Is gas analysis not required when working on small pipes?
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Today, the company arranged for a welder to cut a DN20 natural gas pipe. It was purged with nitrogen for an hour, and a blind flange was installed; yet without conducting any gas analysis, people used oxy-acetylene welding to cut it. I raised doubts on the spot, saying that there were no combustion gas analysis data, and the safety officer replied that there is no mandatory requirement for gas analysis of pipes smaller than DN50. Although nothing happened, I don’t understand it. I’m not an expert in safety matters either, but I think the small pipes could also explode, because their wall thickness is designed for normal operating pressures; if a deflagration occurs inside the pipes, they could still burst. I’d like to ask everyone: is gas analysis not required when working on small pipes involving welding? Are there really such regulations regarding safety?
It seems there are serious gaps in the management of hot work at your workplace; you’ve raised these issues, yet the safety officer remains indifferent. For hot work, a \"Hot Work Safety Permit\" must be obtained, and the most important element on this permit is the hot work analysis: it consists of four sections, each of which must be filled out by a designated person and cannot remain empty. Clause 5.1.3 of the \"Code for Hot Work\" AQ3022-2008 also contains specific provisions regarding the conditions under which hot work may be carried out. I’m not quite clear about what you’re describing – was nitrogen purging done first and then a blind flange added? Does it have to be done on-site?
Flame work must be accompanied by a flame analysis; failing to conduct such an analysis is nothing but an excuse – management is too lax, as long as it’s within a chemical industry area!
I’ve never heard of performing flammable gas analysis for welding operations with a DN50 or smaller diameter. The poster is very responsible! In fact, it’s best in a company for those working on processes or equipment to be responsible for safety.
“ The safety officer said that there is no mandatory requirement for gas analysis on pipes smaller than DN50. I’ve never heard of that before. Here, the condition for obtaining a fire work permit is that the safety officer first inspects the site; only after that is a gas analysis conducted. If any safety hazards are found, work is prohibited. Whoever issues the permit is responsible if something goes wrong. Your company’s policies are too lenient – safety hazards exist in this situation
After blowing out the nitrogen, a blind flange is used to prevent further natural gas from entering, and then the fire is started. Since this pipe passes through the wall, it cannot be removed, so welding must be done on site. I would like to ask: is gas analysis required for all pipe work involving hot work, regardless of the diameter? Are there any standards for relevant level 1 hot work? If there is any, please let me know. I want to learn about it* as well, and I also want to give some lessons to this safety officer
I’ve never heard of any rule stating that gas analysis is not necessary when working on small pipes; does the fact that the pipe is small mean there’s no risk? That’s nonsense! It is necessary to follow AQ standards as well as your organization’s safety procedures for working with fire.
Is the safety officer not equipped with a four-in-one gas analyzer? The safety officer at the site where welding is to take place should sign the welding permit only after confirming that there are no flammable or explosive materials or gases present, that the pipelines are properly isolated, and that all other safety measures have been implemented. Additionally, the approval of the production line supervisor is required before welding can begin. This shows not only a lack of safety awareness on the part of that safety officer, but also insufficient attention to safety on the part of the management.
After purging, sampling inside the pipe shows satisfactory results; both ends of the pipe are properly isolated, a hot work analysis is conducted, a hot work permit is obtained, there is dedicated supervision, and emergency measures are in place before proceeding
Your company’s safety standards are really poor; such a security officer should be fired on the spot. If the company is in this state, I think you’d better leave as soon as possible. .
Safety officers also face the issue of outdated knowledge. I have worked in many organizations, and there were times when mistakes were made; therefore, it is very necessary to keep updating one’s knowledge or to undergo external training. Some companies encourage continuous learning, with employees constantly acquiring new skills and applying them in their work. Other companies prefer to hire experienced workers and use them right away, adopting an approach of making the most of existing staff without focusing on improving their abilities, considering it the employees’ own responsibility. There is a tendency to replace employees when they prove to be inadequate. Japanese companies, for example, emphasize the importance of training first, while American companies focus on leveraging people’s capabilities. I digressed