Steam Boiler Safety
According to HVAC Mechanical Contracting, water expands 1,600 times when it is turned into steam. This expansion creates a very high pressure inside the confines of a steam boiler. This pressure can lead to forceful explosions if safety precautions are not taken. Does this Spark an idea?
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Appearance
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Boilers should be visually inspected regularly for bulges, cracks, leaks and other signs of damage. Older boilers may have an insulation coating made of asbestos that should be checked for any sign of damage or flaking. Damaged boilers should be repaired immediately by a qualified technician and damaged asbestos must be removed and replaced by an asbestos removal professional.
Cold Water
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To avoid possible boiler damage, cold water should never be added to a hot boiler system.
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Boiler Area
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The area around a boiler should be kept clean and clear at all times to ensure that nothing comes into contact with the boiler's hot surfaces.
Valves
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Boiler safety valves should be examined for leaks and tested using the test lever a minimum of once a year, according to ContractingBusiness.com. Leaky valves and those that do not pass testing should be repaired immediately,
User's Manual
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The information contained in the boiler's user manual, such as how to check safety valves, required water levels and proper boiler operation, should be readily available and easily accessible to anyone who may come into contact with the boiler.
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References
- Photo Credit steam valve image by John Sandoy from Fotolia.com
