6-Confined space

The Whys ?

The objective of this rule is to make sure the machine or the installation is secure ( stopped, isolated, in state of inertia, and freed of all potential hazardous sources of energy) before the employees start an intervention or a maintenance operation.

In fact, the unexpected machine feed or the discharge of stocked energy or the release of any form of energy could cause serious accidents.

The machine or installation situation return to normal may also cause serious accidents if the tag-out measures are not rigorously applied.

The must do's

Some works necessitate a lock-out to inhibit and/or obstruct the arrival of (mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, thermal, radioactive.) substances or energy. This type of works is undertaken only if :

• An appropriate work permit is made out and validated by a habilitated person and must group all associated documents including the « Lock-out / tag-out » documents, PFD and electrical diagrams...
• The isolations of all kinds of energies are realized and controlled by habilitated persons ;
• The elimination of all forms of existing energies is verified : the energy is discharged by a secured means, the equipment is drained and degassed, the mechanical energy is dissipated ;
• Separation verification with respect of external risks : platinum mechanical isolation, elimination of pipe section, any risk of substance inflow ;
• Test of absence of all existing energies (VAT, VAP,..).
• A tagging and physical locking system is used (physical locking) ;
• The padlocked locking is individual for each intervention ;
• All personnel concerned are trained in energy lock-out / tag-out procedures on all Serept sites.

The energy tag-out procedure must be integrated within the work permit including installation return to conformity.