TITLE
SECTION 08:
SUBJECT 21:
Pipelines & Distribution Manual/ Volume 3 - Maintenance
Product Movement-Piping and Accessories
Opening Process Equipment
PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of this subject is to document the minimum criteria for opening process
equipment at IOL P & D sites.
It is to be used as the first step in preparing to complete maintenance tasks, project
work, or procedures such as replacing pump seals, installing blanks or blinds,
Decommissioning Piping, maintenance work on valves or instruments, etc.
PDM 03-02-05, Energy Isolation and Lock-outs is to be used in conjunction with this
procedure. Table 4.1 details acceptable isolation methods according to the type of
substance within the pipe, equipment or vessel. OH&S regulations in each
province/territory address isolating equipment and those requirements must be met.
Where they differ from this procedure, the more stringent will apply and be
documented in the site Volume 4.
This subject also provides details regarding blanking and tagging practices when
positive isolation is required. Blanking and tagging is the best means of positive
isolation to protect workers against exposure to flammable, toxic, or otherwise
dangerous liquids or gases, or against product pressure and temperature while working
on process equipment.
This subject is not applicable to:


Leaving equipment open for extended periods

Operators' routine tasks such as opening vents/drains or breaking into systems
with established procedures such as truck/tank car/marine loading and
unloading, sampling, and meter proving

Maintenance tasks with established procedures that already include first break
reviews. If existing established procedures do not call for the same level of
planning included in this procedure, then this procedure must be followed. The
initial opening of a manhole on a storage tank is not covered under this
procedure and is covered under PDM 03-02-30 and the Tier I BP for Tank
Cleaning.

maintenance devices that are specifically provided with fittings/valves that
ensure proper isolation and controlled release of small volumes of product
properly contained (such as instrumentation calibration).

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Opening Process Equipment
REFERENCES
PDM 01-04-06: Safety: Personal Protective Equipment
PDM 01-04-09: Safety: ETHIS
PDM 01-04-10: Safety: Work Permitting Program
PDM 01-06-01: Management of Change: Process and Administration
PDM 01-16-02: Personnel and Training: Training
PDM 03-02-01: Critical Procedures: General
PDM 03-02-05: Critical Procedure: Energy Isolation and Lock-outs
PDM 03-02-20: Critical Procedure: Nitrogen Purging, Isolation, and Recommissioning
of Pipelines
PDM 03-02-30: Critical Procedures: Cleaning and Gas Freeing Storage Tanks
PDM 03-08-14: Product Movement – Piping and Accessories: Decommissioning
Piping
PDM 03-08-15: Product Movement – Piping and Accessories: Commissioning Piping
PDM 03-08-18: Product Movement – Piping and Accessories: Flange Torquing
PDM 03-23-03: Safety & Environmental - Personnel Safety: Air Testing & Monitoring
PDM 03-30-01: Other-General: Abandoned and Idle Facilties or Equipment
PDM 03-37-08: Cathodic Protection: Safety Precautions
ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTS
0104F17.Doc: Job Safety Analysis (JSA)

0302F07.Doc: Equipment Lockout Record
0302F08.Doc: Blanking and Tagging List
0302F09.Doc: Gas Testing Log

