Pipe Pigging Safety

Pigging requires an experienced operator hand. There are reports every year from OSHA of incidents which detail operators sustaining injuries, both minor and those requiring hospitalization, that occurred while performing a pigging operation. Some of the most common causes of these events are:

• opening of the main process valve while the closure door is not fully closed
• opening of the closure door while the vessel is still pressurized
• opening of the closure door while a high concentration of H₂S or other toxins remains inside the vessel
• leaving the vent valve open while the vessel is being pressurized with its medium

These causes all relate directly back to improper operation, due to inexperience or miscalculation, of the closure door(s) and the process valves. These kinds of incidents can be avoided by adding valve interlocks to the systems and most importantly by hiring experienced professionals like the ones at Professional Piping Services.

Pigging safety relies on knowing, and a strict adherence to, safety procedures which detail safe valve operating sequences. Though not intended to replace professional operators, valve interlocks can help enforce such sequences by physically blocking incorrect operations. Once permanently mounted to their respective valves or the closure door, valve interlocks block the operation of said door or valve unless the correct keys are inserted.The idea behind valve interlocking is the transfer of keys. Each lock comes with two uniquely coded keys: one for the locked open position and one for the locked closed position. During a pigging operating procedure, only the key that belongs to the valve or door next in sequence is free at a time.

Don’t risk employee safety and potential system damage to the possibility of saving a few dollars. Getting the job done safely and done right the first time is worth more than the minimal additional costs. Hire industry professionals with the experience and knowledge to provide you and your piping system excellent service. For service in Florida, call Professional Piping Services at 800-780-6098 to discuss how they can assist you.