Gas Free Inspection
Working within the oil, gas and chemicals sector, one is often exposed to highly dangerous work environments. For those who have to conduct regular maintenance work or construction within shore tanks, lines, barges or vessels, safety takes on an even higher standard. Before performing hot or cold work, or allowing fire exposure, a gas free inspection certificate must be obtained in order to ensure that the working environment is safe and secure.
Maintenance and repair work can fall into several categories:
- Cold work includes any repairs or alterations that do not involve heat, fire or spark-producing operations;
- Hot work includes any repairs or alterations that involve drilling, riveting, welding, burning or other heat, fire or spark-producing operations;
- Fire exposure includes fire, sparks, open light or using surfaces with a temperature that is equal to or higher than the minimum ignition temperature of the possible remaining liquids or gases in the cargo tank or enclosed environment
OUR SOLUTION
Besides performing standard Oxygen and Lower Explosion Limit tests, residue within the tank or enclosed environment needs to be examined.
In addition, our Gas Free Inspection Certificates indicate:
- The last cargo contained in the area (and sometimes the last three cargoes if available);
- The method used for cleaning the inspection zone;
- The location of the working area;
- A description of the work.
After a careful examination of the tested areas and a review of the maintenance work to be performed, our specialists will issue a judgment on the safety of the enclosed space:
- Not safe for entry or fire
- Safe for entry/ Not safe for fire
- Safe for entry and fire
Our specialists also indicate any additional remarks depending on local regulations and specific circumstances and also define the validity time of the Gas Free Inspection Certificate.
In general, these certificates have to be renewed every 24 hours.
