PPE hot liquids
PPE hot liquids
(OP)
Following two incidents in 6 months where staff have sustained burns from hot liquids I have been tasked with review of suitable PPE and suggested requirements/procedures. I would like to hear from other who work in any plant (eg pulp and paper) where hot liquids are transported. Our hot liquids and steam are generally non toxic and at about 98 degrees celcius although some of the condensate contains SO2 gas. Main causes of injury have occurred when opening pipes, flanges, valves etc which were not fully drained or depressurized , despite a permit having been taken out.
Thus I am looking for others best practices in choice of PPE such as gloves, face protection, body protection etc.
Thus I am looking for others best practices in choice of PPE such as gloves, face protection, body protection etc.





RE: PPE hot liquids
RE: PPE hot liquids
Bill
RE: PPE hot liquids
RE: PPE hot liquids
Thanks for your responses.
When we open pipe flanges, man ways to tanks etc we do it via a permit to work system. Within that permit is a mini risk assessment and all the conditions for safe opening of the said flange or tank are listed.
These precautions include electrical isolations of pumps. air lines, various valves closed and locked off etc.
Even though a permit has been taken out, staff briefed etc, it is still a requirement of our company to stipulate PPE requirements on the work permit.
Occasionally problems do occur, slugs of product in the pipes, gas build up etc hence the requirement for PPE.
As well as best practices with PPE I am also looking to see what other operating best practices people use out there.
We used skilled labour such as fitters (maybe called mechanics is the US) which are qualified artisans to open these flanges etc. Perhaps other plants around the world use other labour such as plant operators. I am keen to see what others in process plants do and how they handle the risk of hot liquids etc
RE: PPE hot liquids
In your instance can you isolate the area being worked on from the system and letting the materials cool down? Thus reducing or eliminating the dangerous condition. This would reduce or eliminate the PPE requirements. PPE for short exposure of hot liquids would be gloves,helmet, face shields, boots and aprons. Hopefully these could be insulated however if the danger is live steam I don't believe there is acceptable PPE. A complete insulated environmental suit would also work but again is the risk high enough to justify such protection. I cannot answer that question.
RE: PPE hot liquids
Mark Hutton
RE: PPE hot liquids
RE: PPE hot liquids