Steam Hose Recommendations
Phone  (937) 558-2497
Fax       (937) 698-1247
1. Install an OSHA approved safety cable on the hose at every junction to prevent whipping of the end if the coupling
should disconnect.
2. Ensure continuous static grounding of the hose at each coupling.
3. If the clamps are a bolt-on style, tighten them to the correct torque before use. Use calibrated torque wrenches, not
impact or other types.
4. Repairs on steam hoses and couplings should be done only by fully qualified distributors or fabricators.
5. All workers near the hose should wear full protective safety gear including gloves, safety shoes, full length protective
clothing and protective glasses or goggles.
6. Perform a complete safety check before the steam is turned on. Inspect the area and remove all unnecessary
objects and debris. Inspect the hose for gouges, kinks, worn areas, loose couplings and other potential safety
problems.
7. Install a shut-off valve between the source of steam and hose assembly.
8. Use spring guards to protect the hose from kinking when handling of the hose is required.
9. Avoid excessive flexing of the hose, particularly near couplings. Flexing can weaken the assembly.
10. Examine connections to the steam source. Use straight connections instead of bending the hose. Install pipe
elbows to ensure either straight vertical connections pointing downward, or a 45° downward angle that allows the hose to
gently contact the ground without too much flexing.
11. Be aware of the danger of hammer effect and take steps to prevent it. A "hammer effect" is caused by spikes of
extreme pressure; it can damage hose assemblies and break couplings free. The usual causes are blockage,
pinched-off flow or valves being opened or closed too fast. Make personnel aware of both the danger and causes, and
urge them to avoid actions that can cause the hammer effect.
12. When finished using steam, always close the pressure valve from the steam source. In addition to providing an
extra safety margin, this action can extend the working life of the hose.
13. Add an extra measure of safety by ensuring that all steam hose connections are incompatible with other hoses in
the plant or by color-coding for different applications. Manufacturers can often cooperate with these requests and
suggest good color-coding systems.
14. Train workers to look for signs of problems during usage, such as steam leakage, loose clamps, hose shrinkage,
cover damage or exposed reinforcement.
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Ohiocraft Industrial Products     P.O. Box 81, West Milton, Ohio 45383     Phone: (937) 558-2497     Fax: (937) 698-1247