OSHA Requirements for Hydrostatic Testing

[Sublimination64]

Hello everyone,

I will be working in setting up a hydrostatic testing (following B31.3) area inside a spool fabrication building. Spool sizes will be up to NPS 8. As of now, I do not know what will be the maximum pressure. The highest I've seen have been D Pressure Class.
Well, I've been searching online for what are OSHA requirements in regards to barricading and safety measures but without any luck. Would anyone know where I can obtain this information?

 

[metengr]

If you are using water for the hydrostatic test, there are no requirements because water is considered a non-compressible fluid for purposes of hydrostatic testing. Most shops have an area cordoned off to conduct hydrostatic tests with temporary splash shields and floor drains to protect surrounding equipment in the event of a water leak.

 

[Sublimination64]

metengr,

That is correct, water will be used. Could you share on any guidelines to follow on how much of an area must be closed for the test depending on the pressure level?

 

[metengr]

Sublimination64;
Based on the numerous shop audits I have been on over the years, I would say you have two options; use a staging area after the spools are completed/stored to perform the hydrostatic test using treated water and a pump with fittings. The other option is to use part of the production floor after completion of each spool to pressurize and test. I would use hazard tape on the shop floor to cordon off the area, depending on the size of the spool for a distance of 3 feet, for each test. This should be described in your QA manual regarding test plans.