safety bulletin #015

TOOL-BOX-TALK

PRESSURE TESTING

Mishaps and failures during pressure testing may result in injuries, fatalities and property damage. The worst potential hazard is an uncontrolled release, by mishap or failure, of the large amount of energy that can be stored in compressed air or other gas, either in a pneumatic test or in a hydrostatic test, where gas may be trapped in such places as unvented high points, horizontal lines, and valve bodies.

To minimize the chances of a mishap during Pressure Testing the following precautions should be strictly adhered to :

(1)Do not strike or work on equipment while it is under pressure to stop leaks.

(2)Ensure proper and sufficient test equipment is available, such as relief valve of the right size, and proper pressure gauges.

(3)Follow proper test sequence, such as tightness test at a lower pressure to check for leaks prior to higher pressure tests.

(4)Vent air from the system under test, provide vents at high points and use them where installed.

(5)Do not use gas instead of water for test medium.

(6) System should be adequately supported to withstand the weight of water during the test.

(7)Ensure Pressure gauges and relief valves are calibrated and tested.

(8)Pressure gauges to be located close to pressurizing equipment for easy reading.

(9)Appurtenances not adequate for the test pressure, to be isolated from the test.

(10)Pressure to be increased gradually in order to be controlled.

(11)Ensure Relief valve is in good repair.

(12)Ensure temporary test piping is designed for the test pressure.

(13)Ensure bleed valve is provided on test piping.

DO NOT TAKE ANY CHANCES, IF IN DOUBT ASK YOUR SUPERVISOR.

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