Impairment Handling

							Impairment Handling




                      1
     Impairment Handling

         What is an Impairment?


• An impairment is:

 Any interruption of normal fire protection
 … for any reason, for any length of time




                                              2
Impairment Handling




                      3
Impairment Handling




                      4
         Impairment Handling

When locked open, a valve is less likely to be closed:


    • Accidentally
    • For malicious reasons
    • Prematurely during a fire emergency




                                                         5
Impairment Handling




                      6
Impairment Handling




                      7
Impairment Handling




                      8
Impairment Handling




                      9
            Impairment Handling
                  When Locking Valves:
• Use a 2-inch drain test to confirm valve is reopened
• Provide non-breakable, shackle-type locks, rather than
  combination or breakaway locks
• Verify locks and chains can be severed with bolt cutters.
• Use weather-resistant locks.




                                                              10
            Impairment Handling
    The Impairment Permit System is Designed to Alert
      People that a Valve Must be Shut so They Can:

•     Take necessary precautions and provide temporary
      protection
•     Handle the impairment safely and rapidly
•     Make sure the shut valve is not “forgotten”




                                                         11
Impairment Handling
The Impairment Tag Permit




                            12
          Impairment Handling
                Before the Impairment

• Use The Impairment Tag Permit System
• Plan to work during idle periods
• Shutdown hazardous operations
• Arrange for temporary protection
• Have everything ready
• Notify Local Fire Department, alarm company, etc.
• Contact Allianz or Risk Management


                                                      13
            Impairment Handling
      Before the Impairment

• Contact Allianz or Risk Management who can recommend how to:

        – Isolate the impairment
        – Reduce the hazard
        – Provide temporary protection
        – Shorten the length of the impairment


                                                           14
      Impairment Handling
              During the Impairment

• Control ignition sources
• Work without interruption
• Patrol the affected area
• Attach the permit to the impaired equipment




                                                15
            Impairment Handling
           During the Impairment
•   Use Impairment Tag Permit
The Fire Protection Equipment Supervisor:
– Records the actual date and
  time of impairment
– Records the actual number
  of turns to close, if a valve
– Attaches the permit
  to the impaired equipment




                                            16
         Impairment Handling
              After the Impairment


• Make sure fire protection is restored to automatic
  service
• Reset alarms and notify Local Fire Department, alarm
  company, etc.
• Complete Impairment Tag Permit
• Contact Allianz or Risk Management


                                                         17
              Impairment Handling
       After the Impairment

• The fire protection equipment Supervisor
  documents that protection is restored on the
  permit and returns it to the Impairment
  Coordinator who:
   – reviews the completed permit
   – notifies Allianz or Risk Management
     protection is restored
   – transmits the information recorded on the
     permit
                                                 18