A gate valve is being removed from a product line. All of the following procedures must be performed except?

• A. Drain and depressurize the line
• B. Lockout and tagout the line
• C. Verify energy isolation and permit release
• D. Valve must be in closed position

Answer: (D)

The key safety idea is that before taking a valve out of service, you must eliminate all energy in the system and prevent re-energization. Draining and depressurizing the line removes stored pressure and any liquid under flow, which reduces the risk of a spill or release during the disconnect. Lockout and tagout protect against someone re-energizing or repressurizing the line while work is being done. Verifying energy isolation and having the proper permit or release documentation ensure that the work is authorized and that all energy sources are truly isolated. The position of the valve itself isn’t what ensures safety here; you can remove the valve once the line is isolated and depressurized, even if the valve isn’t closed, because there’s no pressure or energy driving flow.