In this post, we will learn about cooling tower safety tips to prevent accidents in the cooling tower, during construction, operation, and maintenance as happened in a China power station in 2016.
Cooling tower safety starts from its construction stage, operation, and then at its maintenance stage.
The following cooling tower safety tips will give you practical guidance on how to construct, operate and maintain a cooling tower in a safe manner.
Cooling Tower Safety Tips
Tips #1 Make perfect preparation for the installation new cooling tower
Installation of a new cooling tower and replacement of the existing cooling tower is high-risk work. They involve lifting high loads with heavy equipment.
For replacement of an existing cooling tower even involves more complex work. Since it starts with demolishing the existing one and then continued by installing a new one.
To perform such high-risk work, perfect preparation is the key.
Don’t miss any preparation in detail. A checklist will be very helpful.
Tips #2 Stop cooling water leakage immediately
Cooling water leakage creates a slippery surface on the cooling tower. Besides that, it will accelerate the wooden structure’s mechanical damage.
Tips #3 Wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Chemical charging into the cooling tower basin will expose workers to chemical hazards. So, wearing appropriate PPE is a must, like face shields and safety goggles.
Tips #4 Never work alone inside a cooling tower
Working alone inside a cooling tower is very dangerous. In case something bad happens to you, then no one will know and you will not be able to get immediate help.
Tips #5 Be careful when inspecting the hot water basin
Climbing to the top of the cooling tower and rotating fan blades are two obvious hazards that exist in the hot water basin. So, be careful when you will inspect them or do preventive maintenance work there.
Tips #6 Use scaffolding for filler clean up
Preventive maintenance of the cooling tower such as clean up of PVC filler requires work at height. Never climb the cooling tower. But, use scaffolding for doing that jobs.
Tips #7 Be careful when cleaning up the cold water basin
Cleaning up cold water basins not only will expose workers to slippery surfaces but also other potential hazards like bacteria, electric short, oxygen deficiency, falling objects and etc. So, make sure that workers wear appropriate PPE.
Conclusion
Installing, operating, and maintaining a cooling tower will expose workers to several kinds of potential hazards. You have to work by following the above cooling tower safety tips to stay safe.
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