Line breaking, like any potentially hazardous task, requires proper functioning of human, mechanical, and system elements if it's to be carried out safely. This handbook will help your employees gain a solid understanding of how to plan for and prepare a line breaking operation and how to perform a line break safely.

Types of Line Breaks:
Line breaking can be performed in many ways and no single definition can cover every different type. The type of line break depends on several factors, such as the type of line, material carried in the line, and the temperature of the material.

Planning and Preparation:
Before performing any line break, three things must take place: job planning, systems preparation, and lockout/isolation.

• Job Planning: The job plan must be prepared by someone who understands the system and the hazards associated with the system.
• Systems Preparation: Once the job plan is approved workers must prepare the system for a line break. System preparation includes displacement of any hazardous materials that were previously contained in the line.
• Lockout/Isolation: Lockout and isolation doesn't ensure that all energy is removed from the line being opened. It will ensure that the line cannot be re-energized while work is being performed on it. There are several ways to isolate a system, and the method used will depend on the hazards involved, the frequency of the line breaks, and the risks of a leak.

Job Turnover:
Job turnover begins with a review of the job scope and job plan including any safety, health and environmental issues. Once the job is complete, a turnover is performed to return the system to the control of the operations group.