Key Questions
The following key questions are answered in this module:
How is steam created?
Steam is created when heat energy is added to liquid water, increasing the temperature to its boiling point. Once water has reached its boiling point, the temperature stops increasing, and that heat energy is now going towards creating vapor or "steam" rather than increasing the water's temperature.
What are some safety guidelines to help prevent accidents?
Some safety guidelines that should be considered are: cleaning up wet floors immediately after a leak, or if a steam pipe is drained for maintenance, keep work areas clear of unneeded materials and equipment, avoid contact with steam, watch your head in areas with low headroom or projections, ventilate all spaces where work is taking place, and clean steam pipes regularly and keep them free from oil or grease.
Why and how should steam pipes be insulated?
Steam lines should be guarded and provide proper insulation to protect individuals from high temperatures as well as keep the system from losing heat. Steam lines should be insulated so that their temperature is less than the temperature which would result in a skin burn if touched. This is typically higher than 49 °C (120 °F), depending upon the length of contact.
What is water hammer?
"Water hammer" is the unexpected release of high pressure condensate that is then carried at high speeds in a steam pipe until it collides against a valve, or other component. When it impacts the inside of steam pipes, it causes a loud banging noise.
What are some common personal protective equipment that all personnel working near steam pipes should wear?
Personnel working near steam pipes should wear what's required of them, which may include but isn't limited to: coveralls (with heavily protected fabric, nonslip safety shoes with a hard toe cap, hearing protection, a face visor, impact- and chemical-resistant goggles, insulated leather gloves, and a respiratory device.