Chapter 9 Safety Permit Systems Objectives After studying this chapter, the student will be able to: Describe the different types of permit systems found in the chemical processing industry Describe hot work permits (CFR 29 1910.119). Describe energy isolation and lockout/tagout (CFR 29 1910.147). Analyze the confined space entry procedure (CFR 29 1910.146). Review opening and blinding permits. Utilize a permit to enter. Describe and energy isolation permit. Recognize and unplugging permit. Describe cold work permit.

Chapter 9 Safety Permit Systems Key Terms Blinding – a term applied to the installation of slip blinds between pipe flanges. Blinding isolates a process stream and allows a craftsperson to work on a piece of equipment safely. CFR – Code of Federal Regulations. Degradation – the breakdown or loss of physical properties. Designated equipment owner– the process technician who operates a piece of equipment or process. Electrical lockout log– includes the name of the person locking out the equipment, the date, time, and location. This same information is recorded when the lock is removed. Enclosed space– any space that has restricted entry.

Chapter 9 Safety Permit Systems Key Terms Mechanical permit acceptor – the person who accepts and returns a work permit. Mechanical person – the person who performs the work. Permit system – a regulated system that uses a variety of permits for various applications. The more common applications are cold work, hot work, confined space entry, opening blinding, permit to enter, lockout/tagout. Routine hot work area – mechanical or fabrication shops. Standby – a technician that is certified and trained to support and warn technicians who have entered a confined space. Vapor pressure – is the pressure exerted in confined space by the vapor above its own liquid.

Chapter 9 Safety Permit Systems Types of Permits Describing the different permitting systems used by the chemical processing industry is a difficult process. Variations between plants are enormous with only a few common permit systems. There are three that are common between the industry: government mandated Hot Work Permits Confined Space Entry Control of Hazardous Energy (Lock Out Tag Out)

Chapter 9 Safety Permit Systems Types of Permits Examples of a permitting system could include: Hot Work Permits Confined Space Entry Control of Hazardous Energy (Lock Out Tag Out) opening/blinding permits routine maintenance permit unplugging permit

Chapter 9 Safety Permit Systems Types of Permits Hot Work Permits The purpose of the Hot Work Permit is to protect personnel and equipment from explosions and fires that might occur from hot work performed in an operational area: Examples include: portable grinders, open fires, welding, energized electrical equipment, dry sandblasting, soldering etc. Hot work permits have multiple layers of protection CFR 29 1910.119 Process Safety Management Standard Hot Work

Chapter 9 Safety Permit Systems Types of Permits Hot Work Permits Hot work is defined as any maintenance procedure that produces a spark or excessive heat, or requires welding or burning. Examples include: grinders, open fires, welding equipment, energized electrical circuits, internal combustion engines, electric motors, and so on. According to the PSM standard, employers are required to have a permit for hot work operations. The permit must include the following topics: Fire prevention and protection measures in place before work begins Date permit is approved for Location, equipment, and item where hot work is performed Fire watch posted and in place during procedure and 30 minutes after work is complete Permit must be displayed at the work site until the work is complete

Chapter 9 Safety Permit Systems Types of Permits Confined Space Entry (29 CFR 1910.146) The chemical processing industry has a variety of areas where confined space entry routinely takes place. Confined space awareness includes: Define Confined space entry Describe the hazards associated with confined space entry List those involved in the confined space procedure Identify hazards Describe testing and monitoring equipment, ventilation equipment, radio equipment, and retrieval equipment

Chapter 9 Safety Permit Systems Types of Permits Confined Space Entry A confined space is defined as a space large enough so a person can enter, has restricted entry, and is not designed for continuous occupancy. Examples include: excavations, sewers, pits, reactors, boilers, furnaces, distillation columns, strippers, absorbers, vessels, tanks, silos, blenders, drums, piping, pumps compressors, heat exchangers, extruders or any space that entry or allows the head of he worker to go below the top of the confined space. Often chemicals inside a vessel will break down over extended periods of time. This is called degradation.

Chapter 9 Operating Hazards Types of Permits Confined Space Entry A confined space entry permit should include: work to be performed location date(s) and authorization period atmospheric testing results and entry conditions entrant’s name entry supervisor and standby names hazards and how to control isolation and control methods communication procedures other active permits – Hot work rescue and emergency procedures Equipment to be used

Chapter 9 Operating Hazards Types of Permits Confined Space Entry Preparing the space for entry The process operator will secure the vessel or area by isolation. Example: pipe entering and exiting the vessel will be isolated and blinded. Any remaining chemical must be removed. This may require water washing, purging, or inerting. All electrical equipment must be de-energized, lock-out and tagged before entry. Blower may be required to ventilate the vessel. Oxygen concentration must be between 19.5% and 23.5%. A standby attendant is required.

Chapter 9 Operating Hazards Types of Permits Control of Hazardous Energy The purpose of the hazardous energy standard is to protect employees from the hazards associated with the accidental release of uncontrolled energy. The lockout/tagout procedure is a standard designed to isolate a piece of equipment from its energy source.

Chapter 9 Operating Hazards Control of Hazardous Energy The chemical processing industry harnesses energy from 7 basic form: electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, compressed gases and liquids, gravity and spring tension. The two most common classifications of energy are kinetic and potential. Kinetic is closely associated with movement while potential is related to stored energy.

Chapter 9 Operating Hazards Control of Hazardous Energy OSHA established a 6-step procedure for locking out a piece of equipment. Preparation for shutdown – identify type of energy and hazards Shut down the equipment Isolation of equipment – closing valves, shut down main disconnect and circuit breakers, electric, hydraulic, etc Apply lockout/tagout devices to breakers, valves switches, and energy isolating devices Control of stored energy – relieve pressure Verification step – lock-tag-try All of this information should be recorded on a lockout logbook.

Chapter 9 Operating Hazards Control of Hazardous Energy Opening or Blinding Permits The purpose of the opening or blinding permit is to limit accidents through improved communication for installing and removing a blind. Routine Maintenance Permits This permit is designed to prevent accidents by improving communication be operators and the mechanical craftsperson doing mechanical work. The operator must check out the area where the work is being performed. Hazards must be identified and permit displayed near work site.