Safety Flash
High potential near miss: working on pressurised pipeline
High potential near miss: working on pressurised pipeline
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 18/18
- Control of WorkIsolationPermit to WorkPressure Systems
- Line of firePressure systems
- Pressure testing
- Process pipework and pipelinesValve
- Control of workEnergy and process isolationOperating and work proceduresOperational supervision
Summary
A foam pig narrowly missed personnel after residual pressure ejected it during removal of a flexible jumper’s pull head. The flash identifies a closed vent valve, absent pressure confirmation and weaknesses in procedural sign-off and handover. Lessons emphasise verified ambient pressure, isolation, venting and supervision of safety-critical steps.
Classifications: Line of fire; struck-by hazards.
Classifications: Pressure systems; stored pressure; pressurised systems; pressurized systems.
Classifications: Pressure testing; hydrostatic testing; pneumatic testing.
Classifications: Process pipework and pipelines; process piping.
Classifications: Valve; valves.
Classifications: Control of work; work control.
Classifications: Energy and process isolation; isolation; energy isolation.
Classifications: Operating and work procedures.
Classifications: Operational supervision.
Summary
Residual pressure ejected a foam pig when a jumper was opened without verified venting, sign-off or effective procedural control.
IMCA SF 18/18. Themes: control of work, isolation, permit to work, pressure systems.