SA_05 Breathing Apparatus Control and Use

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Breathing Apparatus Control and Use Document Number: SA.KOC.005 Approver:

Manager (IS)

Author:

TL Fire

Scope:

KOC Directorates

Document Coordinator:

TL Standards

Issue Date:

June 6, 2004

Issuing Dept:

Group HSE

Control Tier:

Tier 4

Revision/Review June 6, 2004 Date: Next Review Date: June 6, 2004

1.0 Purpose/Scope The purpose of this document is to outline responsibilities and provide guidance on the provision, control and use of breathing apparatus (BA), on KOC facilities. These guidelines describe the principal precautions that should be taken by all personnel and apply to all KOC facilities.

2.0 Definitions Breathing Apparatus (BA) This includes self-contained sets for use by emergency response teams, airline sets, and self-rescue saver sets. BA Wearer Any personnel on KOC facilities who has cause to use BA equipment.

3.0 General Requirements •

KOC HSEMS Element HSE-05-4

4.0 Key Responsibilities

TL Safety/Asset HSE Team •

Ensuring that adequate BA sets are available at suitable locations around the facilities and that all such locations are clearly identified on the Fire and Emergency Equipment Plans which are prominently displayed throughout the site.

Control Tier

Revision Date: Uncontrolled Copy. Valid Only at the Time of Printing: 10-Oct-04

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Operations/Maintenance Team Leader •

Ensuring that Operational/Maintenance staff are suitably trained with the various BA equipment they may have to use during emergency and normal operations and carry out regular training exercises in the use of BA equipment.

Operations Supervisor • • •

Ensuring that BA equipment used during training is serviced, cleaned and returned to its designated location on completion of training. Ensuring that BA test & inspection records are maintained. Ensure that the pressure in BA cylinder must not be less than 80 % (i.e. 240 Bar) at a ny time.

Maintenance Team Leader •

Ensuring that all maintenance and BA equipment checks are carried out in Accordance with approved maintenance schedules.

•

Ensuring that BA test and inspection records are maintained.

BA Wearer • •

Ensuring that the BA set is in good working condition prior to use. Informing the Fire Team staff of any malfunctions or damage that is found, prior to and during use of BA equipment.

Specialist Vendors In the event that BA equipment is brought onto a KOC fa cility by a specialist vendor then the vendor will be responsible for ensuring that the equipment is: •

In accordance with KOC specifications for use on KOC facilities.

•

Fully certified.

•

Fully functional and fit for the purpose for which it is to be used.

•

Ensure adequate spare parts are available when requested.

•

To inform of any changes or modifications to the system.

Control Tier

Revision Date: Uncontrolled Copy. Valid Only at the Time of Printing: 10-Oct-04

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5.0 Procedure General 5.1

General

The atmosphere in certain areas on a facility may, at times, present a hazard to the health of personnel, by the generation of toxic or unpleasant gas, fumes, smoke, dust etc. Where such an atmosphere occurs, if possible the source of the hazardous or toxic substance should be removed or rendered inert and the area subjected to forced ventilation. The atmosphere in the area must then be tested before personnel are allowed to enter to ensure that the air is free from hazardous or toxic substances and that the atmosphere is safe for breathing. Where this is not possible or air quality cannot be guaranteed, e.g. in an emergency situation, or where generation of gas or fumes may occur instantaneously and without warning, approved breathing apparatus (BA) must be worn. BA equipment must comply with British Standards. 5.2

Breathing Apparatus (BA) Wearer

The BA Wearer must have a good working knowledge of the different types, duration and application of BA sets available, these include: •

Self contained rescue sets for emergency response team and rescue use (Maximum duration when full approx. 35 minutes).

•

Airline sets supplied from a bank of BA cylinders located outside the area. These Should have a short duration backup cylinder incorporated into the apparatus for use in planned vessel or confined spaces entry work.

•

Self-rescue saver sets (which have a limited duration of approximately 10 Minutes) for emergency evacuation use only.

All BA wearers must be appropriately trained in the use of BA, and be fully conversant with BA procedures, which must include, but not be limited to , the following: •

Minimum of two men present when using BA (Other than self-rescue saver sets).

•

Standby men with standby BA sets present.

•

BA control procedure established with a nominated BA controller.

5.3

Airline Breathing Apparatus

Airline BA has its own independent air supply normally from a bank of compressed BA cylinders located outside the area to be entered or a BA compressor. When this type of BA is being used the short duration backup cylinder for emergency evacuation must be fully operational. In exceptional circumstances it is possible to use the facilities air system for airline BA but this is only permissible provided that: Control Tier

Revision Date: Uncontrolled Copy. Valid Only at the Time of Printing: 10-Oct-04

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•

An in-line air filtration unit and moisture trap, suitable for use with breathing air, is installed between the facilities air ‘take-off and the airline BA.

•

The filtration unit is purposely made to provide breathing quality air and must be used in accordance with the manufacturers instructions.

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The facilities air supply to the air filtration unit and moisture trap is locked open and suitably tagged. A short duration (minimum 10 minutes) back up cylinder is worn by the BA user.

•

5.4

Re-Charging BA cylinders

•

RE-charging of BA cylinders should only be undertaken by authorized competent persons using a BA compressor.

•

Whilst re -charging BA cylinders the BA compressor should be located in an area free from contaminants, e.g. hydrocarbon vapours, exhaust gases etc.

•

The compressor should be operated, maintained and the filter elements replaced in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions and planned maintenance routines.

•

Periodic checks should be made of the output air quality of the compressor. The frequency of these checks depends on the amount of use of the compressor but it should be not less than every 3 months and after each filter change.

•

The maximum levels of contaminant which are acceptable in air used for BA are: -

Carbon monoxide = 10 ppm or less (2.7 mg/m³) Carbon dioxide = 1,000 ppm (900 mg/m³) Oil Mist = 5 mg/m³ Odor Should not have a pronounced odor Water Water is not acceptable at all. However, moisture content does not exceed a dew point of minus 50 F At 1 atmosphere pressure. This requirement is Intended to prevent respirator valves from freezing and Could cause blockages in the flow of breathing air.

Above are Grade D Air Quality Specifications as specified by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) •

5.5 •

BA sets and spare rubber and neoprene components for BA equipment should not be stored in the same enclosure as an air compressor due to the potential presence of airborne contaminants, (e.g. oil mist, exhaust gases, ozone) which may cause the materials to deteriorate. Fit Testing Personnel with facial hair can sometimes have difficulty getting a seal when wearing Breathing Apparatus. It is important that you have been trained in the use of BA

Control Tier

Revision Date: Uncontrolled Copy. Valid Only at the Time of Printing: 10-Oct-04

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before attempting to wear it and that the training includes “Fit Testing” to ensure that the person can get a good seal. 6.0 Key Documents/Tools/References • •

KOC Standards – KOC-L-009 KOC Standard for Fire Protection and Safety Equipment Health and Environment Guidelines – KOC – 1110 – Respiratory Protection

Revision Log Revision Date

Document authority

15th March 2004 8th May 2004

Document custodian

Revision Details Draft for internal review Comments added after review

Control Tier

Revision Date: Uncontrolled Copy. Valid Only at the Time of Printing: 10-Oct-04