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Occupational Safety & Health for Technologists, Engineers, and Managers

By David L. Goetsch
2011, 2008, 2005, 2002, 1999 Pearson Education, Inc.
Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
Chapter 17 - Pressure Hazards
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Occupational Safety & Health for Technologists, Engineers, and Managers
By David L. Goetsch
2011, 2008, 2005, 2002, 1999 Pearson Education, Inc.
Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
Chapter 17 - Pressure Hazards
PRESSURE HAZARDS DEFINED
Pressure is defined as the force exerted against an
opposing fluid or thrust distributed over a surface.
Expressed in force or weight per unit of area.
Such as pounds per square inch (psi).
Critical injury and damage can occur with relatively
little pressure.
We perceive pressure in relation to the earths
atmosphereat sea level, an average of 14.7 psi.
As altitude above sea level increases, atmospheric
pressure decreases, in a nonlinear fashion.
In human physiology studies, the typical unit of
measure is millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).
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Occupational Safety & Health for Technologists, Engineers, and Managers
By David L. Goetsch
2011, 2008, 2005, 2002, 1999 Pearson Education, Inc.
Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
Chapter 17 - Pressure Hazards
PRESSURE HAZARDS DEFINED
Boyles law states that the product of a given
pressure and volume is constant with a constant
temperature:
Air moves in & out of the lungs due to a pressure
gradient or difference in pressure.
When atmospheric pressure is greater than pressure
within the lungs, air flows from the outside into the lungs.
When pressure in the lungs is greater than atmospheric
pressure, air moves from the lungs to the outside.
P
1
V
1
= P
2
V
2
when T is constant
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Occupational Safety & Health for Technologists, Engineers, and Managers
By David L. Goetsch
2011, 2008, 2005, 2002, 1999 Pearson Education, Inc.
Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
Chapter 17 - Pressure Hazards
PRESSURE HAZARDS DEFINED
Gas exchange occurs between air in the lung alveoli
and gas in solution in blood.
The pressure gradients causing this gas exchange are
called partial pressures.
Daltons law of partial pressures states that in a
mixture of theoretically ideal gases, the pressure
exerted by the mixture is the sum of the pressures
exerted by each component gas of the mixture:
P
A
= P
O
+ P
N
+ P
else

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Occupational Safety & Health for Technologists, Engineers, and Managers
By David L. Goetsch
2011, 2008, 2005, 2002, 1999 Pearson Education, Inc.
Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
Chapter 17 - Pressure Hazards
PRESSURE HAZARDS DEFINED
Air entering the lungs is immediately saturated with
water vapor, which, although a gas, does not
conform to Daltons law.
Partial pressure of water vapor in a mixture of gases is not
dependent on its fractional concentration in that mixture.
It is dependent on temperature.
There are many sources of pressure hazards, which
result from air trapped or expanded in body cavities.
When sinus passages are blocked, expansion of the air
in these sinuses can lead to problems.
The same complications can occur with air trapped in the
eustachian tube of the middle ear.
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Occupational Safety & Health for Technologists, Engineers, and Managers
By David L. Goetsch
2011, 2008, 2005, 2002, 1999 Pearson Education, Inc.
Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
Chapter 17 - Pressure Hazards
SOURCES OF PRESSURE HAZARDS
In rapid ascent from underwater diving or from high-
altitude decompression, lungs can rupture.
Nitrogen absorption into body tissues can become
excessive during underwater diving & breathing of
nitrogen-enriched air.
If the nitrogen is permeating tissues faster than the person
can breathe it out, bubbles of gas may form in the tissues.
Decompression sickness can result from the
decompression that accompanies a rapid rise from
sea level to at least 18,000 feet.
Or a rapid ascent from around 132 to 66 feet underwater.
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Occupational Safety & Health for Technologists, Engineers, and Managers
By David L. Goetsch
2011, 2008, 2005, 2002, 1999 Pearson Education, Inc.
Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
Chapter 17 - Pressure Hazards
SOURCES OF PRESSURE HAZARDS
Factors influencing onset of decompression
sickness:
A history of previous decompression sickness, which
increases the probability of another attack.
Being over 30 increases the chances of an attack.
People in better condition have reduced chances.
