SafeBoilerRoom

1. Keep the boiler room clean and clear of all unnecessary items. The boiler room should not be considered an all-purpose storage area. A burner requires proper air circulation in order to prevent incomplete fuel combustion and the production of carbon monoxide.
2. Ensure that all personnel who operate or maintain the boiler room are properly trained on all equipment, controls, safety devices and up-to-date operating procedures.
3. Before start-up, ensure that the boiler room is free of all potentially dangerous situations, like flammable materials, mechanical or physical damage to the boiler or related equipment. Clear intakes and exhaust vents; check for deterioration and possible leaks.
4. Monitor all new equipment closely until safety and efficiency are demonstrated.
5. Use boiler operating log sheets, maintenance records and manufacturer’s recommendations to establish a preventive maintenance schedule based on operating conditions, past maintenance, repair and replacement that were performed on the equipment.
6. Establish a checklist for proper startup and shutdown of boilers and all related equipment according to manufacturer’s recommendations.
7. Observe equipment extensively before allowing an automating operation system to be used with minimal supervision.
8. Establish a periodic preventive maintenance and safety testing program that follows the manufacturer’s recommendations.
9. Assure adequate/sound boiler piping supports, foundations and settings for all equipment.
10. Maintain clearances for operation, repair and maintenance as recommended by manufacturer.
11. Make provisions for easy access to ladders/runways/controls, safe exits and egress in the boiler room.
12. Protect the water supply to the boiler by an approved back-flow preventer and keep floor drains free and clear.
13. Repair leaking steam, water, fuel and other boiler connections, and minimize pump leakage.
14. Maintain valves, fittings, assure allowances for thermal expansion and properly insulate applicable piping.
15. Identify or mark piping systems including flow direction or post a current piping diagram.
16. Check fuel system and test boiler safety devices per manufacturer's recommendations.
17. Provide ventilation and adequate "combustion air" for all fired appliances in the boiler room.
18. Clean, inspect exhaust venting, breeching and chimney to assure proper draft to remove combustion gases.
19. Provide boiler water analysis and chemical treatment to prevent corrosion, pitting and scale.
20. Test safety or relief valves by lifting test lever at least once a year.
21. Obtain the services of a trained, knowledgeable boiler operator or provide training for the operator.
22. Keep a boiler operation log.

Remember, adequate combustion air is critical to good boiler operation. Lack of adequate combustion air can lead to carbon monoxide build-up and potential human poisoning, soot build up in the boiler tubes and gas passages, “huffing” which causes stresses on the boiler, and decreases in boiler efficiencies leading to excessive fuel use.