Equipment Required for Shutdowns, Turnarounds and Outages

Our previous article discussed what STO is and the scoping and planning required to make this a success. In part 2, we'll look at what equipment is required to detect hazards and protect the workers from such risks. There is an extensive amount of safety equipment required during STO. We will highlight the features and benefits of some of the core products required during this time.

Ensuring Workers Safety

A vast range of equipment must be used to ensure workers safety during STO. The equipment is but not limited to:

• gas detection
• respiratory protection
• breathing apparatus
• escape devices
• protective clothing
• communication equipment
• fall protection
• face fit testing equipment
• drug and alcohol testing equipment

Other forms of equipment may be required for maintaining safety, but these are the core products sites must acquire to protect workers. We have highlighted some of our recommended products in the image below.

Many of the tasks completed during STO involve entering confined spaces, therefore the air must be monitored before and during entry. Safety officers are responsible for overseeing this, maintaining best practices and protecting those involved. Protective clothing must be donned and using a pumped gas detector and pump-probe the confined space must be cleared for entry.

The conditions within the confined space can change with no warning, hence the need for continuous monitoring. Let's take a look in more depth at some of the equipment mentioned above.

Gas Monitoring Equipment

As a sample must be drawn pre-entry, pumped monitors are an absolute requirement for shutdowns and turnarounds. With turnarounds associated with refineries and petrochemical sites, there may be a requirement to monitor volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

MultiRAE Lite - Gas Detector for up to 6 gases

This is a highly versatile multi-gas detector from RAE Systems that can detect up to 6 gases. This monitor is perfect for use in turnarounds and shutdowns when coming in a pumped model with LEL, O2, Toxic gas, and PID capabilities. It also has continuous data logging capabilities ensuring readings can be easily documented.

Drager X-am 2500 - Gas Detector for up to 4 gases

Suited for the detection of combustible gases, oxygen depletion, hydrogen sulphide and carbon monoxide the Drager X-am is another monitor suited to turnarounds. Easily clipped near to the workers breathing area this monitor is perfect for workers who need to monitor the levels around them, once areas have been cleared for entry.

Area Monitoring

Sites may also make use of area gas detectors placed around the vicinity of where work is being undertaken. Using connected area detectors allows all workers to be made aware of a gas leak near them so they can safely evacuate the area, whether the leak is directly next to the worker or close to their working area. We have a wide range of area monitors available on our website. Click here to find out more.

Breathing Apparatus and Protection Equipment

As mentioned, with workers entering potentially toxic atmospheres breathing apparatus and emergency escape equipment is required. We'll list some of our most recommended equipment below.

MSA M1 Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus

The MSA M1 SCBA is the lightest self-contained breathing apparatus on the market, allowing workers to remain comfortable while keeping safe. Those working in and around the dangerous areas are required to wear protective equipment such as SCBA. With improved chemical resistance and seamless integration with the G1 Full Face Mask and C1 Headset workers can work safely and easily communicate with other workers and supervisors.

Fall Protection

MSA Workman Tripod and Workman Harness

Designed specifically for confined spaces, both of these products are a perfect entry and exit solution. Combined with a suitable connecting device such as an MSA Workman Rescuer would provide a greater amount of protection for those working in the confined spaces. Only trained personnel should be entering confined spaces due to the risks mentioned in part 1 of this series. Please refer to your local regulations regarding working in confined spaces before completing the work required.

That's Not All!

As seen, there is a multitude of detection and protection equipment required for a successful turnaround. The equipment we haven't touched on such as escape sets, drug and alcohol devices and face fit testing equipment are all just as important in maintaining workers safety. Please check out the links at the beginning of our article to find out more about this equipment.

If you have any questions regarding shutdowns, turnarounds, and outages or how we can help with that. Please leave a comment below, or send your enquiry to [email protected]

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