Health and Satety Executive Foreword Fallures during the isolation and reinstatement of process plant are one of the ‘main causes of loss-of-containment incidents, and may lead to major accidents. High standards of fsolation and rigorous management control are requited for plant ‘solation and reinstatement, particularly in major hazard Industries. ‘This guidance reflects current industry ‘good practice’ standards. It has been developed by a joint working group, including members frem industry, trade unions and the Health and Safety Executive, It replaces the Oil Industry Advisory Committee's 1997 document The safe isolation of plant and equipment (ISBN 0 7176 0871 9). ‘This revised guidance reflects our increased appreciation of the importance of human factors in safe isolations, Analysis confirms that where incidents occur, the root causes offen include human failures. We recommend the review of company procedures against the principles and practical quidance contained in this publication, An action plan should then be prepared for the Implementation of any necessary improvements. Effective and lasting improvement can be achieved where all concemed, from senior management to those carrying out work on the plant, share a genuine commitment to achieving and maintaining isolation procedures of a high stand We would like to thank the following individuals, thelr employers and industry groups for their contribution, fan Darlington Shell UK Oil Products UKPIA Kevin Dixon-Jackson* IBA Specially Chemicals ple CIA Martyn Foote Gresent UKOOA, Stuart Kennedy National Gr uKoC Petet Thompson BP Exploration Operating Company Ltd UKOOA Ron Wood* Shell UK Oil Products Tawu Mike Young Petrofac Facilities Management UKOOA, *COIF member The sa lscaton of plant and equipment Page dot 8