0302F49.Doc: Opening Process Equipment – T1BP Quick Reference List
0308F13.Doc: Job Safety Execution Plan (JSEP)
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Product Movement-Piping and Accessories
Opening Process Equipment
0308F19.Doc: Opening Process Equipment Checklist
DEFINITIONS
Competent
An appointed, authorized or designated person who has knowledge and understanding,
through experience and training on specific equipment that is sufficient to meet all job
requirements as determined by the employer.
Worker competency will be confirmed during completion of the work permit and JSEP
checklists.
Blanking
Blanking is a procedure for sealing off the flow of liquid or gas through piping, by
inserting solid disks at joints, unions or flanges.
Blank
A blank is a piece of metal (different thickness, due to different sizes of piping and
pressures that it could be exposed to) that is inserted between two flanges to provide
positive isolation from the contents of a piece of equipment. A blank is also referred to
as a blind.
Blanks should be of sufficient metal thickness and strength to withstand any pressure to
which they might be subjected. For details regarding blank sizes and ratings contact
the Facility Specialist.
When equipment / lines require swinging into or out of isolation on a more frequent
basis consideration should be given to installing figure 8 blinds (spectacle blinds)
positioned so that the blind ring can be easily observed.
“Vented” blanks have a drilled hole and a nipple and valve attached to allow the space
between the isolation valve and blank or blind to be depressured prior to removal of the
blank. For details regarding vented blank specifications, contact the Facility Specialist.
Blank Tag
A blank tag is a uniquely numbered tag installed at the blank location, usually hung
from the flange bolts with wire or a zip tie. The number of the blank tag is recorded on
a blanking and tagging list (PDM Form 0302F08). A blank tag is also referred to
simply as a tag in this document.
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Opening Process Equipment
Blind Flange
A blind flange is used on the end of a flange where you are capping or sealing the end
of the piece of equipment.
A “vented” blind flange has a hole drilled through and a nipple and valve attached to
allow the space between the blind flange and the isolation valve the be depressured
prior to removal of the blind. For details regarding vented blind flange specifications,
contact the Facility Specialist
 Block and Bleed - Single
A ‘single block and bleed’ is accomplished by closing one single seat valve on each
side of the equipment to be worked on, and bleeding off all pressure, and draining all
liquid in between those isolating valves.
 Block and Bleed - Double
A ‘double block and bleed’ is accomplished by closing two single seat valves on each
side of the equipment to be worked on, and bleeding off all pressure and draining all
liquid in between both sets of block valves, and from the equipment to be worked on. A
‘double block and bleed’ can also be accomplished through the use of valves designed
for this purpose, having blocking seats on both the inlet and outlet of the valve body,
and a bleed valve to depressure and drain the valve body – i.e. a General Twin-Seal
valve.
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Energy Isolating Devices
An energy-isolating device is a mechanical device that physically prevents transmission
or release of energy. Examples are a manually operated block valve, manually
operated circuit breaker, or an isolating switch. Supplementary hardware needed for
isolating, securing, or blocking of machines includes blinds and blanks, chains, and
self-locking fasteners.
Hazardous Energy
Any source of fluid pressure, hydrocarbon, toxic materials, mechanical energy, or
electrical energy.
Hazardous Material
Material that does or has the potential to, produce adverse safety or health effects to
personnel. Each Site has identified in ETHIS (01-04-09).
Hazardous Services
Any hydrocarbon containing stream and/or any flammable material which could lead to
a fire, explosion or environmental incident. It can also be steam, hot water (over 65oC),
toxic chemicals, acid, caustic, amine, or other material which could harm personnel.
Non-Hazardous Services
Includes industrial/municipal water, firewater, cooling water, seawater, cooled steam
condensate, plant air, and instrument air (< 65oC).
Note that non-hazardous services may still be considered sources of "hazardous
energy" in the form of pressure or vacuum.
H2S Service
Streams or systems that have the potential for H2S exposure at or above Occupational
Exposure Limits (OEL's).
Isolation Standards
Regulatory standards that must be followed in order to ensure equipment to be worked
on or entered, is isolated to ensure zero incidents to personnel, environments and
equipment. Refer to Table 4.0a.
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Opening Process Equipment
Process Equipment
Site equipment that workers are frequently required to isolate and open for operations
and maintenance work. Pipes, equipment and vessels are collectively referred to as
equipment in the procedure.
Process Equipment Opening
The cutting, drilling into, or unbolting of process equipment that exposes the interior to
the atmosphere and creates the possibility for a release of, and exposure of personnel or
the surroundings to, the equipment contents. Some of the potential hazards associated
with this activity are discussed later in this Procedure (Section 2.0).
Examples of Process Equipment Openings include but are not limited to:
 the unbolting and opening of piping flanges for the insertion or removal of
blinds, removal of piping, or installation of new piping.
 removing a control valve or pump,
 opening equipment flanges for removal of or maintenance on process
equipment.
Pyrophoric
A pyrophoric substances auto ignition temperature is below room temperature and
ignites spontaneously. An example is iron sulfide, found in crude oil tanks and
pipelines. Pyrophoric materials can be handled safely in atmospheres of water, nitrogen
or argon. Most pyrophoric fires can be extinguished with a class D fire extinguisher.
RPE
Respiratory Protective Equipment
Zero Energy State
This is the condition just prior to First Break when every energy source, hazardous
material, hazardous service and non-hazardous service has been neutralized, flushed
clean or purged and locked-out.
NOTES AND CAUTIONS

