Unsafe Conditions in Startup Testing and Commissioning — Part 2
Startup testing normally takes place in parallel with other activities. Construction is usually still going on, for one thing. Also, operators are on-site and running equipment. Operators may be engaged in actual production, performing training runs or performing live optimizations on processes and equipment.
Many times, the operators are new. They were hired specifically for this facility, and individual operators may not understand that other parties may need some specific equipment energized and others de-energized. They can easily interfere with your lockout/tagout.
In large facilities, such as electrical generating stations and paper mills, all this various activity has long been coordinated through a central desk or similar function. If you are engaged in startup testing and commissioning at such a plant, ensure your entire team understands the rules and procedures. For example, the central desk may require you to take an operator with you to hang a hasp and operations lock on equipment in Area X. For Area Y, that isn’t necessary (but next week, it may be required).
About the Author
Mark Lamendola
Mark is an expert in maintenance management, having racked up an impressive track record during his time working in the field. He also has extensive knowledge of, and practical expertise with, the National Electrical Code (NEC). Through his consulting business, he provides articles and training materials on electrical topics, specializing in making difficult subjects easy to understand and focusing on the practical aspects of electrical work.
Prior to starting his own business, Mark served as the Technical Editor on EC&M for six years, worked three years in nuclear maintenance, six years as a contract project engineer/project manager, three years as a systems engineer, and three years in plant maintenance management.
Mark earned an AAS degree from Rock Valley College, a BSEET from Columbia Pacific University, and an MBA from Lake Erie College. He’s also completed several related certifications over the years and even was formerly licensed as a Master Electrician. He is a Senior Member of the IEEE and past Chairman of the Kansas City Chapters of both the IEEE and the IEEE Computer Society. Mark also served as the program director for, a board member of, and webmaster of, the Midwest Chapter of the 7x24 Exchange. He has also held memberships with the following organizations: NETA, NFPA, International Association of Webmasters, and Institute of Certified Professional Managers.