Two Dangers of Steam Systems and How To Prevent Them

1. Slips and falls

One of the biggest hazards of any steam system is the risk of injury to employees due to slip and fall hazards.

Prevention tips: Preventive maintenance of steam systems is one of the best ways to prevent slips and falls at a facility. When condensate is released into the atmosphere, it can quickly make the floor slick. Using ultrasound technology, inspectors can pinpoint small leaks before they would otherwise be visible to the naked eye. Then, maintenance staff can take action to repair aging assets before they become a problem. Likewise, slip-resistant footwear can protect employees from hard-to-spot hazards in low-light environments.

2. Steam leaks

In addition to causing slipping hazards, steam leaks can lead to abnormally warm pipes and ambient temperatures, making the facility unsafe for workers. This problem is especially apparent in low-pressure steam systems where feedwater must be heated past the boiling point. Burns caused by steam can severely injure workers and reduce efficiency over the long term.

Prevention tips: Assuring steam traps are functional is one of the top ways to reduce the risk of dangerous leaks. The Ultraprobe® 100and Ultraprobe® 3000are great options for assessing steam traps and preventing asset failure. Both products are easy to use and absolutely essential for facilities managers who want to keep workers safe and control resource costs at the same time.

Toolbox talk based on NMGC submitted by Chris McKenna – P66 Bayway