Thermal burns in Chemical & refining
Thermal burns remain a significant risk for personnel working near high-temperature processing equipment and steam lines in chemical and refining environments. Implementing robust safety protocols is essential to protect your team from these preventable injuries and maintain a secure operational workspace.
About 68% of related real accidents concentrate in these types.
Key prevention
- Ensure all high-temperature piping, valves, and vessels are fitted with appropriate thermal insulation or protective shielding.
- Mandate the use of specialized heat-resistant personal protective equipment, including gloves and face shields, during routine maintenance or sampling tasks.
- Establish clear physical barriers and high-visibility signage around hot surfaces to prevent accidental contact during daily operations.
- Conduct regular hands-on training sessions that focus on identifying thermal hazards and executing safe startup and shutdown procedures.
- Implement a rigorous permit-to-work system that requires a documented risk assessment before any employee interacts with energized thermal systems.
Related accident cases
While working in the kitchen, an employee was splashed with hot oil, resulting in multiple burns.
An explosion occurred during fireworks manufacturing in the explosives and fireworks production area.
An employee experienced chemical contact while walking through hot spilled material during an object drying operation.
An employee sustained burns from hot steam during work.
During work, hydraulic fluid exploded, causing burns to an employee.