The boiler room is one of the most important rooms in any commercial building. But due to the nature of the room, safety is incredibly important. Serious safety risks can occur when the correct safety procedures are not followed. So what do you need to know to keep your boiler room safe? Here’s a guide to the most important things to keep in mind.
Keep It Clean and Tidy
One of the most important things to remember is that the boiler room should be for the boiler only. There is often a temptation to use it as a room for storing all kinds of things, but remember that the boiler room is not a storage area.
One of the most serious problems is when the burner does not have access to good air circulation because of all the items that are being stored in the boiler room. The burner needs good air circulation because otherwise it could start to produce carbon monoxide.
Additionally, if you use the boiler room as a general storage area, you might put something flammable in the room by accident, creating a fire risk.
Follow Detailed Checklists
Use a detailed checklist when operating the boiler and any other equipment. Checklists should be followed when starting up and shutting down the commercial boiler in accordance with the instructions from the manufacturer. All the procedures should be followed exactly to reduce the risk of making errors.
Make sure anyone who operates the boiler has been properly trained in using the equipment as well as in all the operating procedures. People who do not know how to operate the boiler should stay well away.
Get Your Boiler Inspected Annually
It is a legal requirement for commercial boilers to be inspected annually by qualified commercial boiler engineers. They will make sure everything is working properly and can spot potential problems before they become serious.
Keep a Daily Log
As well as the annual inspections, it’s important to check your commercial boiler every day and to keep a daily log. The daily log should include a record of the boiler’s major settings like the flue gas temperature, the operating temperature and the water levels.
You should also record everything that takes place in the boiler room. This includes maintenance records and actions taken by people using the room. That way, if a problem arises, this can help to work out what went wrong so it can be fixed sooner.
Stock Up on Safety Equipment
It’s important to make sure that the right safety equipment is stored in the boiler room. You will do what you can to prevent accidents, but if something goes wrong, it’s important to be prepared.
Fire extinguishers, goggles and other equipment should be kept in the boiler room, and these should be checked for during your routine maintenance because you want to make sure they are present at all times.
Take Fire and CO Safety Measures
Fire is a serious risk in a boiler room, so take preventative measures. A fire detection system should be installed, and fire doors should be properly maintained. Dry powder extinguishers should also be accessible, and combustible materials should never be kept in the boiler room.
Carbon Monoxide (CO) presents a risk in the boiler room. While we have already mentioned keeping the room clear for correct ventilation, make sure you have a good CO detection system in place so you can react quickly in an emergency.
Keep a Close Eye on New Equipment
Be especially careful with new equipment or when existing equipment is repaired. Make sure it is carefully examined by a qualified professional to ensure that everything is in good working order.
Call the Professionals
Don’t risk the safety of everyone in the building due to inadequate boiler room safety measures. Boiler rooms can be dangerous places, but when the correct safety measures are taken, the risks are significantly reduced.
Some things you can do on your own, like ensuring the boiler room is not used for storage, but also ensure that you call the professionals in when it comes to maintenance and servicing. Commercial boilers should be serviced annually by a qualified boiler engineer to ensure that everything is safe and in good working order.
There are several factors to consider when choosing boiler engineers. At Invictus Mechanical, our fully qualified commercial boiler engineers are Gas Safe and OFTEC certified. We can carry out full installation and maintenance to keep your boiler room safe, so call us today to find out more.
