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909 Offshore Oil and Gas Safety II
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Pigging and Pressure Testing

Pigging refers to using devices called "pigs" to perform maintenance on a pipeline without stopping the flow of the product.

What is Pigging?

When pigging and pressure testing:

  • Develop safe procedures prior to the start of work related to pigging and testing.
  • A competent and authorized person should verify that the line and/or pig trap (launcher) is depressurized before removing a test head or the opening of a pig launcher or receiver.
  • During pigging or testing operations, only workers directly involved with the work should be in the immediate work zone.
  • When the pipe or pig launcher or receiver is under pressure, post warning signs and do not allow workers in work zone of either end of the pipe.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

2-9. What must be verified before removing a test head or the opening of a pig launcher or receiver?