Purge and commission gas storage vessels and supply systems

This standards is about the purging and commissioning of gas storage vessels and supply systems.  This could also apply to bulk supply vessels for single or multiple dwellings or for cylinders. Gas storage vessels and supply systems can be for any type of fuel gas.  

 

This standard includes checking storage and supply systems are correctly installed, checking incoming and outgoing service connections are operable, carrying out pre-commissioning checks, purging storage vessel, communicating commissioning requirements, checking the operation of service connections safety devices and controls and complying with legislative requirements.

This standard is for anyone who purges and commissions gas storage vessels and supply systems. 

1. confirm that storage vessel installation complies with industry codes of practice and manufacturers' instructions

2. check that storage vessel type is suited to the intended purpose

3. check that the storage vessels have sufficient capacity to support the installation activities

4. ensure the storage vessels are free of damage and defects before work commences

5. check storage vessels for tightness using procedures that comply with industry codes of practice

6. carry out industry recognized visual checks for system leaks and wear and tear

7. carry out pre-commissioning tests and checks in accordance with industry codes of practice and regulations

8. calculate storage vessel siting, ventilation and dispersion requirements

9. check that the storage vessel cleanliness, and integrity complies with industry codes of practice

10. purge pipework to storage vessel s to ensure system cleanliness in compliance with industry requirements 

11. check storage vessels are leak free and safe to accept gas

12. refer to manufacturers’ instructions on performance of storage vessel, regulators and components at appropriate times

13. inform people who are affected by your work about the effect on supply and likely timescales at appropriate points 

14. monitor own performance against specified work schedules 

15. communicate possible delays to customers, contractors and other people affected without delay

16. check operating pressure, operation of gas safety controls and safety shut off valves against performance requirements

17. complete commissioning documentation confirming safe commissioning of storage vessels 

18. provide customers with information necessary for safe ongoing operation of storage vessels

1. industry codes of practice, regulatory and statutory requirements, procedures and safe working practices

2. hazards and risks and how to address them

3. sequences to follow in the commissioning process

4. procedures, equipment and legislative requirements for the correct siting and installation of gas storage vessels

5. methods of establishing the tightness of storage vessels, including regulations and HSE approved codes of practice

6. how to carry out tests and checks including tightness tests, pre commissioning checks, commissioning checks 

7. methods of establishing that service connections are adequate from the storage vessels

8. actions to take where pre-commissioning checks or tests reveal defects

9. sources of information on the performance of storage vessels

10. routines and sequences for commissioning storage vessels

11. the effects of your work on others work routines and how to communicate with them

12. points in the commissioning process where co-operation and liaison with other trades and customers may be required

13. how to access user information appropriate to the storage vessels including supplier and emergency service number 

14. how to complete commissioning documentation confirming the safe commissioning of storage vessels

15. the actions to take when storage vessels being commissioned do not meet design requirements

16. why it is important to reissue manufacturers' instructions to users 

17. delays connected with work performance, material, tools and equipment availability, defects and damage