Safety Precautions for Cleaning Spray Nozzles in Cooling Towers: What Should You Know?

Safety Precautions for Cleaning Spray Nozzles in Cooling Water Towers

What type of safety precautions should be taken when working on cleaning the spray nozzles in a cooling water tower?

Thank you.

Dear Vijay Behara, there are different types of water cooling towers. You have not indicated the type of cooling tower. I have attached some sketches showing the typical views of a multi-cell cooling tower, typically used in power plants. The job will be done at a height—typically 30 to 40 feet. People who clean the nozzle will work by standing on the top deck. For the cleaning method and tools, see the recommendation of the cooling tower manufacturer. The physical condition of the top deck has to be ascertained so that people can stand safely. You have to take your engineer’s help to establish a cleaning procedure.

Regards,
V. Raghunathan

Safety Precautions for Cooling Tower Maintenance

Lock out, tag out for pump motor/fan and chemical hazards should be considered. The use of PPEs such as helmets, harnesses, and respiratory protection is essential. Working at heights in slippery environments requires caution. The personal ability of the worker (Qualified Person) and the physical condition of the cooling tower must be taken into account.

A PowerPoint presentation (PPT) may be helpful in explaining these concepts.

Regards.