Line Breaking Permit
A line breaking permit controls the opening, disconnection, or disturbance of piping and equipment that may contain pressure, chemicals, steam, gas, or hazardous material.
What this term means in maintenance
A line breaking permit controls the opening, disconnection, or disturbance of piping and equipment that may contain pressure, chemicals, steam, gas, or hazardous material.
Line-breaking activities
Examples include:
- Opening flanges
- Removing valves
- Disconnecting hoses
- Cutting pipe
- Opening process equipment
- Removing instruments
- Breaking containment
Hazards
Possible hazards include:
- Residual pressure
- Toxic material
- Flammable material
- Hot fluid
- Corrosive chemical
- Steam
- Vacuum
- Unexpected flow
Controls
Controls may include isolation, depressurization, draining, flushing, gas testing, PPE, barricading, permit, and verification.
Practical example
Before removing a chemical valve, the line is isolated, drained, flushed, tested, and opened under controlled conditions.
Common mistake
Relying only on a closed valve without proving isolation and residual-energy removal can expose workers to unexpected release.
How this term differs
Line Breaking Permit is a task-specific permit for opening systems containing hazardous energy or material. It is related to Work at Height Permit, Hot Work Permit, and Permit to Work, but these terms describe different records, measures, roles, strategies, or decisions and should not be used interchangeably.
Related concepts
Related maintenance terms
Keep exploring connected CMMS, reliability, and maintenance planning terms.
Permit to Work
A permit to work is a formal authorization confirming that defined hazards, isolations, precautions, responsibilities, and validity conditions are controlled before high-risk work begins.
Lockout Tagout
Lockout tagout, or LOTO, is a controlled process used to isolate hazardous energy and prevent unexpected equipment startup or energy release during work.
Job Safety Analysis
A Job Safety Analysis is a structured review of work steps, hazards, controls, and responsibilities before a task is performed.
Glossary FAQs
- What is line breaking?
Opening or disconnecting piping or equipment that may contain pressure, chemicals, steam, gas, or hazardous material.
- What controls are required for Line Breaking Permit?
Isolation, depressurization, draining, flushing, testing, PPE, barricading, and permit approval.
- Is closing a valve enough?
No. Isolation and removal of residual energy must be verified.