Operations and Maintenance Procedures

[OPERATOR SIF Covered Task # 0831 Page 1 of 3

Revision Date: 4/1/18 Version: 2.1
NAME]
Cast-Iron Caulked Bell & Spigot Joints – Installation &
Maintenance of Mechanical Leak Clamps

SCOPE AND PURPOSE

This procedure includes the installation and maintenance of mechanical leak clamps on caulked bell
and spigot joints. It describes the practices required by §§192.753, 192.755 & 192.489.

RESPONSIBILITY
The [Operator Name’s or Job Position], or other designee, is responsible to ensure that the installation
and maintenance of mechanical leak clamps is performed as described in this procedure.

PERSONNEL SAFETY (Where Applicable)

Every reasonable precaution shall be taken to protect employees and the general public.

EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS

[Specify Acceptable Equipment to be Used]
Necessary equipment and materials to perform the task, such as, but not limited to:
 Leak clamp(s)
 Hand tools
 Other equipment & materials as needed

OPERATOR QUALIFICATION
This activity is a covered task under the Operator Qualification Plan and may only be performed by an
individual who is currently qualified to perform this task. Refer to the OQ Plan for specific qualification
requirements.

INSTRUCTIONS
General
The installation and maintenance of mechanical leak clamps shall be performed in accordance with
the manufacturer’s instructions.
General Installation Steps
a. Clean & Inspect the Pipe Joint
 Clean the pipe joint and bell face thoroughly – ensure the surface area is smooth and clean.
 Inspect the area for graphitization
o If general graphitization is found to a degree where a fracture or any leakage may result,
that segment must be replaced.
o If localized graphitization is found to a degree where any leakage might result, that
segment must be replaced or repaired, or sealed by internal sealing methods adequate to
prevent or arrest any leakage.
b. Re-Caulking and Facing-Up the Pipe Joint
 Caulked joints should not have caulking extending beyond the bell face – Re-set any caulking
and apply, as needed, additional suitable caulking material and ensure that the caulking is
even with the bell face.

Prepared by: Approved by: Date:

 Operations and Maintenance Procedures
[OPERATOR SIF Covered Task # 0831 Page 2 of 3
Revision Date: 4/1/18 Version: 2.1
NAME]
Cast-Iron Caulked Bell & Spigot Joints – Installation &
Maintenance of Mechanical Leak Clamps

c. Assembly
 Assemble the mechanical leak clamp in accordance with manufacturer’s installation
instructions.
d. Soap Test the Fitting
General Maintenance Steps
 If a mechanical leak clamp is found in need of maintenance or leaking:
o Tighten the bolts on the mechanical clamp in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions; or
o Apply a sealant in accordance with approved sealing systems; or
o Encapsulate the leak; or
o Replace the leaking segment

REPORTING/NOTIFICATION
Complete documentation in accordance with Operation and Maintenance Manual

RELATED PROCEDURES
0591 – Leak Test at Operating Pressure

ABNORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS

AOC Main Category & Examples of

Reactions to AOC, as appropriate
Specific AOCs
Unplanned escape of product from a  Protect life & Property
 Locate source/cause
pipeline  Prevent accidental ignition
of AOC
 Blowing/Escaping gas/Grade I leak  Notify appropriate
 Use appropriate PPE
personnel
 Stop gas flow
 Notify Fire/Emergency
 Make repairs/eliminate
Responders
AOC
 Initiate Emergency Plan
Fire or Explosion  Protect life & Property
 Locate source/cause
 Fire on a pipeline  Prevent accidental ignition
of AOC
 Explosion  Notify appropriate
 Use appropriate PPE
personnel
 Stop gas flow
 Notify Fire/Emergency
 Make repairs/eliminate
Responders
AOC
 Initiate Emergency Plan

Prepared by: Approved by: Date:

 Operations and Maintenance Procedures
[OPERATOR SIF Covered Task # 0831 Page 3 of 3
Revision Date: 4/1/18 Version: 2.1
NAME]
Cast-Iron Caulked Bell & Spigot Joints – Installation &
Maintenance of Mechanical Leak Clamps

Unplanned Flow Rate Deviation  Protect life & property

 Locate source/cause
 Unplanned Increase in Flow  Notify appropriate
of AOC
 Unplanned Decrease in Flow & or personnel
 Make repairs/eliminate
No Flow  Initiate Emergency Plan
AOC
as Needed
Inadequate Odorization or Reports of
Gas Odor  Protect life & property  Locate source/cause
 Prevent accidental ignition of AOC
 Low odorization
 Notify appropriate  Make repairs/eliminate
 Over odorization
personnel AOC
 Odor complaint
Improper Installation/Misalignment
of Components  Notify appropriate
 Improper fitting/component  Protect life & property personnel
installation  Prevent accidental ignition  Make repairs/eliminate
 Misalignment of AOC
fittings/components

Prepared by: Approved by: Date: