Issue of tagging blind plates
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This post was last edited by yuexuan on 2024-1-10 at 16:46. Guys, how do you label your blind plates? Should it still be hung when in use? Our company has always been accustomed to hanging it only when the slot is empty. These days, an expert came and said that it should be hung even when the slot is available. I would like to ask if there are any relevant standards or regulations regarding this matter. Thank you.
Blind flanges are usually installed when equipment or pipelines need to be isolated to ensure the safety of the system. Placing a sign usually refers to attaching a safety warning label to a blind panel to indicate that isolation measures have been taken in that area. During normal operation, if it is necessary to open the system for work, the blind plate will be removed, and the corresponding safety signs will also be taken down. If it is necessary to temporarily shut off the fluid during operation, blind flanges and signage may be reinstalled. The safety tagout procedure should follow the company’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). .
Experts aren’t necessarily always right! Does your company have any appropriate standards and procedures for managing blind flanges? Tags should only be placed on those flanges that are in blind positions; even in cases where eight-shaped blind flanges are used, tags must still be applied to the blind positions. A record-keeping system should be established for blind flanges, including information such as the medium involved, pressure levels, material composition of the flanges, and their dimensions. Blind flange tags must have uniform numbering as well as the name of the equipment they are attached to. Any changes to the blind flanges need to be recorded in order to ensure safe production. There are also many requirements regarding the management of blind flanges; mainly, your company’s standard systems need to be improved! Blind plate management is very important.
This post was last edited by CHANGBAISHI on 2024-1-11 08:40. Remember, in those days, when it came to blind plate management, it was necessary to appoint a \"Blind Plate Commander\". It is usually held by the technical supervisor of the unit. As for the situation where a tag is still required after the blind flange has been removed, I’ve never seen that; instead, once the blind flange is taken off, it’s simply hung next to the flange for easy use next time. Since it’s an expert’s requirement, you have to carry it out – you can’t afford to defy them;P. But it’s not a hassle to put up a sign saying “Blind plate removed” for reference.
Based on their different functions, blind plates can be divided into safety blind plates and process blind plates. Process blind plates are installed to enable the switching between backup equipment; a tag must always be attached to them, as this facilitates checking the status of the equipment during start-up and shutdown operations. Each blind plate has a unique identifier, and if the tag is removed from a blind plate that has been taken down, it becomes a problem regarding its storage, and it also presents issues when that blind plate is used again
According to requirement 7.4 of GB30871-2022: \"The operating unit shall carry out blind plate installation and removal operations in accordance with the location diagram, and label each blind plate; the label numbers shall match those on the location diagram, and hazardous chemicals enterprises shall verify each one individually and keep records thereof.\" ” Whether it’s blind plates for sealing or blocking, as mentioned above, they all need to be labeled. Is it the case that in practice, people do not follow the requirements specified in 30871?
How should this be implemented in a way that is beneficial for management?
A blind plate must definitely be installed when in a blind position; whether one is needed when in an open position depends on the regulations set by your company. However, it is necessary to maintain a ledger of all 8-character blind plates, indicating the location of each one.
If the rule-makers can do it, then those who enforce the rules must follow them.
There is too much written material regarding the management system for blind plates; our company has very detailed standard procedures to guide this process, all of which are formulated in accordance with national standards. Different companies have different understandings; in my opinion, it’s necessary to comply with regulations while also avoiding complicating simple tasks. Blind plate work is a comprehensive process that involves energy isolation, procedural handling, and verification, among other things.
When it needs to be removed, a record-keeping system for the blind plates should be established; it is best to manage them visually along with the process parameters