Any equipment that relies on gases to perform needs to be thoroughly and regularly checked to ensure safe and efficient operation. Failure to monitor these emissions and temperatures effectively can endanger buildings, the machines themselves and any people in the vicinity if things go wrong.
Industrial boilers are especially at risk of failure if not kept in proper running order. While some problems are minor and can be easily fixed, these installations are also prone to destructive explosions when operating incorrectly. In the past, these have been responsible for horrific burns and a loss of life as a result of issues that should have been picked up during regular maintenance.
What causes boilers to fail?
Boilers heat water or other fluids in high pressure systems for a number of different purposes, and can use fire, combustion, electricity or other methods in their operation. The most common use for boilers in residential and commercial applications is to provide heating within a building.
This combination of increased pressure and high heat levels means that boilers can often be pushed to their limits, necessitating regular maintenance check-ups and services. To illustrate the danger posed by this equipment, Safe Work Australia has listed interacting with boilers as high risk work, with special care needed to ensure safety.
One cause of major failure is through steam explosions. These are the result of a build-up of high pressures that cannot be released safely. Instead, it overwhelms the piping within the boiler and causes an explosion.
The other main cause of explosions is fuel. If it is allowed to leak or mix with other components, through loose valves or leaking gas lines, then an explosion is possible. Natural gas is a common fuel source for domestic and commercial boilers and can be extremely volatile if leaks are not addressed.
Boilers can be checked with instruments such as the Testo 310 Flue Gas Analyser. This device allows for easy measurement of gases and pressures, ensuring that these installations are operating safely and effectively.
UK case study
The shocking effects of boiler failures were seen in the UK recently where an unchecked boiler exploded causing significant injuries.
John Fawcett, the building’s landlord, was turning the heating off when the incident occurred. The Mirror reported on March 12 that Mr Fawcett suffered significant burns to his face and arms and spent three weeks in hospital recovering.
The incident was cause by a gas leak in the boiler room, and provides a deadly reminder of the importance of maintaining this equipment properly.
To ensure that your employees don’t suffer the same fate, contact Testo for a gas analyser solution to keep your staff and equipment safe.
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