Exercise during the exposure to decompression increases
the likelihood and brings on an earlier onset of symptoms.
Low temperature increases the probability of the sickness.
Speed of decompression influences the sickness..
Length of exposure of the person to the pressure is
proportionately related to the intensity of symptoms.
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Occupational Safety & Health for Technologists, Engineers, and Managers
By David L. Goetsch
2011, 2008, 2005, 2002, 1999 Pearson Education, Inc.
Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
Chapter 17 - Pressure Hazards
SOURCES OF PRESSURE HAZARDS
A reduction in partial pressure can result from
reduced available oxygen and cause hypoxia.
Too much oxygen or oxygen, breathed under
pressure that is too high, is called hyperoxia.
The partial pressure hazard, nitrogen narcosis
results from a higher-than-normal nitrogen pressure.
When breathed under pressure, nitrogen causes a
reduction of cerebral and neural activity.
At depths greater than 100 feet, nitrogen narcosis can
occur when breathing normal air.
Effects may become pathogenic at depths over 200 feet,
with motor skills threatened at depths over 300 feet.
Cognitive processes deteriorate quickly after 325 feet.
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Occupational Safety & Health for Technologists, Engineers, and Managers
By David L. Goetsch
2011, 2008, 2005, 2002, 1999 Pearson Education, Inc.
Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
Chapter 17 - Pressure Hazards
BOILERS AND PRESSURE HAZARDS
Potential safety hazards associated with boilers and
other pressurized vessels include:
Design, construction, or installation errors.
Poor or insufficient training of operators; Human error.
Mechanical breakdown or failure.
Failure or blockage of control or safety devices.
Insufficient or improper inspections, or preventive
maintenance
Improper application of equipment
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Occupational Safety & Health for Technologists, Engineers, and Managers
By David L. Goetsch
2011, 2008, 2005, 2002, 1999 Pearson Education, Inc.
Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
Chapter 17 - Pressure Hazards
BOILERS AND PRESSURE HAZARDS
OSHA recommended accident prevention
measures:
Daily check - of water to ensure it is at the proper level.
Vent the furnace thoroughly before starting the fire.
Warm up the boiler using a small fire.
Weekly check - of low-water automatic shutdown control,
recording results of the test on a tag that is clearly visible.
Monthly check - of the safety valve, recording results of
the test on a tag that is clearly visible.
Yearly check - low-level automatic shutdown control
mechanism should be replaced or completely overhauled.
Have the vendor or a third-party expert test all combustion
safeguards, including fuel pressure switches, limit switches,
motor starter interlocks, and shutoff valves.
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Occupational Safety & Health for Technologists, Engineers, and Managers
By David L. Goetsch
2011, 2008, 2005, 2002, 1999 Pearson Education, Inc.
Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
Chapter 17 - Pressure Hazards
HIGH-TEMPERATURE WATER HAZARDS
High-temperature water (HTW) is heated to very high
temperaturebut not enough to produce steam.
Human contact with HTW can result in extremely serious
burns, and even death.
The two most prominent sources of hazards with
HTW are operator error and improper design.
Mechanical forces such as water hammer, thermal
expansion, thermal shock, or faulty materials cause
system failures, more than thermodynamic forces.
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Occupational Safety & Health for Technologists, Engineers, and Managers
By David L. Goetsch
2011, 2008, 2005, 2002, 1999 Pearson Education, Inc.
Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
Chapter 17 - Pressure Hazards
HAZARDS OF UNFIRED PRESSURE VESSELS
Unfired pressure vessels include compressed air
tanks, steam-jacketed kettles, digesters and
vulcanizers, and others that create heat internally.
By various means rather than by external fire.
Various means of creating internal heat include:
Chemical action within the vessel.
Application of some heating medium (electricity, steam,
hot oil, and so on) to the contents of the vessel.
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Occupational Safety & Health for Technologists, Engineers, and Managers
By David L. Goetsch
2011, 2008, 2005, 2002, 1999 Pearson Education, Inc.
Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
Chapter 17 - Pressure Hazards
HAZARDS OF UNFIRED PRESSURE VESSELS
Potential hazards with unfired pressure:
Hazardous interaction between the material of the
vessel and materials that will be processed in it.
