09.3 – Determining Safe State
For some situations, determining a safe state (absence of energy) can be very difficult, especially if the situation is not set up to be able to do this.
Take a piping system that has been isolated. It has no gauge, no nipple (open to the atmosphere point), and no other extension from it. How would you verify there is no pressure in the pipe – extremely challenging.
Ensure when building or preparing systems, you build into the system a way or method for verifying the zero energy state. This is most important for service technicians in various trades who have to leave systems for a period of time in an isolated state (for service).
Eg. When larger cast pipe is being used, put a valve on the blind.
In long pipe runs fully installed, make sure there are nipples or open to atmosphere points at key places where a worker can both relieve pressure and ensure an open to atmosphere point.
When electrically verifying treat as voltage is present – this means what PPE do you need to have on to protect yourself from potential hazards of live energy at the voltage level you’re testing for?
Shock and Arc Flash protection are likely required.
