Hazards
Hazardous fluid release due to hoses failures. Wildly moving hoses at pressure release when coupling gets loose.
When Important
- When using flexible hoses.
- When disconnecting hoses that still contain pressure or toxic material.
Challenges in the Field
- Connections are not properly made, requiring bended or stretched hoses.
- No good storage location available.
Options to Get it Right
- Make sure you use the correct hose: correct material of construction and temperature & pressure rating.
- Visually inspect hoses before using them and check for defects like corrosion, wear or mechanical damage.
- Hoses (including the connections) with hazardous fluids should be inspected periodically by an approved body and certified.
- Avoid hoses for very toxic chemicals (like phosgene).
- Hoses should be tagged and included in the maintenance schedule.
- When not in use, hoses must be properly stored, with the appropriate bend radius, hanging straight down, or laying straight.
- Hoses must not be twisted or forced when connected.
- Connect hoses well, follow-up on possible vibrations.
- If required replace hoses preventively and remove old hoses from the site.
- Check correct depressurization of hoses before disconnecting.
This page only summarises the guidance – refer to the EPSC website for further information.
For more information on our Process Safety Fundamentals (or other) playing cards please contact us.
