When it comes to installing inflatable pipe plugs, safety should always be your top priority. These devices, while incredibly effective for blocking off pipes for repair and maintenance, can present certain risks if not handled properly.
Understanding the Importance of Safety
Inflatable Pipe Plugs are designed to create airtight seals in pipes. However, if a Pipe Plug bursts, it can be as dangerous as bomb explosion which may create hazardous damages and posing a life-threatening risk to workers nearby.
A failure of the plug—whether due to improper installation, overinflation, or failure to follow operating procedures—can result in catastrophic bursts or leaks, which may even be fatal.
How to Safely Use the Pipe Plug?
Like any other dangerous device, inflatable pipe plugs must only be used by a qualified and trained personnel. Thus, make sure that your team is properly trained and if you require any additional training, PlugCo team will be available to assist you.
Before using any Pipe Plug, always read the technical detailed labeled on it and mentioned in its datasheet to understand its applicable size range, inflation pressure, and back pressure limits.
Follow all the instructions in the User Manual to properly install and remove the Pipe Plug.
Always stay away from the Danger Zone. In some cases, it may be difficult to avoid the danger area completely. For this reason, PlugCo has developed advanced pressure monitoring and alarm systems to help monitor inflation and back pressure and to warn the works nearby when the set value is reached.
NEVER inflate the Pipe Plug outside of the Pipe. This can damage the plug and may result in a burst, leading to serious or fatal injuries.
The hooks on the plug are designed only for lifting or pulling. They must not be used to brace the plug.
Use appropriate external support or bracing, depending on the application, to resist back pressure and keep the plug securely in place.
Always use a centralizer to properly align the plug in the center of the pipe, minimizing the risk of failure.
ALWAYS inflate the plug up to, but not beyond, the maximum allowable inflation pressure (working pressure) indicated on the plug for its applicable pipe size range.
Respect the storage conditions for a long-life cycle of the plug; Store the cleaned pipe plug in a clean dry place at room temperature and away from direct sunlight and follow the instructions listed in ISO2230.