Equipment checks before startup

Appropriate checks and inspection procedures should be established and implemented before startup to verify that the installation of critical equipment is consistent with design specifications and the manufacturer s instructions. 

Mechanical seals are often chosen and designed to operate with environmental controls. If this is the case, check the seal assembly drawing or equipment drawing to ensure that all environmental control piping is properly installed. Before equipment startup, all cooling and heating lines should be operating and remain so for at least a short period after equipment shutdown. 

Troyan13 suggests that all pumps, compressors, turbines, and other equipment should be checked internally before they are turned on. He notes that such an inspection of a large gas compressor revealed rust and scale from nearby pipes, a welding rod, and a small pipe wrench within the cylinder itself. Starting up the compressor before these items were removed could have done enough damage that whole sections would need replacement. This could have delayed the startup for weeks or even months. 

Levels of Procedures It is wise to organize some procedures into different levels. Difficulty or complexity of tasks, frequency of tasks, or level of authority involved may define approval levels. For example, daily startup of equipment may need a pre-energizing inspection and preliminary tests before the activity moves into full operation. Employers can train workers to perform such normal safety checks. 

The system is normally in continuous operation. An Operating Procedure, UWNR 117, includes instructions for routine checkout. SAM and CAM channels are checked once per week per the startup portion of UWNR 117, usually before the first startup of the week. Shutdown (performed only for maintenance) is also covered by UWNR 117. Any shutdowns or maintenance on the equipment must be noted on the recorder charts at the console. 

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