 Level 1 Work Activities
Within the scope of Tier 1 Best Practices is a subset of work activities that represent
tasks with the highest risk within that procedure. This has been called Level 1 work
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Opening Process Equipment
and it requires review and endorsement by a Level 1 Endorser or Tier 1 Best Practice
SME.
The following activities are considered level 1 work within this procedure:
 Any opening of process equipment where positive isolation and zero energy state
cannot be confirmed (there is no means of proving equipment is drained and
depressurized)
Level 2 Work Activities
All opening process equipment tasks which are not identified as level 1 work, are level
2. This includes all activities included in Table 9 of this document.
PROCEDURE ORGANIZATION
This subject is organized into the following sections
1.0
Safety Considerations
2.0
Job Planning and Approvals
3.0
Training Requirements
4.0
Isolation Standards
5.0
Equipment Clearing Criteria
6.0
Considerations for a Safety Watch
7.0
Installing Tags and Blanks
8.0
Removing Tags and Blanks
9.0
Maintenance During Operation
10.0
Abandoned or Idle Facilities or Equipment
11.0
Document Retention
Tables:
Table 2.2a: Process Stream Hazard Classification
Table 2.2b: Equipment Opening Approval Hierarchy
Table 4.0a: Isolation Standards for Pipes, Equipment and Vessels
Table 9.0a: Equipment Not Requiring Blanking for Inspection or Maintenance
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Opening Process Equipment
PROCEDURE
1.0 Safety Considerations
Entering Vessels or Tanks
Do not permit entry into vessels or tanks unless all product lines are isolated or blanked
to standards and utility lines are de-energized. There is no exception to this rule unless
the job has been thoroughly reviewed and alternate safe procedures have been
established. Respective East or West Operations Manger approval must be obtained
for exception to this standard.
Thermal Expansion Precautions
When blanking vessels and piping, consider the dangers of thermal expansion of fluids.
This may occur if part of the confined system becomes heated when full with liquid.
Provisions must be made to relieve the pressure buildup. Complete a Management of
Change when thermal expansion flow has to be relocated. (PDM 01-06-01).
Flange Separation
When separating flanges on piping and equipment as part of work activities, the
potential exists for sparking to occur. Refer to PDM 03-37-08 for appropriate
precautions prior to flange separation on sites that have CP systems.
Blind Flanges
When blind flanges are installed on disconnected pipe, ensure that all piping and
equipment are empty. This will ensure there is not significant pressure buildup in the
system being closed. Abandoned piping is to be disconnected from the process, not just
segregated through blanks.
Idle equipment can be separated through blinds or blanks or may be disconnected from
the process.
Where there is no bleeder between the isolation valve and the blind flange, a vented
blind flange must be installed to allow the space to be depressured before the blind
flange is removed.
Blanking Practices
The safest blanking practice is to disconnect and remove a section of each pipe to the
service considered, and blank off the dead ends.
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Blanking should be done at the nearest flange to the work being done. If this is not
readily accessible, it may be done at the next nearest flange provided there is no
potential source of pressure between the two.
If a vent or plug is available between the blank and equipment, it should be in the open
position to prevent a buildup of pressure unless the isolation valve is passing and
creating the potential for a hazard or spill. If there is no vent or other bleeder between
the blank and the equipment, a vented blank shall be installed to verify zero energy
prior to removal of the blank.
An acceptable alternative to blanking may be to double block and vent the space
between the block valves. The space between the two block valves must be monitored
to ensure no product is leaking past.
When bolting up the flange after installation of the blank, bolts must be tightened
uniformly in 180º intervals per manufacturer’s specifications. Refer to PDM 03-08-18
for proper flange torquing practices.
2.0 Job Planning and Authorization
2.1 Job Planning
A complete evaluation of the process equipment opening shall be conducted using
Form 0308F19 to ascertain that:

