Safety Rules
The boiler operator is the person responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the boiler. The boiler operator must develop safety habits to prevent personal injury, injury to others, and damage to equipment. Safety rules vary depending on the type and size of the plant. However, the basic safety rules listed are common to all boiler rooms.
- Wear approved clothing and shoes in the plant at all times.
- Wear gloves when handling hot lines or cleaning fuel oil burner tips.
- Wear appropriate eye protection in all designated areas. Use hand shields when visually inspecting the furnace fire.
- Wear goggles and respirators when cleaning the fire side of the boiler, breeching, or chimney.
- Wear a hard hat when working where there is a possibility of head injury
- Do not use hands to stop moving equipment
- Store all oily rags or waste in approved containers to prevent fires caused by spontaneous combustion.
- Only use approved safety cans to store combustible liquids.
- Check all fire safety equipment on a regular basis to be sure it is in proper working condition.
- Check fire extinguishers periodically for proper charge and correct location.
- Do not use unsafe ladders or substitutes for ladders.
- Ladders should never be used as bridges.
- Do not leave loose tools on ladders, catwalks, tops of boilers, or scaffolds.
- Do not carry tools in back pockets.
- Do not throw a tool to anyone at any time.
- Use the proper tool for the job.
- Do not use defective tools.
- Always secure and tag steam stop valves, bottom blowdown valves, and feedwater valves when a boiler in battery is removed from service for cleaning and inspection.
- Never start any equipment that has been tagged out for safety reasons.
- Make sure the equipment has been secured and tagged out before attempting to clean or repair. local plumbing service