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Know the hazards and controls

Common in production plants, steam systems produce steam at high temperatures and pressures, making it extremely hazardous.

In fact, when water reaches its boiling point of 100 C and evaporates into steam, that steam holds approximately nine times the energy of the boiling water. That, combined with the fact that steam can be heated beyond 100 C, is why steam burns are so severe.

Steam hazards: Don’t get burned

  • Burns can result in injury and even fatalities.
  • Explosions can cause severe damage to equipment, as well as serious injury or death.
  • Corrosion from steam can weaken equipment and result in leaks.
  • Mechanical failures, such as ruptured pipes, malfunctioning valves and broken seals.
  • Chemical hazards from boiler treatment chemicals.
  • Fire hazards when steam systems come into contact with flammable materials or there is a malfunction.

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