Wet Process Heating and Cooling Equipment

Metal Finishing Suppliers' Association - Tank Heating Safety

DO switch off and report any damaged heaters immediately - before someone gets shocked or scalded with steam.

DO switch off and lockout/tagout heaters before carrying out any tank maintenance.

DO make sure heaters are properly secured to the tank so they cannot fall in or be knocked in.

DO use electric heaters with thermal and level protection to prevent fires.

DO wear gloves, boots, splash goggles/safety glasses, and an apron at all times.

DON'T leave immersion heaters on during idle periods. Solution may leak or evaporate, allowing the heater to overheat. This is a major cause of shop fires.

DON'T run heaters with low solution level; they can ignite a flammable tank wall or tank lining.

DON'T attempt to repair heaters yourself. Heaters operate at high voltage, and plating solutions are designed to be highly conductive - the makings of electrocution..

DON'T dump tank contents to waste treatment until temperature has dropped to a safe level for transport through the piping, and safe treatment. Consult your supervisor to determine allowable temperature for dumps.