The issue of safety in the field is one that should never be compromised. We are adamant about this at P. C. McKenzie Company as you should be also. Here are some basic rules that I make sure all of our own service technicians follow:

• Understand and use good lockout and tag out procedures.
• Never work on compressor engine internals or rotating externals without locking out all electrical power and closing and securing with lock and tags all gas into and out of the skid. Know how to vent the gas off skid. Secure and lock out air start lines and vent same.
• Don't vent down high pressure lines by loosening tubing connections. It is not only slow, IT IS DANGEROUS! Install vent purge plugs if they do not already exist. Most high pressure fitting supply houses stock them.
• Don't use carbon steel compression fittings on stainless steel.
• Don't intermix different manufacturer's fitting parts on the same fitting.
• After having the compressor system open to air for repair, purge the air out of it before restarting. See Tip #8.
• Leak test with soap or approved gas leak solution or electronic leak detectors.
• Avoid loose clothing. Don't work with watches, rings or loose neck chains on.
• Always open high pressure vent and drain valves slowly and be sure that the discharge line is securely anchored and venting to a safe area. Avoid sudden high venting rates. Large discharges of high pressure gas can create a static charge, particularly if directed across a moveable surface such as a grass field or weed patch.
• Keep a fire extinguisher on site and know how to use it.
• Be aware that compressor piping becomes quite hot when running and remains so for a while after running.
• Repressurize high pressure lines slowly and in stages, checking for leaks at each stage. Generally this means stopping at 1000, 2000, 3000 and 4000 psig.
• NEVER TRY TO TIGHTEN A LEAKY FITTING WITH PRESSURE ON IT!!! High pressure compression fittings are designed to use pressure to seat them after they are torqued.
• Know where all the ESD shutdowns on a station are before performing work.
• Never jump out a safety control because it is a nuisance.