Isolation & Decontamination

<< Click to Display Table of Contents >>

Navigation:  Safe Work Practices > Confined Space Entry / Transformer Vaults >

Isolation & Decontamination

Attempt to depressurize, empty and purge as much product as possible before opening the confined space.

Positively isolate the space by installing blinds, blanks, by disconnecting or by double blocking and bleed of valves.  All isolations must be made as close to the confined space as possible to eliminate dead spaces in pipes.  When double block and bleed method is used, valves must be locked and tagged.

All electrical equipment must be locked out and tagged, including mixers, heat tracing, fan motors, etc.

Open the vessel only after it is depressurized.  Use a gas detector and breathing apparatus if flammable or toxic substances are suspected.

Clean and decontaminate the space as much as possible from outside.  Ensure that vacuum and wash trucks are electrically bonded to the vessel.