August 3, 2017

Commissioning incident

During a plant commissioning, a line with a control valve fixed in it had to be hydrotested. For this the control valve had to be kept fully open.The commissioning team decided to force open the control valve by directly connecting a tubing from the air header to the actuator. After some time, the actuator cover blew off. later it was discovered that the actuator casing was not designed for the direct air pressure. Are you having strict controls over your hydrotesting procedures? Are these procedures reviewed as seriously as a start up SOP?

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July 31, 2017

Are you checking the integrity of your valves?

An incident where the gland packing of a valve blew out due to a defect, causing a fire, has highlighted the need for inspection test and maintenance plans for critical services. Is it covered in your Asset Integrity program? 

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July 19, 2017

Do you manage changes to control systems properly?

Changes to a control system and rapid speed changes made by an operator led a Texas mother and her two young girls to be thrown about 25 feet off a ski chair lift in December 2016, state investigators said in a final report on the incident.
Do you recognize and manage changes to control systems?


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July 12, 2017

Pneumatic tools can overpressure

 An incident has been reported where a pneumatic tool exploded causing an injury when it was connected to a service air utility point. The tool was of old design and could withstand a maximum of 90 psi. However the air pressure used was 115 psi. Make sure your maximum service air pressure is always lesser than the maximum pressure allowed for the pneumatic tools.

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