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Safety and Boiler Room Basics

Boiler systems are essential to building operations, primarily heating. Most of the systems in NYC run on steam, oil, or natural gas. The boilers are massive pieces of equipment, typically residing in a room all on their own; this room is often in the basement of a property, limiting access to only those qualified to enter.

Discover the potential dangers of the boiler room, fundamental safety measures, and the basics of system inspections.

Boiler Room Safety and Potential Dangers

Understanding Risks and Fundamental Safety

Boiler rooms are some of the most dangerous spaces on an entire property. The machinery uses combustible gasses and chemicals in a highly pressurized system, contributing to risks and hazards. Without proper care and maintenance, a boiler is potentially explosive, whether from a meltdown, thermal shock, steam pressure, or other problems.

Safety practices for boiler room and system maintenance include fuel and equipment handling and janitorial tasks. Because boilers use combustible fuels to operate, boiler workers must have a working knowledge of how to transport, store, and use the various fuel types specific to the make and model of your property’s boiler. Mishandling of fuels can have dire consequences, including the loss of life.

Beyond proper fuel and use, boiler room safety should address the layout, including exits and safe zones. Also, the room should remain free of debris and clutter to limit injury risks. Basic janitorial tasks are OK for in-house maintenance staff, but most other activities require certified and licensed professionals.

7 Elements of Boiler Inspections and Maintenance

1. Leaks

As a water-based system, leaks are a common problem with boilers, especially in older systems. Leaks can stem from many areas on the boiler, including pipes, gaskets, connections, and even the tank itself. The tank may leak because of corrosion or age, while pipes and gaskets may wear down over time because of frequent use.

Leaks are not an immediate indication of boiler failure. Many leaks are common and easily repaired. Still, many minor issues become major problems when left alone for too long. You should call a professional at the first sign of a leak to avoid any significant issues.

2. Ventilation

Because of the heat and carbon monoxide a boiler produces, ventilation is critical to operations. A blocked flue, vent, or exhaust can cause unsafe levels of carbon monoxide to build in the boiler room, presenting significant health and safety risks for workers and tenants.

Besides risking peoples’ health, blocked vents will also impact boiler operations, forcing the system to overwork and possibly damaging the motors. A property manager must schedule routine cleanings and assessments of ventilation systems.

3. Steam Traps

For properties operating steam boilers, steam traps or return systems are essential for preventing water hammering or clanging. The traps prevent the noise by trapping condensate. Like other components in the boiler, traps and return systems need frequent maintenance to prevent leaks and clogs.

Clogs can occur in steam traps because of mineral scale. The hard, crusty deposits are common in areas with hard water and develop from calcium, lime, and other minerals in the water.

4. Pressure Gauges

Pressure gauges help maintenance professionals keep an eye on boiler operations. If the pressure in the system is too low, it can’t produce adequate heat; if it’s too high, an explosion is a real risk.

A boiler should have some indication of the correct operating pressure for the system; if it is not on the boiler, it should be in the manual. A professional service will find or verify the proper pressure for the system during routine inspections to ensure safe operations.

5. Valves

Boiler valves allow maintenance and service technicians to control the flow of liquids within a system. Mineral deposits are common problems with valves, which can cause obstructions to fuel and water supplies throughout the system. Buildups can also increase pressure in specific areas, resulting in cracks and leaks.

Professionals should check the valves often, ensuring they move freely and operate as intended. If valves show wear or signs of mineral deposits, they should be cleaned or replaced. Soaking valves in lemon juice and vinegar can remove lime and sediment buildup.

6. Burner and Combustion Process

Part of boiler inspections includes assessing the ignition point of the boiler. The fuel and combustion cycle should produce a blue flame, and soot should not accumulate in the boiler room or surrounding areas.

If soot is present and the flame is yellow, the system is possibly creating more carbon monoxide than necessary. Too much of this gas can cause illness and fatalities. Call a professional service to check if the combustion process is inconsistent or incorrect.

7. Pumps

Most commercial boilers use multiple pumps. These devices may transfer hot water to specific areas, help the system operate traps, or feed water into the primary tank.

Because pumps are vital to boiler operations, assessing their performance and parts is necessary. A typical checklist for pump operations will include the following:

• – Looking for frayed or worn wiring
• – Assessing plug fit and wear
• – Listening for excess noise of vibration
• – Checking that all straps and mounts are secure
• – Inspecting sensors, gaskets, o-rings, and seals

As a property owner, if you hear strange noises or find frayed wiring, contact a professional. Pumps are delicate devices and require expert repair.

Boiler Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Call Calray Boilers

As a property manager, you must create and maintain a maintenance and inspection schedule for boiler systems. The document should inform you when and who to call to ensure the health and longevity of the system. Beyond the plan, property owners need to ensure the boiler room doesn’t become a place for storage. Clutter only increases the likelihood of injury and disaster.

If you have a property portfolio, staying on top of boiler maintenance takes a lot of work. Hire a trusted NYC service to handle all your boiler service needs and keep track of maintenance schedules. Contact Calray Boilers at 212-722-5506 to schedule a boiler inspection or discuss your system’s maintenance needs.