Isolation Types
What is a boundary isolation?
Boundary isolations are isolations used for an entire platform, skid, or vessel. It typically requires the platform or vessel to be pressure free’d and drained in order to meet the isolation hierarchy of controls
What tools do you use to determine your isolation requirements?
Hierarchy of Controls, Hazard Factor Spreadsheet, and the Short Duration Job Risk Assessment
Are bleed points required to be part of the lockout?
Yes, required to be listed. Also required to hang a open bleed tag on any open bleed valves
What does DFT mean?
De-isolate for testing
Where are lock boxes checked out from?
Maintenance supervisor's office
What is the criteria for using operational control as an isolation method?
Operational Control:
What is an operational control type isolation?
Operational control applies to low risk, short-duration routine operations. You must stay within eyesight of isolation points while the work is in progress. Some examples of operational control type isolations are flushing bridles and BSEE testing.
Can you walk away from an active bleed point?
No, PSF #2
Do Not leave an open drain or critical transfer unattended
What is required if the personal isolation job goes longer than 14 hours?
The team lead should be notified, and a LOTO certificate should be entered.
Who is the isolation verifier/isolation authorizer?
Team Leader or Supervisor
What is a positive isolation?
Either remove a spool piece or install a spectacle blind/swing a spade
What valves can be used for isolation and what valves cannot be used?
Cannot be used-check valves, flow control valves
Do you have to put a bleed point in the manipulated valve register?
Yes, if:
It is not listed in the LOTO certificate or in the procedure
What is the max amount of time operational control can be used as isolation?
1 hour
What type of isolation is required for a level 3 CSE?
A positive isolation is required (air gap)
What is the criteria for using a personal isolation?
What is the criteria for using a personal isolation?
Personal Isolation:
10 point isolation maximum – (Not applicable if inclusive procedure is used)
What is the hierarchy of controls?
First Step: Air gap equipment. If you can’t air gap, then
Second: Isolate equipment with blinds or other physical barriers. If you can’t do that, then
Third: Double block and bleed or single valve with one additional barrier, ie PPE
What is PSF #8?
Always check that equipment is pressure free and drained, and provides safe isolation before starting maintenance work
What documentation is required on the work site if a group LOTO is used instead of individual locks?
The Group lock form needs to be completed and kept within the work group’s documentation
How many people minimum are required for tank entries?
Two people
What are the requirements for when you use a LOTO certificate?
LOTO Certificate:
What do you do if you can’t meet the Hierarchy of Controls (ie double block & bleed)?
If a risk assessment is required, contact team lead
When performing Subsea LOTO’s, what devices are acceptable instead of a typical lock, chain, or plastic cover?
What is the process if you need to de-isolate for testing?
If test is passed, remove isolation. If test is failed, re-apply isolation.
What information is required in your contingency plans that are part of the LOTO?
Methods of responding to leakage.
Identification of additional isolation valves and the intended actions in the event of isolation failure.
Identification of the location of Emergency Shutdown (ESD) or Unit Stop buttons.
Establishment of contact with the control room or location leadership prior to the initial breaking of containment.
The release/leak response plan shall be followed if a leak or release develops.
Any safety devices/ gear (i.e. Safety Showers, Fire Extinguishers, Eye Wash Stations, etc…) needed for the task or response plan shall be documented here.