Safe isolation procedures and re-energization steps.
Prevent accidental motion or energization of automatic HVM bollards. Identify isolation points at panels and HPUs (347, 512, 514), apply tagging/verification steps, and control stored energy hazards (accumulators, springs). Define shift handover and return-to-service rules that align with modes (525) and fail states (355). Keep records/audits (716) and learn from common mistakes observed during SAT (638). This page sits under this section (720 hub) and the broader chapter hub (700). If your project is in Dubai/UAE, see SIRA Bollards (UAE) for authority alignment and approvals notes. When useful, also review What to Expect and the stepwise Installation Guide.
Important: This is a general guide. For live projects we develop a tailored
Method Statement & Risk Assessment (MS/RA) and align with authority approvals (e.g., SIRA) where in scope.
725.1 Isolation points
Identify mains, UPS, hydraulics, and controls (514, 512). Isolation protects HVM bollard teams.
Start by mapping all sources of energy that can actuate an automatic bollard: mains incomer and sub-feeds at the control panel, the UPS (if present), hydraulic power from the HPU, and control circuits (24VDC I/O, safety relays). Mark each isolation point on the Single-Line Diagram and panel door card so technicians can locate breakers, isolators, and fuses quickly. Tie labels to a consistent tag naming convention.
Where bollards share plant (multi-lane sets), note any common supplies (e.g., shared HPU motor starters, shared safety circuits). Provide a lane-by-lane isolation plan to avoid unintentionally de-energizing operational lanes during staged works.
| Aspect | What matters | Where to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical | Clear point of isolation & lock points | 514 — Electrical Supply & Protection |
| Hydraulic | Test/Isolate valves & relief paths | 512 — HPUs |
| Controls | Safe Local Mode, E-stop, safety relays | 350 — Safety & Interlocks |
725.2 Procedures & sequencing
Prove-dead, lock, tag, test. Sequencing prevents crash rated bollard energization.
Follow a consistent sequence: request permission (PTW), shut down via the SoO, isolate, prove dead/zero-energy, apply the LOTO device, and perform a documented try-start check to confirm the isolation is effective. Only then commence works. Reverse the steps for re-energization, including inspections and 632 — Power-On & Controls Health.
Use checklists for each energy source: electrical (breakers, control power), hydraulic (accumulator isolation, pressure bleed), mechanical (locks, props). Keep the MS structure aligned so field steps match the documented method.
725.3 Lock management
Personal locks, master keys, records. Management secures HVM bollard works.
Each competent person applies a personal lock and tag; group lock boxes simplify multi-trade tasks. Maintain a lock register: lock ID, owner, time on/off, device/location, reason. Avoid shared keys for personal locks; if a master key exists for emergencies, keep it controlled by the Supervisor with a sealed-key protocol and sign-out log.
Include spare lock kits in the 529 — Commissioning Tools. Train crews on tag clarity (name, phone, reason, date). Never remove another person’s lock except under a formal, witnessed process.
725.4 Stored energy control
Hydraulic/electrical/mechanical release. Control eliminates crash rated bollard surprises.
Hydraulic systems: isolate HPU, set test/isolate valves, and bleed accumulators to a safe pressure using the pressure test port. Electrical: discharge capacitors and verify absence of voltage on incoming and control circuits. Mechanical: secure moving parts (e.g., bollard columns) against gravity or residual spring force.
Document residual risk and barriers—exclusion zones, barriers, signage. On return to service, follow EFO & overrides checks and confirm fail-state philosophy is intact.
725.5 Permit integration
Link to PTW and MS (723, 721). Integration keeps HVM bollard tasks coherent.
Connect the LOTO plan with the project’s PTW & toolbox talks (permit type, validity window, boundaries) and the approved Method Statement. For UAE projects, note any SIRA or authority isolation/energization constraints and factor those into permits and witness plans.
725.6 Verification & test
Try-start checks with witnesses. Verification avoids crash rated bollard incidents.
Before starting work, perform a formal try-start: attempt to raise/lower the bollard from the HMI and local controls; the system must not move. Confirm Safe Local Mode, E-stops, and safety devices are effective. Record results with photos/time stamps per Evidence Capture Standards (716).
After work completion, use 632 Power-On & Controls Health and related commissioning pages (633–637) to re-verify normal operation.
725.7 Temporary bypass rules
Document, limit time, add signage (343). Rules protect HVM bollard safety circuits.
Bypasses (e.g., safety relay override or bypass key switch) must be rare, time-bounded, logged, signed by the Supervisor, and clearly signed at the lane. Add compensating controls: stewarding, cones/barriers, and restricted operation speed. Track bypass start/stop time on the permit and in the control system’s audit trail.
725.8 Shift handover
Lock transfer log and briefing. Handover sustains crash rated bollard control.
Use a lock transfer log when shifts change: who remains responsible; which isolations persist; what residual risks exist. Conduct a face-to-face briefing (or recorded call) and update the permit register. No one removes an absent person’s lock without the emergency removal procedure, witness, and sign-off.
725.9 Records & audits
Track locks, times, and owners (716). Audits reinforce HVM bollard compliance.
Capture evidence with the standards in 716: lock photos, tags, registers, try-start videos, panel screenshots. File items under the project’s File Index & Naming Rules (911). Review during site audits (728) and compile highlights into the SAT/Witness Procedure (638) pack.
Related
External resources
- NPSA — Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) Guidance
- FEMA 426 / DHS — Reference Manual to Mitigate Potential Terrorist Attacks
- ASIS — Security Risk Assessment Standard
725 Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) & Energization — FAQ
What is the minimum sequence for isolating an automatic HVM bollard?
Request/approve PTW, stop via SoO, isolate energy sources, prove dead/zero-energy, apply LOTO, perform a try-start, then begin work. Reverse the steps and complete 632 checks before returning to service.
How do we control hydraulic stored energy safely?
Isolate the HPU, set test/isolate valves, bleed accumulators via a pressure test port to a safe level, and secure the bollard mechanically. Record pressures and photos per 716 Evidence standards.
When is a temporary bypass acceptable?
Only when essential for controlled testing or fault finding, with Supervisor approval, time limits, signage, compensating measures, and a log entry. Remove the bypass and retest before normal operation.
What records should be kept for LOTO?
Lock register (ID/owner/time), try-start results, photos/videos with timestamps, permit copies, and re-energization checks. File items under the project’s 911 naming rules for later audits and SAT packs.