Precautions are taken to prevent potentially hazardous materials from escaping
from the system or contacting personnel;

Precautions are taken to protect personnel and the environment in the event that
hazardous material does escape;

Hazards associated with the task are identified on the work permit and mitigated
on a JSA or JSEP.
Opening of process equipment starts with effective planning and communication of
work activities. For simple jobs complete the Work Permit and JSA (eg; removing a
pump that has isolation, drain and venting valves close enough to eliminate all
hazardous energy). For more complex jobs requiring greater detail complete the JSEP
form 0308F13 and obtain approval as per tables 2.2a and 2.2b. Follow
decommissioning of piping procedures (PDM 03-08-14) where applicable.
More complex work involving the development of a plan in order to achieve zero
energy state, such as isolating for purposes of removing a hazardous service valve, will
result in a highly defined scope of work with many steps. Each step is to be clearly
defined within the JSEP. Steps that require hazard identification with mitigation plans
must be transferred to a JSA which is reviewed on site before work commences.
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Opening Process Equipment
Isolation of all energy in or available to, a system should be completed prior to initial
opening. Follow the critical procedure for Energy Isolation and Table 4.0a.
Review associated PDM procedures (such as gas testing if toxic vapor may be
encountered) and the precautions necessary to prevent potentially hazardous materials
from escaping from the system or contacting personnel. Include the prevention steps
on the JSA for field review at start of job. When completing the work permit, include
MSDS reviews applicable to each service type and ensure PPE for each role is
identified as required.
Measures should be taken to reduce the Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) and the
concentration of toxic materials as much as feasible prior to opening, including
additional clearing procedures or gas freeing. Maximum LEL working levels, types of
testing and required PPE must be utilized as described in PDM 03-23-03 along with
completion of the Gas Testing Log. Where necessary, personal monitors should be
considered and provided during first breaks.
Hazards that could exist include:
 Acute intoxication, poisoning, or asphyxiation due to inhalation of toxic
gases/vapors or inert gases;
 Chemical burns due to physical contact with corrosive chemicals;
 Burns due to contact with hot/cold materials;
 Explosions or fire due to ignition of flammable gases or liquids. Particular
attention needs to be paid to First Breaks initiated around other hot work and vapor
clouds;
 Physical injury due to sudden impacts from residual pressure or the unexpected
movement of piping;
 Other, site-specific hazard such as radiation or asbestos;
 Nitrogen (refer to critical procedure PDM 03-02-20);
 Risk of exposure to spraying, splashing, or blowing;
 Other work crews on site or within vapor drift range, or improper communication
with control center operators;
 Over pressuring or pulling a vacuum (personnel injury or equipment damage);
 Unexpected dead legs or vapor spaces;
 Static electricity or cathodic protection energy (See 03-37-08).
 Environmental hazards (i.e. spills, etc)
Before commencing work, observe the following safety precautions when blanking
lines:

Secure a Work Permit (PDM 01-04-10).

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







Product Movement-Piping and Accessories
Opening Process Equipment
Ensure the blank is of the required thickness. For blind and blank specifications
contact the Facility Specialist.
Shut off steam or other heat tracers.
Wear personal protective equipment (PDM 01-04-06).
Use correct tools that are in good condition.
Work above and to one side of the line.
Loosen bolts farthest away from you.
Do not attempt to use your fingers to center the gasket.
Be prepared at all times to close the joint if liquid or gas starts to come through the
opening.
2.2 Approvals

