SAFETY ALERT!PIPE VALVE STEMS

Does This Describe Your Walkways?Exposed Valve Stems are not only an OSHA recognized hazard, but they also represent tens of thousands of potential injuries to your facility's staff everyday. Take a look at your walkways, cat walks, tank farms, pipe racks, etc. and see just how many accidents are waiting to happen!

Exposed valve stems blend into your facility and are often over looked until it is too late. According to the National Safety Council, the direct cost of a workplace injury is around $48,000 and the indirect cost is around $192,000. For every workplace injury it is costing your facility an average of $240,000. This cost doesn't include possible lawsuits.

How many exposed valve stems are in your facility? Calculate the costs of potential injury by each employee or contractor that may come in contact with the exposed valve stems. Shocked? Find out in the following pages how to eliminate the significant risks and costs associated with exposed valve stems.

OSHA Exposed Valve Stem Citation:Citation 1 Item 1 Type of Violation: Serious

29 CFR 1910-36 (g)(1): Exit access was not maintained free of projections from the ceiling that would reach a point less than 6 feet from the floor:

a) Building 14, Utility Room: A valve handlewas protruding into the exit path 57 inches above the floor.

b) Building 14, Utility Room: A valve stemwas protruding into the exit path 51 inches above the floor.

PROBLEM SOLUTION

Stem Shield is a patented valve-stem protection product focused on employee safety.

Stem Shield increases awareness, protects from injury, is easy to install, and is operator friendly. Every valve you are not covering with Stem Shield is an accident waiting to happen. Stem Shield is a cost effective way to protect your employees/contractors and save your company on injury and maintenance costs.

STEM SHIELD VALUE Removes hazard of exposed stems that lead to gouges, broken bones, concussions, and other injuries.

Protects valve stem from the elements, corrosion, debris, over-sprays, and paints (Easier to turn wheels; more reliable valves).

Heightens awareness around exposed valves creating a more cautious and aware worker.

Protects valve stem threads from incidental contact with machinery or tools.

Installs in seconds, the valve will continue to operate with the stem shield on, and protects for years.

Saves your company money (Lubricant cost, Maintenance cost, Repair & Replacement cost, Injury cost direct/indirect).

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act. “Each employer shall furnish to each of its employees - employment and a place of employment which is free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to its employees.”

Valve Stems are an OSHA recognized HAZARD when in walkways & tight spaces.OSHA will issue citations and fines for violations.

Cylindrical in shape, Stem Shields are pipe and elastomeric foam “sleeves” that quickly slip over exposed stems. A small, stainless steel tether holds the unit firmly in place. They take less than 15 seconds to install and protect the stem for years.

WHY USE STEM SHIELD?

Once installed, Stem Shields provide three forms of protection:

1. Worker Protection: Workers are protected from injuries associated with exposed valve stems (cuts,gouges, broken ribs, concussions, facial trauma, impalement, etc.). Bright colored stem covers also raiseawareness of potential hazard in a work area, creating a more cautious worker (Struck Against,Impalement, Slip-Trip-Fall Hazards).

2. Valve Protection: The stems are protected from thread damage. They are protected from elements,corrosion, and over sprays. Stem Shield also helps prevent yoke contamination (sand/debris) ensuringyour valve will operate correctly when the time comes (Operational Reliability).

3. Lubricant Protection: The lubrication needed to keep stems operational is protected from theelements and debris, like sand and dirt, which causes wheels to tighten up and become difficult to turn.Lubricant run-off is eliminated and frequency of lubrication is reduced (cost saving, maintenancebenefits).

How It Works:

Simply slide the Stem Shield over an exposed stem and clip the stainless steel tether to the wheel or valve yoke casing. The installation process takes less than 15 seconds.

Valve Stem Safety Guard

Where It Works: Oil & Gas Refineries

Energy Companies

Chemical Manufacturing & Other

Pipelines

Any Place where there is Exposed Valve Stems

Water Treatment Facilities

Federal Government

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DURABILITY – The Stem Shield is constructed to resist damage, high temperatures, element erosion, or the chance of being accidentally dislodged. Stem shields will provide quality insurance for years.

Valve StemSafety Guard

LIGHTWEIGHT – Stem Shields, depending on size, weigh between 7-14 ounces. They are lightweight and easily ship from supplier to your job site.

5* SIZES – With 5 main sizes to choose from, Stem Shields are made to fit length and diameter of 95% of all industrial stems with customized dimensions easily accommodated and built to required dimensions.

NO JOB INTERRUPTIONS – Stem Shields attach to valves without inhibiting operations. When the valve is open, the stem sits in place. When the valve is closed, the stem shield hangs by its tether. The wheel will always turn freely while the stem shield is installed.

QUICK INSTALLATION – Stem Shields are installed in less than 15 seconds per stem.

IDEAL DESIGN – Stem Shields are cylinders, made to complement the shape of traditional valve stems and to slide with the wheel when in operation. Variable lengths allow for the entire stem to be covered. A coated tether allows the guard to stay in place and not end up on the ground.

QUALITY CONSTRUCTION – Stem Shields are designed with quality in mind and utilize stainless steel attachments and chemical resistant, waterproof foam cushioning with marine-grade laminated vinyl.

Grainger Part # Description

33NR97 Stem Shield 5” fits 3”-5 Valve Stems

33NR98 Stem Shield 7” fits 6”-7 Valve Stems

33NR99 Stem Shield 9” fits 8”-9 Valve Stems

33NT01 Stem Shield 12” fits 10”-12 Valve Stems

33NT02 Stem Shield 18” fits 13”-18 Valve Stems

Part Numbers

For more information contact your Grainger Representative or visit Grainger.com®.