Signature : 4. AUTHORISATION TO ENTER CONFINED SPACE
This Certificate is valid until: Date: Time:
Approver
Name Signature: Date : Time :
Affected Area Responsible
Name Signature: Date Time
Function Cold Work Permit No.
CONFINED SPACE ENTRY CERTIFICATE Number:Date:
1. APLICATION (by Performer)
Name: Associated w ork permits :
Contractor Equipment / Space to be entered Hot Work Permit No:
Signature
to be checked by Affected Area Responsible and/or Approver) 2. SAFETY PRECAUTION (by Performer)
Required The above equipment has been isolated from all source of dangerous liquids, gases and fumes by insertion
of spades or by removing a section of pipew ork and blanking open ends of the circuit …………
Equipment has been isolated from all sources of electrical and mechanical energy
Equipment has been isolated from all sources of electrical and mechanical energy