The information in Tables 2.2a & 2.2b define the approvals required when opening
process equipment. Table 2.2a defines the classes of various process streams, and
Table 2.2b defines the level of approval required for each class. The approvals
required for opening equipment or pipe that cannot be completely depressurized (i.e.
without positive verification of energy isolation) is given in table 2.2b, but this activity
is strongly discouraged and shall be undertaken only as a last resort.
Table 2.2a: Process Stream Hazard Classification
Material
Toxic (ppm)
Steam/Condensate
(psi)
Hydrocarbon
(Flashpoint, °F)
Class I
(Note 1&2)
>20K
>1200
Class II
Class III
Class IV
>10K
>600
>50
>75
<50
<75
> Auto
Ignition
Temp
100 – 140 or
<15 above
process
temperature
<75 psig
-
>140 and >15
above process
temperature
>300 from FP;
<Flare Header
Pressure
>75psig
Corrosive to skin
All
Pyrophoric
>600 psi
Utilities/other not
>140F
covered elsewhere
(psi)
Notes:
1. Opening of bleeders for purposes of assuring positive energy isolation is excluded
2.
This class of process stream is typically not encountered at P&D sites
Table 2.2b: Equipment Opening Approval Hierarchy

Hazard
Class
I
February 2014
Pdm30821.doc
<600 psi
<140F
Double Block and
Bleed with Positive
Verification of
Energy Isolation
Normal Permit with
0308F19 Checklist
Single BV with
Positive Verification
of Energy Isolation
Single BV without
Positive Verification of
Energy Isolation
Normal Permit and
0308F19 Checklist with
additional approval.
JSEP, Formal Risk
Assessment, Approval by
P&D Manager, Operations
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Opening Process Equipment
See note 4 below.
II
Normal Permit with
0308F19 Checklist
III
Normal Permit with
0308F19 Checklist
Normal Permit and
0308F19 Checklist with
additional approval.
See note 4 below.
Normal Permit with
0308F19 Checklist
IV
Normal Permit with
0308F19 Checklist
Normal Permit with
0308F19 Checklist
Manager & SME (Notes
2,3)
Normal Permit and
0308F19 Checklist with
T1BP SME approval of
JSEP
Normal Permit and
0308F19 Checklist with
T1BP SME approval of
JSEP
Normal Permit and
0308F19 Checklist with
T1BP SME approval of
JSEP
Notes:
1. Positive Verification of Energy Isolation is typically obtained using a bleeder which is known not to
be plugged
2. Formal Risk Assessment = OIMS 2.1 Risk Assessment
3. This type of equipment opening is not expected to occur at any P&D sites
4. Additional approval is Operations approver one level up from the work permit authorizer
5. A completed T1BP Quick Reference List (QRL) – completed during execution of the work – is
required for all Level 1 work, and at least quarterly for each site for Level 2 work.


3.0 Training Requirements
Ensure personnel are competent to safely perform and execute their assigned tasks for
opening process equipment. (A millwright may be certified for pump repairs, but may
also require gas testing, handling flammable liquids, lifting heavy equipment, H2S
Alive, etc). Document employee training as per PDM 01-16-02.
P&D site personnel are to document an annual review of this procedure to demonstrate
continued awareness around importance of properly handling First Breaks.
4.0 Isolation Standards
Table 4.0a must be used to isolate equipment and provide a safe work environment
prior to blanking and opening process equipment.
Additional Requirements:

All valves must be locked out when using double block and bleed, double-block
valves or single-block valves, unless an exception applies.

Single-block valves are considered adequate isolation for the installation of
blinds or threaded plugs

For isolation purposes, vents and drains for operating equipment require a blind
or threaded plug.

For steam systems, vent and drain valves that are holding, but the threads or
nipple are unable to accept a threaded plug or cap, the threaded plug or cap will
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not be required if the valve has been identified for maintenance/replacement and
will be repaired soon.

