Safety and Health Program- Heating Upgrade Chapter

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Heating Systems and Boiler Plant Maintenance

Policy:

Written operating procedures and detailed checklists for operator guidance shall be posted in all equipment rooms. It is important that all functions be included, whether manual or automatic. The basic objectives or safe boiler operations are:

1.Require the minimum number of manual operations.

2.Standardize routine operation procedures for normal start-up and on-line operation. Ensure the use of interlocks to minimize improper operating sequences and to stop sequences when conditions are not proper for continuation. Establish and rigidly enforce purge procedures with necessary interlocks.

Procedures:

Boiler Operations and Safety

>>>>>Water Level-

>>>>>Water in boilers shall be checked and kept at proper levels. Water columns shall be monitored to ensure connections are clear and water returns to the proper level in the gauge glass when drain valves are closed. When water is not visible in the gauge glass, all stresses on the boiler shall be gradually reduced.

>>>>>In boilers fired by fuels burned in suspension (fuel oil, gas, or pulverized coal), stop the fire immediately, shut off all air flow, close steam outlet valve, and shut off feed water supply. Proceed as in a normal shutdown. Inspect the boiler thoroughly, including a hydrostatic test, before returning it to service.

>>>>>Lighting Gas and Oil Fired Furnaces-

>>>>>Before lighting gas and oil fired furnaces, boilers and breeching shall be ventilated to remove explosive vapors. Burners shall not be lighted if there is oil on the floors or combustion chamber, around the burners, or in front of the boilers. If the flame of a gas or oil-fired burner goes out, the fuel shall be immediately cut off and the furnace passages ventilated before it is re-lit.

>>>>>Cleaning and Maintenance Procedures

>>>>>Whenever a boiler is taken out of service for a prolonged period, it should be cleaned promptly and inspected for defects by an authorized boiler inspector.

>>>>>For boilers in continuous service, planned and scheduled boiler shut-downs for preventive maintenance if far safer than risking an extensive shutdown caused by boiler failure. At least once a year, the boiler, the flame safeguard supervisory system, and other safety controls shall be inspected during a scheduled shutdown by an authorized boiler inspector who is accompanied by the area supervisor. Defective parts shall be repaired or replaced. For inspection, boilers shall be cool, handholes and manholes open, and the boiler shall have been ventilated. Adequate lighting and protective equipment for work in the boiler should be provided.

>>>>>Proper and convenient drain connections shall be provided for draining boilers. Unobstructed floor drains, properly located in the boiler room, facilitate proper cleaning. Infrequently used drains should have water poured into the traps, as required based on local conditions, to prevent the entrance of sewer gases and odors into the boiler room. If there is a possibility of freezing, an antifreeze mixture should be used in the drain traps.

>>>>>When cleaning a boiler, employees shall wear protective clothing, hats, goggles, heavy leather-palm gloves, safety shoes, and approved respirator and hearing protectors if conditions warrant.