Inability of the filled vessel to carry the weight of its
contents and the corresponding internal pressure.
Inability of the vessel to withstand the pressure introduced
into it plus pressure caused by chemical reactions that
occur during processing.
Inability of the vessel to withstand any vacuum that may
be created accidentally or intentionally.
The most effective preventive measure for
overcoming these potential hazards is proper design.
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Occupational Safety & Health for Technologists, Engineers, and Managers
By David L. Goetsch
2011, 2008, 2005, 2002, 1999 Pearson Education, Inc.
Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
Chapter 17 - Pressure Hazards
HAZARDS OF UNFIRED PRESSURE VESSELS
Specs for design/construction of unfired pressure
vessels include:
Working pressure & temperature range.
Type of materials to be processed.
Stress relief, welding or joining measures & radiography.
Beyond proper design precautions for fired pressure
vessels can be used for unfired pressure vessels.
Continual inspection, proper housekeeping, periodic
testing, visual observation, use of appropriate safety
devices.
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Occupational Safety & Health for Technologists, Engineers, and Managers
By David L. Goetsch
2011, 2008, 2005, 2002, 1999 Pearson Education, Inc.
Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
Chapter 17 - Pressure Hazards
HAZARDS OF HIGH-PRESSURE SYSTEMS
Common hazards of high-pressure systems;
Leaks, pulsation, vibration.
Release of high-pressure gases.
Whiplash from broken high-pressure pipe, tubing, or hose.
Strategies for reducing these hazards include:
Limiting vibration by use of vibration dampening.
Decreasing leak potential by limiting the number of
joints in the system.
Use of pressure gauges & shields/barricades.
Remote control/monitoring; Restricted access.
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Occupational Safety & Health for Technologists, Engineers, and Managers
By David L. Goetsch
2011, 2008, 2005, 2002, 1999 Pearson Education, Inc.
Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
Chapter 17 - Pressure Hazards
CRACKING HAZARDS IN PRESSURE VESSELS
The most serious hazards in pressure vessels is the
potential for cracking, which can lead to leaks, or to
complete rupture, consequences of which include
Blast effects due to sudden expansion of vessel contents.
Possible injuries/damage from fragmentation.
Consequences of a leak include:
Suffocation or poisoning of employees depending on
the contents of the vessel.
Explosion and fire.
Chemical/thermal burns from contact with the contents
of the vessel.
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Occupational Safety & Health for Technologists, Engineers, and Managers
By David L. Goetsch
2011, 2008, 2005, 2002, 1999 Pearson Education, Inc.
Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
Chapter 17 - Pressure Hazards
CRACKING HAZARDS IN PRESSURE VESSELS
Pressure vessels are used in many applications to
contain many different types of substances. ranging
from water to extremely toxic chemicals.
Leakage or rupture may occur in welded seams, bolted
joints, or at nozzles.
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Occupational Safety & Health for Technologists, Engineers, and Managers
By David L. Goetsch
2011, 2008, 2005, 2002, 1999 Pearson Education, Inc.
Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
Chapter 17 - Pressure Hazards
Deaerator Vessels
Deaeration is removing non-condensable gases,
primarily oxygen, from steam generation water.
Deaerator vessels are used in power generation, pulp,
paper & chemical processing, and petroleum refining.
The most common failures in deaerator vessels are:
Cracks caused by water hammer at welded joints that
were not postweld heat treated.
Cracks caused by corrosion fatigue.
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Occupational Safety & Health for Technologists, Engineers, and Managers
By David L. Goetsch
2011, 2008, 2005, 2002, 1999 Pearson Education, Inc.
Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
Chapter 17 - Pressure Hazards
Amine Vessels
The amine process removes hydrogen sulfide from
petroleum gases, such as propane and butane.
Also used for removing carbon dioxide in some processes.
Amine vessels are used in petroleum refineries, gas
treatment facilities, and chemical plants.
The most common failures associated with amine
vessels are cracks in stressed or unrelieved welds.
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Occupational Safety & Health for Technologists, Engineers, and Managers
By David L. Goetsch
2011, 2008, 2005, 2002, 1999 Pearson Education, Inc.
Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
Chapter 17 - Pressure Hazards
Wet Hydrogen Sulfide Vessels
Fluid that contains water & hydrogen sulfide is
considered wet hydrogen sulfide, and many vessels
used to contain it are made of steel.
Hydrogen is generated when steel is exposed to such
a mixture.
Dissolved hydrogen can cause cracking, blistering,
& embrittlement, particularly in high-strength steels.
Low-strength steels are recommended for wet hydrogen
sulfide vessels.
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Occupational Safety & Health for Technologists, Engineers, and Managers
By David L. Goetsch
2011, 2008, 2005, 2002, 1999 Pearson Education, Inc.
Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
Chapter 17 - Pressure Hazards
Ammonia Vessels
Vessels for the containment of ammonia are widely
used in commercial refrigeration systems and
chemical processes.
Such vessels are typically spheres of carbon steel.
Water & oxygen content in ammonia can cause
carbon steel to crack, particularly near welds.
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Occupational Safety & Health for Technologists, Engineers, and Managers
By David L. Goetsch
2011, 2008, 2005, 2002, 1999 Pearson Education, Inc.
Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
Chapter 17 - Pressure Hazards
Pulp Digester Vessels
Pulp digestion in the manufacture of paper involves
use of a weak water solution of sodium hydroxide
and sodium sulfide in a range of 230 - 284 deg F.
The most common failure in pulp digester vessels is
cracking along welded seams primarily due to caustic
stress corrosion.
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Occupational Safety & Health for Technologists, Engineers, and Managers
By David L. Goetsch
2011, 2008, 2005, 2002, 1999 Pearson Education, Inc.
Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
Chapter 17 - Pressure Hazards
NONDESTRUCTIVE PRESSURE VESSEL TESTS
Five widely used nondestructive test methods:
Visual examination.
Liquid penetration test.
Magnetic particle test.
X-ray radiography.
Ultrasonic test.
Visual, liquid penetration & magnetic particle tests
can detect only defects on, or near the surface.
They are referred to as surface tests.
Radiographic/ultrasonic tests can detect problems
within the material.
They are called volumetric tests.
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Occupational Safety & Health for Technologists, Engineers, and Managers
By David L. Goetsch
2011, 2008, 2005, 2002, 1999 Pearson Education, Inc.
Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
Chapter 17 - Pressure Hazards
Visual Examination
A visual examination consists of a thorough look at
the vessel to detect signs of corrosion, erosion, or
hydrogen blistering.
It is necessary to have a clean surface and good lighting
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Occupational Safety & Health for Technologists, Engineers, and Managers
By David L. Goetsch
2011, 2008, 2005, 2002, 1999 Pearson Education, Inc.
Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
Chapter 17 - Pressure Hazards
Liquid Penetration Test
A specially formulated liquid penetrant is placed
over an area, and allowed to seep in.
When the penetrant is removed from the surface, some
remains entrapped in the area of discontinuity.
A developing agent draws out entrapped penetrant
and magnifies the discontinuity.
The process can be enhanced by fluorescent chemicals
to aid in the detection of problems.
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Occupational Safety & Health for Technologists, Engineers, and Managers
By David L. Goetsch
2011, 2008, 2005, 2002, 1999 Pearson Education, Inc.
Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
Chapter 17 - Pressure Hazards
Magnetic Particle Test
Discontinuities in/near the surface of a pressure
vessel disturb magnetic flux lines induced in a
ferromagnetic material.
Disturbances are detected by applying fine particles
of ferromagnetic material to the surface of the vessel.
Corners and surface irregularities in the vessel material
can produce the same disturbances as defects.
As this test works only with ferromagnetic material,
use is limited to vessels of carbon & low-alloy steels.
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Occupational Safety & Health for Technologists, Engineers, and Managers
By David L. Goetsch
2011, 2008, 2005, 2002, 1999 Pearson Education, Inc.
Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
Chapter 17 - Pressure Hazards
X-Ray Radiography
An X-ray negative is made of a given portion of the
vessel, in the same way as those by physicians and
dentists.
Irregularities such as holes, voids, or discontinuities
produce a greater exposure (darker area) on the X-ray
negative.
