Case Study 3: Replacement of Nitrogen Pressure Vessel Seals

Correct.  The Lockout/Tagout standard would apply here.

The potential for unexpected release of hazardous energy from the nitrogen pressure vessel existed during this operation and posed the risk of injury to the employees.

The employer should develop and implement an energy control procedure meeting the requirements of 1910.147(c)(4). This would ensure that all hazardous energy is identified and secured at the energy isolation points, that internal pressure is safely relieved from the nitrogen pressure vessels, and that there is no potential for energy reaccumulation during the maintenance operation.

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