1. Document position of Valves at Accident Scene, and upstream of accident scene, before they're moved. (Investigators, both amateur and professional, will want to move them to find out if they're full closed or full open. Once they're moved, that information may be gone forever.) Don't forget to document positions of the smaller valves like those isolating the traps. These are critical. A dab of white-out in the north position of the valve handle or a photo of the stem may do the trick.

2.Collect written statements right away from each operator and witness of their description of what happened including conditions prior to the Accident, if they have knowledge of them. (Later on, the witnesses can be interviewed to flesh out their statements.)

3. Photograph site in detail before changing or moving anything. It helps to include a person or a hand in the photograph pointing to whatever is the focus of the photo. It gives scale and orientation. Turn the date and time function feature of your camera on to include these in each photo. Later photos, after changes are made, must be distinguishable from after-accident photos. Try to capture structural damage like scraps and marks and dents which later may be obscured

4. Record the amount of condensate drained.. If valves are opened, determine if there's condensate to be drained. If more than a quart or so, catch and measure it.

4. Develop Time Line of Events culminating in the Accident.

5. Collect steam pressure and flow charts or recordings from the Boiler Plant and metering that may show event.

6. Find "elevation" drawings showing the slope of piping to and away from the Accident site. The drawing should always be in the Engineering Drawing Set or Contractor Shop Drawings from which the site was built.

This list is not supposed to replace those measures an attorney might recommend, such as isolating the Accident Scene to preserve evidence. These suggestions are based on my experience investigating steam accidents.

For those who would like to suggest changes or additions based on their experience, I welcome them. Please email me with your suggestions and experience. W. Kirsner, 23 July 2008