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Occupational Safety & Health for Technologists, Engineers, and Managers
By David L. Goetsch
2011, 2008, 2005, 2002, 1999 Pearson Education, Inc.
Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
Chapter 17 - Pressure Hazards
Ultrasonic Test
Similar to radar &other electromagnetic/acoustic
waves for detecting foreign objects.
Short signals are induced into the material, and waves
reflected from discontinuities are detected by one or more
transducers.
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Occupational Safety & Health for Technologists, Engineers, and Managers
By David L. Goetsch
2011, 2008, 2005, 2002, 1999 Pearson Education, Inc.
Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
Chapter 17 - Pressure Hazards
PRESSURE DANGERS TO HUMANS
Anoxia refers to the total lack of oxygen.
Hypoxia, when available oxygen is reduced, can
occur while ascending to a high altitude, or when
oxygen in air has been replaced with another gas.
Which may happen in some industrial situations.
Altitude sickness is a form of hypoxia.
Hyperoxia, an increased concentration of oxygen
in air, is not common.
Hyperbaric chambers or improperly calibrated scuba
equipment can lead to convulsions if pure oxygen is
breathed for greater than three hours.
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Occupational Safety & Health for Technologists, Engineers, and Managers
By David L. Goetsch
2011, 2008, 2005, 2002, 1999 Pearson Education, Inc.
Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
Chapter 17 - Pressure Hazards
PRESSURE DANGERS TO HUMANS
Continued exposure to high pressures will result
in confusion, convulsion, and eventual death.
Changes in total pressure can induce trapped gas
effects.
On a decrease in pressure, trapped gases will
increase in volumeaccording to Boyles law.
Including air pockets in ears, sinuses & chest.
Very rapid altitude ascent/descent can lead to lung
rupture, caused by a swift return to the surface from
diving or decompression during high-altitude flight.
This event is rare and happens only if the person is
holding his/her breath during the decompression.
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Occupational Safety & Health for Technologists, Engineers, and Managers
By David L. Goetsch
2011, 2008, 2005, 2002, 1999 Pearson Education, Inc.
Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
Chapter 17 - Pressure Hazards
PRESSURE DANGERS TO HUMANS
Evolved gas effects are associated with absorption
of nitrogen into body tissues.
When ascending in altitude, nitrogen must be
exhaled at a rate equal to or exceeding absorption.
If nitrogen is absorbed faster than it is exhaled, gas
bubbles of gas may form in blood & tissue.
This can cause decompression sicknessthe bends
painful, sometimes fatal.
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Occupational Safety & Health for Technologists, Engineers, and Managers
By David L. Goetsch
2011, 2008, 2005, 2002, 1999 Pearson Education, Inc.
Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
Chapter 17 - Pressure Hazards
PRESSURE DANGERS TO HUMANS
Formation of gas bubbles due to rapid ambient
pressure reduction is called dysbarism.
Cause by release of gas from the blood and attempted
expansion of trapped gas in body tissues.
It may occur with decompression associated with
rapidly moving from sea level (considered zero) to
approximately 20,000 feet above sea level.
Dysbarism manifests itself in a variety of symptoms.
The creeps are caused by bubble formation in the skin.
Bubbles in the respiratory system cause the chokes.
Bubbles in the brain may cause tingling/numbing, severe
headaches, muscle spasticity, blindness and paralysis.
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Occupational Safety & Health for Technologists, Engineers, and Managers
By David L. Goetsch
2011, 2008, 2005, 2002, 1999 Pearson Education, Inc.
Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
Chapter 17 - Pressure Hazards
PRESSURE DANGERS TO HUMANS
Aseptic necrosis of bone is a delayed effect of
decompression sickness.
Blood in capillaries supplying bone marrow may become
blocked, which can cause platelets & blood cells to build
up in a bone cavity.
Marrow generation of blood cells can be damaged,
as well as the maintenance of healthy bone cells.
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Occupational Safety & Health for Technologists, Engineers, and Managers
By David L. Goetsch
2011, 2008, 2005, 2002, 1999 Pearson Education, Inc.
Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
Chapter 17 - Pressure Hazards
DECOMPRESSION PROCEDURES
Employees working under pressure must undergo
decompression to return to normal atmosphere.
