The aim of this procedure is to check the integrity of pipework expansion bellows and its associated anchors an

AOP 4.4
Frequency Annual
Personal Protective Equipment
Protective uniform, gloves, safety boots, safety glasses, head protection plus other items that may be required determine
the activity - see HSSEMS manual element 6

STEP ACTION NOTES

1 Clean the expansion bellow Hazard identification and risk assessme
• Clean lint free cloth and water to be used to clean in every aspect of this activity.
expansion joints.

• Clear vegetation and shingle / ballast away from the

expansion bellows or its anchor points and fittings.

• Record any mechanical damage.

2 Visual Checks
• Look for axial, lateral, angular, torsional and squirm
deflection.
• Check for flattening or non-uniformity of the bellows
as this may be evidence of operation outside of design
conditions or abnormal misalignment.
Note:
Housekeeping must be maintain in fuel
either pull or empty must not be left wi
Rejected material such as paper, carton
metal, vegetation, oil soaked rugs etc. m
properly disposed off to prevent unsafe

• Check that deflection values are within design values.

• Confirm that there is adequate support of the

pipework.

3 Tightness checks
• Confirm presence and adequacy of all bolts, all bolts
should have at least one clear bolt thread exposed
above the nut.

• Check for tightness of the restraining/retaining bolts.

• Record any findings

4 Leak & Corrosion checks

• Check for leaks, including at the seals where fitted.
Pay attention to screwed pipework and look out for
staining on joints, ground and vegetation
 • Inspect the seals on the expansion bellows fitted with
internal packing to confirm integrity

• Inspect for corrosion

If pipes are in direct contact with steelw
• Where corrosion is found determine depth of corrosion is evident, then the pipe shou
corrosion. Remove paint and use NDE equipment allow a visual inspection and NDE surve
where necessary.

4 Record test results

• Enter test data onto record sheet

• Expansion bellows shall be replaced if damaged, not

repaired