When entering a piping system, it becomes exposed to the atmosphere. Opening a valve also means you are entering the system.
An open system is one, which has water normally exposed to the atmosphere. For example, an open system may have a cooling tower that allows outside air to pass over the water from the hydroid system. A closed system is not exposed to the atmosphere until it is entered.
When a system is opened there always is some danger of damage to the building, the system or the technician. The greatest dangers in entering a system are:
• Burns from steam or hot water.
• Exposure to contaminated water or hazardous chemicals used for water treatment.
• Damage to the building from water or steam.
Water spills can happen easily when working on piping systems. Hazards include:
• They can cause slips and falls.
• Wet floors and shoes increase the severity of an electrical shock
• Hot water or steam can cause severe burns.
• Spills can damage the building. Even small amounts can cause stains.
• Water from open systems can spread disease, especially for water from cooling towers and coil pans.
Source: “Safety for the Indoor Environment Technician” by Leo Meyer
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