What does blanking/blinding involve in safety procedures?

Blanking or blinding is a critical safety procedure that involves blocking the open end of a pipe or vessel to ensure that no fluid or gas can escape during maintenance or when entering a confined space. This practice is essential for protecting workers from accidental releases and potential hazards that could arise from the presence of pressurized fluids, gases, or other hazardous materials.

By effectively sealing off the pipe, blanking or blinding provides a controlled environment, minimizing the risk of exposure to harmful substances and preventing the unintended flow of materials. Proper implementation of this procedure is vital in confined space operations, as it directly impacts the safety of rescue personnel and other workers in the vicinity.

Other options, while related to various aspects of pipeline management and safety, do not specifically describe the act of preventing fluid or gas flow into a confined space, which is the essence of blanking or blinding.