HSE Toolbox Talk

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Like nitrogen gas itself, process analyzer shelters
are a good thingbut with some inherent risks
that must be addressed for the safety of those
involved. Analyzer shelters are helpful for
ensuring adequate analyzer performance. They
may be designed to protect against rain, wind,
temperature, humidity, dustas well as sunlight,
vibration and corrosive air. Since proper
monitoring and maintenance of analyzers and
their associated sample systems are essential to
reliable operation, shelters are designed for
routine personnel access. But such access carries
with it certain risks, because analyzer shelters are
enclosed spaces. As such they may threaten the
entrant with exposure to hydrocarbons, toxics or
an oxygen-deficient atmosphere. Also,
maintenance work performed on an analyzer
may cause changes in the atmosphere within its
shelter.
As stated in HSSE Procedure PR-6, Analyzer
Shelter Entry, continuous safe entry into process
analyzer shelters depends on various factors such
as the types and quantities of process streams
being analyzed, the location of the analyzers
sample conditioning system (inside or outside
the shelter), and the design and capacity of the
shelters ventilation system. Only BP analyzer
personnel and those accompanied by analyzer
personnel are authorized to enter analyzer
shelters. There are many safety regulations
concerning analyzer shelter entry, aimed at
safeguarding the lives and health of BP
personnel. If your job involves shelter entry, it is
mandatory that you know and abide by these
ruleswhich are summarized in HSSE
Procedure PR-6, Analyzer Shelter Entry.
Highlights of Analyzer Shelter
Entry Regulations
1. Shelter entry by non-analyzer personnel must
be authorized by the ATW process.
2. Potential atmosphere hazard must be
minimized via a ventilation system making
six air exchanges per houror through gas
testing prior to and during entry.
3. Warning signs regarding the need for
atmospheric testing, and the potential for
breathing hazards, must be posted on the
shelter.
4. Shelters must not be used for other operations
and maintenance activities (such as routine
sampling and equipment storage).
5. Prior to entering an analyzer shelter, an
analyzer technician must verify that the
ventilation system is adequate and operating.
If not, an individual trained in gas testing
must test the atmosphere for all hazards
identified for that shelter. (Initial testing must
be done from outside the shelter by inserting
a gas test probe through a sample port. Upon
safe entry, the instrument must be placed
inside the shelter near the work being
performed.)
Remember: An analyzer shelter can quickly
become a danger zone. Shelters should be
entered only according to the safety rules.
References: SH-PR-06, Analyzer Shelter Entry http://bpsh-hsepolicy.bpweb.bp.com/TC-Site/SH-PR-06-
TCS.doc
TBT04-18 November 15, 2004
Analyzer
Shelters
Safe Havens or
Danger Zones?
SAFE SHELTER?
Not necessarily. UU4 Operator
Skip Shelton makes sure by
testing a shelter prior to
entering.