Servicing Cooling Towers & Blower Fans Risk Assessment

Last Updated: February 7th, 2023/Views: 1783/4.3 min read/
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Servicing cooling towers and blower fans involves maintaining, repairing, and replacing components of the cooling tower and blower fan systems to ensure their safe and efficient operation. This can include tasks such as cleaning the systems, inspecting and repairing leaks, checking the electrical and mechanical components, adjusting fan speed and belt tension, and replacing worn or damaged parts. It is important to follow proper safety protocols and use appropriate personal protective equipment to minimize the risk of injury or exposure to hazardous substances during servicing.
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Operations, Tasks or Steps in Servicing Cooling Towers & Blower Fans
  1. Preparation:
    • Review the manufacturer’s instructions and safety guidelines for servicing the cooling tower and blower fan
    • Gather the necessary tools and equipment, including personal protective equipment (PPE) such as hard hat, safety glasses, gloves, and hearing protection
    • Turn off the power supply to the cooling tower and blower fan to ensure safety during servicing
  2. Inspection:
    • Visually inspect the cooling tower and blower fan for signs of damage or wear
    • Check the electrical and mechanical components, including the motors, pumps, fans, and belts, for proper operation and wear
    • Inspect the cooling tower fill, distribution system, and basin for leaks or clogs
    • Check the water chemistry and treat as necessary to maintain the correct balance
  3. Cleaning:
    • Clean the interior and exterior of the cooling tower and blower fan, removing any debris or buildup of organic matter
    • Clean and disinfect the fill, distribution system, and basin to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria
  4. Maintenance and Repairs:
    • Replace any worn or damaged parts, such as belts, pumps, and motors
    • Adjust the fan speed and belt tension as necessary to ensure proper operation
    • Repair any leaks or clogs in the fill, distribution system, and basin
    • Test the operation of the cooling tower and blower fan after repairs are complete
  5. Reassembly and Testing:
    • Reassemble the cooling tower and blower fan, following the manufacturer’s instructions
    • Turn the power supply back on and test the system for proper operation
    • Check the water chemistry again and treat as necessary
    • Document any maintenance or repairs performed during the servicing
  6. Final Check:
    • Conduct a final inspection of the cooling tower and blower fan to ensure everything is in good working order
    • Check for leaks or signs of wear or damage
    • Ensure that the power supply is turned off before leaving the site.
Hazards in Servicing Cooling Towers & Blower Fans
  1. Preparation:
    • Electrocution or electrical shock from not turning off the power supply before servicing
    • Trip or fall hazards from cluttered work areas or uneven surfaces
  2. Inspection:
    • Electrocution or electrical shock from contacting live electrical components
    • Slips, trips, and falls from working at heights or in wet areas
    • Inhalation of harmful chemicals or vapors from the cooling tower water or cleaning agents
  3. Cleaning:
    • Inhalation of harmful chemicals or vapors from the cooling tower water or cleaning agents
    • Contact with harmful bacteria or other microorganisms present in the cooling tower water
    • Slips, trips, and falls from working in wet areas
  4. Maintenance and Repairs:
    • Electrocution or electrical shock from contacting live electrical components
    • Burns or cuts from working with sharp or hot components
    • Strain or injury from heavy lifting or awkward positioning
  5. Reassembly and Testing:
    • Electrocution or electrical shock from contacting live electrical components
    • Burns or cuts from working with sharp or hot components
    • Strain or injury from heavy lifting or awkward positioning
  6. Final Check:
    • Electrocution or electrical shock from failing to turn off the power supply before leaving the site
Health and Safety Control Measures while Servicing Cooling Towers & Blower Fans
  1. Electrocution or electrical shock:
    • Turn off the power supply before servicing
    • Use electrical test equipment to verify that electrical components are de-energized before servicing
    • Use grounded tools and equipment
    • Wear rubber gloves and other insulating personal protective equipment (PPE) as necessary
  2. Trip or fall hazards:
    • Keep work areas clean and free of clutter
    • Use caution when working on uneven surfaces, such as ladders or scaffolding
    • Wear slip-resistant shoes with good traction
    • Use guardrails or safety harnesses when working at heights
  3. Inhalation of harmful chemicals or vapors:
    • Use appropriate respiratory protection, such as a half-face respirator or full-face respirator, when working with chemicals or vapors
    • Avoid breathing in any mist or spray from the cooling tower water or cleaning agents
    • Ventilate the area as necessary to reduce exposure to harmful substances
  4. Contact with harmful bacteria or other microorganisms:
    • Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves and eye protection, when handling the cooling tower water
    • Wash hands thoroughly after handling the cooling tower water or cleaning agents
    • Disinfect the work area after servicing
  5. Burns or cuts:
    • Wear gloves and other appropriate PPE, such as eye protection and long sleeves, to protect against cuts and burns
    • Use caution when working with sharp or hot components
    • Use proper lifting techniques and equipment to avoid strain or injury
  6. Strain or injury from heavy lifting:
    • Use proper lifting techniques and equipment to avoid strain or injury
    • Get help when lifting heavy components or equipment
    • Use a hoist or crane when necessary
Recovery Measures
Good Practices in Servicing Cooling Towers & Blower Fans
Incidents in Servicing Cooling Towers & Blower Fans
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