The document discusses proper bolt tightening procedures for pipework. It emphasizes that bolts should not be overtightened, as this can compromise the integrity of the pipework and cause safety issues. There are specified torque specifications for every job that must be followed. Overtightening bolts subjects them to more stress than they are designed for and can cause fatigue or weakening over time. The document also recommends using torque guns when possible to avoid hand injuries from manual tightening.

1. Toolbox Talk
August 15 A GDF SUEZ ENERGY SERVICES COMPANY
THINK SAFETY – WORK SAFELY
Ref: QWP 4.16
TIGHT ENOUGH?
Working on pipework usually involves loosening and tightening nuts, bolts and studs as we’re
fitting and making adjustments to flanges when joining spools. A pressurised pipe will always
‘give’ at the weakest point, hence why we pressure test our pipework to ensure that there aren’t
any weak spots, or ‘bad’ welds, but all of this testing is futile if the correct bolting procedure isn’t
followed. We can all appreciate the potential for a serious incident when a pressurised pipe gives
way.
There may be something satisfying about pulling a wrench as hard as you can until it won’t move
another hair . . . however you aren’t doing the pipework any favours. In fact, most of the torque
(bolt tightness) specifications would really surprise you. Whether you’re using a flogging spanner,
a wrench or a specific tensioning tool such as a RAD torque gun, there is a specified bolting
procedure for every customer’s specifications. These should always be followed.
Some of us have a tendency to “put our all” into it as we tighten up those bolts, some of us don’t.
So which is tight enough?

2. Toolbox Talk
August 15 A GDF SUEZ ENERGY SERVICES COMPANY
THINK SAFETY – WORK SAFELY
At Fabricom we have Quality Working Practice 4.16 (QWP 4.16 CONTROL OF BOLT TORQING
& TENSIONING) to govern what we use as a standard when bolting and torqueing , this procedure
must be followed.
Over tightening can also create a potential safety issue and besides the obvious problem of the
bolt being impossible to remove without cutting it, there are some more serious issues that arise
when a bolt is over tightened. Over tightened bolts undergo more stress than it was designed to
handle. This not only applies to the nut, screw or bolt, but also to the flange you’re bolting up.
This extra stress can cause the bolt or the nut to fatigue, weakening them and compromising the
integrity of the pipework.
Finally, think HANDS:
If you have a lot of bolting up to carry out then you should be using a Rad Gun or similar as this
will prevent your hands being in the line of fire and limit the manual handling required.
As a last resort, if you have to use a flogging spanner to tighten the bolts then fit and use a Finger
Saver, it could do just that – save your fingers.