PetroStreet

Where Operations allow the use of non-standard blinds? Only during the plant shutdown or in other circumstances as well?

It is required to be managed through a review and approval process before installation at site.
MOC Committee sould receive all the details wherever these non-standard blind /blanks are needed and accordingly review with support of the mechanical engineers involved to perform the necessary calculation and define controls when using.
Operations control is necessary as and where the blind /blanks are being used.

This is one of the checkpoints while releasing the work permit that the blinds being used are the ones either the standard ones or approved by Engineering.
Management of change is applied to use any non-standard blinds and only during defined conditions, and not the normal operating ones.
Just like a case of a temporary clamp applied to arrest a leak is taken for committee review, this process is controlled as well.

We have this controlled process of getting a temporary change approved for use of non-standard blinds after Engineering approval. This is mainly done during shutdown where a large number of spading is required. A complete list is developed, endorsed by Engineering and then an approval is obtained from the management.
Rest assured there is nothing non-standard applied during normal running operations and if in case it has to be applied, again engineered and then approved through management once raised as a temporary change request with all the right justification.

Appreciate all the valuable inputs.
Controlled process this, that too through engineering feedback and an approval from management of change committee.