For steam systems vent and drain valves, double block valves may be used
instead of plug or cap.
Table 4.0a: Isolation Standards for Pipes, Equipment and Vessels
Substances in
Pipes, Equipment
and Vessels
Hot water or other
fluids more than 66C
Steam 150 ANSI, 2
inches or less
Steam 150 ANSI,
greater than 2
inches
Gas liquids
(propane, butane,
diluent)
Crude oil, emulsion,
bitumen, dilbit
Flammable
substances
When isolating to complete:
Unattended
Critical Procedure Work
Work *
 Blind or threaded
plug or;
 Disconnect and
Single-block
either blind or
valves
threaded plug or;
 Double block and
bleed.
 Blind or
Single-block
threaded
Single-block valves
valves
plug or;
 Disconnect
and either
blind or
threaded
plug
 Blind or threaded plug or;
 Disconnect and either blind or
threaded plug or;
 Double block and bleed.
Hot or Cold
Work
Vessel Entry



Blind or
threaded plug
or;
Disconnect
and either
blind or
threaded plug
or;
Double block
and bleed.
Acid or caustic
Fresh water or NonSingle-block valves
flammable
substances
Notes:
Subject to exceptions noted in Table 9.0a
* Unattended work is referring to the need for the equipment being left in an unattended state during
work activities.
5.0 Equipment Clearing Criteria
Prior to opening, all equipment shall be emptied of its contents, flushed clean or purged
to achieve a zero energy state. Confirm the equipment is at atmospheric pressure by
opening vents or drains. Special attention is required for equipment which previously
contained hazardous materials such as pyrophoric material, toxic, or corrosives.
Equipment clearing should be accomplished to such a degree as to:
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Opening Process Equipment

Eliminate or minimize the need for specialized PPE whenever possible; or

Achieve isolation from energy sources, including mechanical, electrical,
hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, radiation, or thermal sources as per
requirements given in Table 4.0a:

Be completely depressurized: venting to a closed/captive system is preferred,
e.g. vent is tied into Vapor Recovery Unit. Atmospheric venting procedures
should consider vent location, proximity of other work activities, air
monitoring, control of exposure to personnel, and environmental requirements;

Be completely drained: draining to a closed/captive system is preferred, e.g.
drain is tied directly into a sump. If using an open draining procedure, consider
location, proximity of other work activities, control of exposure to personnel
and environmental requirements;

Be flushed or purged when necessary by displacing the process materials with
nitrogen or other medium required in the circumstances;

Be cleaned when necessary using steam, chemical wash or other medium
required in the circumstances.
All practical steps should be taken to make the process equipment liquid free through
existing vents and drains. Where this is not possible and there is potential for
hydrocarbon or corrosive material to be trapped, such as above a blind or isolation
valve in a vertical line, the following measures to mitigate the risk shall be taken as
necessary:
 containment of the liquid using collars, pans, etc. to prevent spills;
 control of potential ignition sources (e.g. hot work, vehicle access, hot surfaces);
 provision of safe access and egress to/from the work site;
 provision of a safety watch and emergency response measures in case of significant
release or spillage;
 use of appropriate PPE/RPE.
 do not completely remove all bolts until depressurization has been verified.
 slacken bolts furthest away from the workers first and spread flange to release
product / pressure.
6.0 Considerations for a Safety Watch
1) The need to provide a safety watch should be based on an assessment of the risk
taking into account the following factors:
a) Hazardous properties of the process material - volatility, flammability, toxicity,
temperature, pressure.
b) Location of the work - degree of congestion, elevation, proximity of potential
fixed equipment ignition sources (e.g. furnaces, hot surfaces)
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c) Isolation valves suspected of, or known to be, letting-by
d) Quantity of trapped flammable material remaining in low points that can not be
drained using bleeders.
2) The persons performing safety watch duties shall be fully briefed on the work being
carried and understand the process hazards. The safety watch shall have the
necessary authority to stop the job should he judge that the conditions are unsafe.
This could be a process operator, maintenance supervisor, safety technician or other
similar person.
3) Where there is potential for a release of flammable material and fire, the safety
watch should be trained and competent in the use of fire extinguishers, fire hoses
and other available emergency equipment (e.g. a competent fire responder).
a) A trained fire responder would normally be required when opening a flare main
where there is some valve let-by or a significant quantity of light distillate, and
where pyrophorics are likely to be present.
4) The safety watch should have a means of immediately summoning help in the event
of an emergency (e.g. a radio).
a) Where there is a risk of a release of toxic material or a significant hydrocarbon
release, the Safety Watch shall be able to cause an area/site evacuation alarm to
sound.
7.0 Installing Blanks and Tags
Document the isolation and blanking locations on form 0302F08.
Site personnel will install the blank tags and initial form 0302F08 indicating that the
tag is in place.
The workers installing the blanks will be provided with a photocopy (working copy) of
the form 0302F08 to take to the field.
The workers installing the blank must initial on the working copy of form 0302F08 to
verify installation. They must initial the office copy of 0302F08 when they return to
the office.
A visual check shall be completed by the site personnel following the blank
installations to ensure they are installed properly and in the correct locations.
For blind and blank specifications contact the Facility Specialist.
8.0 Removing Blanks and Tags
Prior to removal of blanks, the space between the isolation valve and the blank shall be
vented using a bleeder valve to relieve any pressure build-up that may have occurred
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SECTION 08.21:
Product Movement-Piping and Accessories
Opening Process Equipment
due to leakage of the isolation valve. Where there is no bleeder on the pipe, the bleeder
on the vented blind must be used.
As the workers remove the blanks they must initial the working copy of 0302F08 to
verify removal and that the joints are properly reconnected. They must initial the office
copy of 0302F08 when they return to the office.
Site personnel will visually verify removal of the blank, remove the blank tag and
initial 0302F08.
Follow commissioning piping procedures (PDM 03-08-15) when putting pipe back into
service.
9.0 Maintenance During Operation
During normal operations there may be maintenance required on some equipment
where the feasibility of blanking is reduced. Controls must be put in place to ensure
that risks are minimized during the maintenance activities.
For any hot work on live process equipment, a JSEP endorsed by the Opening Process
Equipment Tier 1 BP SME (refer to PDM 03-02-01) is required.
Table 9.0a below defines equipment that may be worked on without blanking and lists
possible controls that must be in place.

