09-21: Safely Stopping, Holding and Locking Out Cooling Tower Mechanical Sets

Safety is becoming an ever increasing factor while working around and inside of cooling towers. When a fan motor is not energized, fans free-wheel from wind and updraft in cooling towers. Entering a fan cell or removing a stack section with the fan rotating is an OSHA violation. Stopping and holding a fan to conduct maintenance operations can be dangerous to personnel. This paper presents methods for stopping and holding fans for maintenance operations and high wind conditions. It will also present various material and mounting options.