Line Breaking Safety

Overview

Line Breaking Safety should be managed through a planned system of work: identify the task-specific hazards, eliminate exposure where practical, use engineered or collective controls before relying on PPE, verify critical safeguards before starting, and stop the task when controls are missing or conditions change. This guide applies those principles specifically to safe opening of process piping and equipment that may contain pressure, temperature or hazardous material.

Main Hazards

• • Residual pressure or hazardous product trapped between isolations
• • Unexpected flow through leaking or incorrectly aligned valves
• • Cuts, entanglement, impact or ejected material
• • Unexpected movement or stored pressure
• • Noise, vibration, sparks or airborne debris

Essential Controls

1. 1Verify isolation, depressurization, draining and flushing before breaking containment.
2. 2Open connections cautiously from a protected position and control the first release point.
3. 3Use the correct tool, accessory and rated component for the task.
4. 4Inspect guards, handles, cables, hoses and safety devices before use.
5. 5Secure the workpiece and maintain a stable body position and clear work zone.
6. 6Isolate energy and release pressure before maintenance, adjustment or clearing jams.

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