Debris Caps, Utility Worker, Safety 09/2015
Worker Safety and Job Quality Improve with Debris Caps
Debris caps have a pretty straightforward use: They are installed to prevent dirt, gravel and other debris from accumulating around utility pipes and valves, such as for gas or water. As simple they are, though, debris caps have a tremendous positive effect on safety and overall job quality. Read on to learn more about the big benefits that come with using lockout debris caps.
Utility Worker Safety
– By preventing the accumulation of debris, the caps enable workers to more quickly access and shutdown valves in the event of a leak or rupture. And, during routine maintenance, lockout debris caps protect workers by stopping unauthorized people from tampering with valves on the line. Increased safety resulting from the use of debris caps often results in less liability for employers and lower insurance costs.Valve Protection
– When debris, grime and liquid sit inside pipes and valves for a long time, corrosion is likely to occur. However, the expense of repairing damage or replacing materials altogether can be avoided with the use of a debris cap that will prevent the harmful buildup in the first place.Easy Location
– Caps can be color coded to make locating and identifying valves a much easier, quicker process. They also can be outfitted with antennas so they can be found with an electric locator, should the cap be covered with dirt. In addition to making location of pipes and valves more convenient for maintenance purposes, color-coding enables emergency responders to quickly find the source of a leak. In the case of a leaking gas pipe, for instance, locating the pipe and stopping the leak as soon as possible are crucial to the safety of personnel and the public at large.Increased Efficiency
– For all the reasons discussed above, debris caps increase utility worker efficiency. When they are not spending an inordinate amount of time locating pipes and valves, removing debris to gain access and then repairing damage caused by corrosion, workers are able to perform routine maintenance more quickly and then move on to the next task.In the interest of maintaining safe and efficient operations that comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines, many utilities, counties and cities now install lockout debris caps on all valve and switch boxes. In fact, OSHA has encouraged such precautionary measures for protecting workers who may be exposed to hazardous materials. And the agency has found lockout debris caps to be superior to traditional tagging systems that offer no protection against debris accumulation and unauthorized access to pipes and valves.