Water Energy Sources

Definition of Water Energy

Water energy pertains to the power related to the flow of water. The pressure can be relatively low, as for typical city or process water circuits. Higher pressure circuits may be found in systems where pumps are used. Some applications may have hot water that needs Lockout/Tagout. The heated water is typically due to the water being used for cooling or temperature control purposes. Systems where this occurs may also require the dissipation of thermal energy covered in the Stored Thermal Energy page.

Associated Water Energy Hazards

Per OSHA, there are hundreds of injuries annually due to improper handling of water energy.

Injuries associated with water energy generally consist of the following:

• Trip/fall incidences due to spills/flooding
• Hazardous electrical conditions due to spills/flooding and related ground issues

Proper Lockout/Tagout can virtually eliminate the risk involved with Water energy.

Means of Water Energy Isolation

Water energy must be controlled via a mechanical energy isolating device that physically prevents the transmission or release of energy. Details covering stored water energy are available at the Stored Water Energy page.

Verifying Absence of Water Energy

Verifying the absence of water energy after performing Lockout/Tagout can be done by attempting to operate the associated components and by observing the level indicators and/or associated gages to ensure they indicate 0 pressure.

Typical Water Energy Isolation Devices

Water energy isolation devices may vary in design and configuration. Typical examples include:

• Gate Valves
• Ball Valves
• Butterfly Valves
• Flanges that allow a blank to be inserted

Typical Water Energy Lockout Devices

Water energy Lockout devices use positive means such as a lock and key to keep the associated energy isolation device in the safe position and prevent equipment energization. Typical Water energy lockout devices are outlined in the Valve and Pneumatic page.