 Table 9.0a: Equipment Not Requiring Blanking, or Double Block and Bleed,
for Inspection or Maintenance under a normal work permit
Terminal Equipment
Page 08.21-16 of 17
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Controls in Place Allowing Exception
February 2014
SECTION 08.21:
Loading and Offloading
Equipment (inspections
and repairs)
Strainers (inspections and
basket changes)
Product Movement-Piping and Accessories
Opening Process Equipment
Flow can be alternatively managed by removing RACS units from service,
if the traffic flow cannot be effectively managed.
Isolation valves are located nearby and shall be closed and locked out
and recorded on PDM 0302F07.
Opening Process Equipment checklist 0308F19 is completed
Filters
(changing filter elements or
visual vessel inspection)
Positive Verification of Energy Isolation can be achieved.
Inspection, repair or changeout is a relatively quick operation
Smith Valves
(repairing, troubleshooting,
changing diaphragms)
Open vessels are never to be left unmanned and only one vessel at a
time is to be open per person
Meters (maintenance or
inspection)
Loading pumps can be quickly shutdown in the event of an emergency or
can be locked out if required
Small Additive Pumps
(repairs)
Product levels in the vessel are monitored closely during the changeout
or inspection operation if pump remains in service
Air Eliminators (inspection
and seal replacement)
Vessels are located on spill containment pads
Meter Chambers
(inspections and immediate
change out of parts)
Additional block valves, when available, can be closed and locked out
between product source and the vessel
Block valves are checked for visual leaks prior to beginning
Pipeline Equipment
Pipeline Pig Traps
Pigging Operations on pipeline facilities in compliance with PDM 030816,
and with completion of Opening Process Equipment checklist 0308F19.
10.0 Abandoned or Idle Facilities or Equipment
For idle equipment, blank tags should be left on blanks and therefore included on the
blank log.
When equipment is put into "abandoned" service, all blank tags should be removed
following completion of work.
11.0 Document Retention
Completed forms associated with this activity must be filed in the central filing
system:

In order to maintain a history of where First Breaks occur on site, and

Ensure reference material is available when the same task is performed again

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