Based on the amount of pressure to which the employee
is subjected and for how long.
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Occupational Safety & Health for Technologists, Engineers, and Managers
By David L. Goetsch
2011, 2008, 2005, 2002, 1999 Pearson Education, Inc.
Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
Chapter 17 - Pressure Hazards
MEASUREMENT OF PRESSURE HAZARDS
Several methods of detecting pressure hazards:
Sounds can be used to signal a pressurized gas leak.
Gas discharge may be indicated by a whistling noise.
Workers should not use fingers to probe for gas leaks.
Cloth streamers may be tied to the gas vessel to indicate leaks.
Soap solutions may be smeared over the vessel surface
so that bubbles are formed when gas escapes.
A stream of bubbles indicates gas release.
Scents may be added to gases that do not naturally have
an odorsuch as natural gas.
Leak detectors that measure pressure, current flow, or
radioactivity may be useful for some types of gases.
Corrosion may be the long-term effect of escaping gases.
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Occupational Safety & Health for Technologists, Engineers, and Managers
By David L. Goetsch
2011, 2008, 2005, 2002, 1999 Pearson Education, Inc.
Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
Chapter 17 - Pressure Hazards
MEASUREMENT OF PRESSURE HAZARDS
Common causes of gas leaks:
Contamination by dirt can prevent the proper closing
of gas valves, threads, gaskets, and other closures.
Overpressurization can overstress the gas vessel.
The container closure may distort and separate from
gaskets, leading to cracking.
Excessive temperatures applied to dissimilar metals
that are joined may cause unequal thermal expansion,
loosening the metal-to-metal joint.
Materials may crack because of excessive cold.
Operator errors may lead to hazardous gas release.
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Occupational Safety & Health for Technologists, Engineers, and Managers
By David L. Goetsch
2011, 2008, 2005, 2002, 1999 Pearson Education, Inc.
Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
Chapter 17 - Pressure Hazards
MEASUREMENT OF PRESSURE HAZARDS
Nondestructive testing methods do not harm the
material being tested.
They may include mixing dye penetrants and magnetic or
radioactive particles with the gas & measuring the flow.
Ultrasonic and X-ray waves are often used to characterize
materials and detect cracks or other leakage points.
Destructive testing destroys material being tested.
Proof pressures generate stresses to the gas container,
typically 1.5 to 1.667 times the maximum expected
operating pressure for that container.
Strain measurements may also be collected to indicate
permanent weakening changes to the container material
that remain after the pressure is released.
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Occupational Safety & Health for Technologists, Engineers, and Managers
By David L. Goetsch
2011, 2008, 2005, 2002, 1999 Pearson Education, Inc.
Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
Chapter 17 - Pressure Hazards
REDUCTION OF PRESSURE HAZARDS
Pressurized vessels should be stored in locations
away from cold or heat sources, including the sun.
Cryogenic compounds may boil and burst the container
when not kept at the proper temperatures.
Hoses should be firmly clamped at the ends when
pressurizedwhipping action of pressurized flexible
hoses can be dangerous.
Gas compression can occur in sealed containers
exposed to heat.
Aerosol cans may explode violently when exposed to heat.
Pressure should be released before working on
equipmentcheck gauges before any work begins.
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Occupational Safety & Health for Technologists, Engineers, and Managers
By David L. Goetsch
2011, 2008, 2005, 2002, 1999 Pearson Education, Inc.
Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
Chapter 17 - Pressure Hazards
REDUCTION OF PRESSURE HAZARDS
Water hammer is a shock effect caused by liquid
flow suddenly stopping & produces loud noises.
The momentum of the liquid is conducted back upstream
in a shock wave, and may damage pipe fittings & valves.
Reduction of this hazard involves using air chambers in
the system and avoiding the use of quick-closing valves.
Negative pressures or vacuums are caused by
pressures below atmospheric level.
Negative pressures may result from hurricanes and
tornadoes.
Vacuums may cause collapse of closed containers.
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Occupational Safety & Health for Technologists, Engineers, and Managers
By David L. Goetsch
2011, 2008, 2005, 2002, 1999 Pearson Education, Inc.
Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
Chapter 17 - Pressure Hazards
REDUCTION OF PRESSURE HAZARDS