Instrumentation & Controls Technicians
Instrument technicians install, calibrate and repair the sensors, transmitters, valves and control systems that keep processes running. They work close to live equipment and sometimes inside the safety systems that protect the plant.
- I&C Technicians
- Plant Maintenance
- Industrial
Hazards
- Process hazards: pressurized lines, toxic or flammable fluids and high temperatures at sampling and instrument connections. See Process Safety Management.
- Electrical shock and arc flash in control cabinets and field wiring. See Arc Flash.
- Hazardous areas: sparks from tools or non-rated instruments in classified areas. See Hazardous Locations.
- Stored energy in impulse lines, capacitors and actuators.
- Falls when reaching elevated transmitters and valves.
- Confined spaces such as tank gauges and pits.
- Unexpected plant response when a sensor is bypassed or a setpoint is changed.
Safe work practices
- Get a work permit and know the process condition before opening any instrument connection.
- Use lockout/tagout for electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic and process energy. Bleed and verify zero pressure. See Lockout/Tagout.
- Use intrinsically safe or rated tools and meters in classified areas and keep them certified.
- Test for voltage with a proper meter before touching wiring. See Absence of Voltage Testing.
- Tell operators before you calibrate or force a signal. Use a bypass or override only with written approval and track it.
- Do not defeat a safety instrumented system or alarm to avoid nuisance trips. Fix the cause instead. See Management of Change.
- Wear flame-resistant clothing, gloves, safety glasses and hearing protection as needed. Carry a personal gas monitor when working near leaks. See Gas Detectors.
Before you leave
- Remove bypasses, jumpers and test equipment
- Return instruments to service and confirm readings with operations
- Reconnect and secure covers, seals and conduit fittings
- Document the work and any changes to settings
- Remove locks and tags only according to the program
Standards & references
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