Accidents related to boilers have increased over-time. It is a result of people’s negligence and misinformation. Data revealed that boiler-related accidents happen 2,334 times per year by average. Boilers are pressurized, and mishandling it is dangerous. There is a big chance it would explode.
Industrial boilers are even compared to a bomb due to the damage it can implicate. Human error is the most common reason for these accidents, that’s why one must practice proper handling and precautionary measures.
Extra is not excessive when it comes to precautionary steps in keeping humanity safe. You must apply these extra measures to ensure safety in handling and maintaining boilers.
Follow the tips to help you manage the boiler with security.
One should follow the manufacturer’s manual in operating boilers. You must follow the manual’s recommendation when setting the pressure. Do not go beyond the recommended. Also, check for the safety valves and the fusible plugs. Make sure they are operating safely and correctly.
Regular inspection must be performed religiously. It can help detect lost or broken valves and accessories. By catching it as soon as possible, the damaged parts can be replaced or fixed to help maintain the safe operation of the boiler.
Check for water, steam, and fuel leaks on suspicious areas, or any metal cracking. Cleaning also needs to be done regularly and adjust the boiler to it’s a proper operation based on the manual to prevent accidents.
Sometimes, boiler vents are obstructed by cloth or other foreign materials. Checking for these obstructions is very important to make sure the boiler operates smoothly. FD fan and ID Fan also need to be checked during maintenance inspection to add to the overall smoothness of the operation.
Proper outfit when handling or maintaining the boiler is a must. Improper clothing might result in accidents that can put a life at risk. Boiler operators must wear long-sleeve shirts and safety shoes that have non-skid soles to prevent slipping during the operation.
It is also necessary to wear protective equipment like hard hats, earplugs for the high noise level, goggles, and respirators. All of these will protect you from any possible damage caused by the boiler. Gloves are also necessary since boilers are hot, and it produces streams that may damage your skin when exposed. Burning parts of the boiler need to be checked. It is the reason why wearing gloves is a must.
Being Careful all the time
Make sure that your boiler operator is well-trained in safety before the operation starts. That is to ensure that your operator is knowledgeable and can handle the boiler with care. Implementing proper care to prevent thermal hazards like burns is a must.
Boilers also used flammable fuels to function. That puts the boiler potentially explosive that can destroy everything that surrounds it, including people. Exercising care and adequate knowledge during fuel pipe connections is vital.
Before you feed the water into the boiler, treating it first helps prevent piling up dirt into the boiler shell. The filter must be placed before the pump and make sure it is functioning correctly. Check for dirt particles and remove them regularly to prevent feed line blockage.
Also, look at the pressure gauge operation. It must be properly functioning to avoid wrong reading that can lead to a severe problem. Air exhaust ventilation must be effectively working to prevent air contamination.
Before you rent a boiler, you must be familiar with the hazard of using a boiler. You must know the factors that contributed to boiler accidents. Low water levels, failure to remove flammable gases in the firebox before igniting the boiler, and excessive pressure are the most common hazards in boilers.
Low water levels can buckle, deform, and melt. It can also cause an explosion that can cause a fire to damage the building or the boiler itself. Another reason for a blast is high pressure. It is because pressure builds up in the boiler and eventually explodes when the boiler is filled up with tension.
Combustible gases also have the risk of explosion or fire. This type of gas plus pressure build-up is a perfect recipe for disaster. Do not ignore something that does not look or sound right. If you notice something odd about the boiler, inspect it further with caution and by following your newly learned tips.
Accidents can be prevented if proper handling is strictly implemented. Attention and proper handing out of information are crucial in maintaining the safety of boiler usage. In the operation of boilers, you do not have to trust your instincts alone, but trust your knowledge about boilers and the risks it brings.