Professionals Needed for a Proper Boiler Inspection
Government regulations and insurance company generally dictate required inspection schedules for boilers. The types and frequencies of inspections may vary. But for safety sake, we recommend biannual inspections. We suggest that you do the internal/external inspection while the boiler is off, not running, with all doors open and inspection plates removed no less than once a year. The external inspection (while the boiler is under pressure) should be performed approximately 6-months after the internal/external inspections to best minimize the time between inspections.
Who Is Involved in a Boiler Inspection?
At a minimum, there are three people that take part in an inspection:
- the boiler owner or operator
- a water treatment specialist
- certified and licensed boiler inspector
Each person has a role to play in the inspection:
- The inspector should have professional training and certification. He performs the inspection and makes recommendations at the conclusion of the inspection.
- The owner/operator should inform the inspector of any operation problems that have occurred since the last inspection.
- The water treatment consultant or the owner/operator should provide the inspector with chemical data for water treatment that has been performed prior to inspection. The water treatment consultant also performs deposit and metallographic analyses as the needs arise during the inspection.
- The owner/operator and the water treatment consultant both help identify root causes of problems found by the inspector. They are also the ones who make the needed adjustments to the boiler management program after the inspection.
Inspection Results
At the conclusion of the inspection, the inspector should have a conversation with the owner/operator and water treatment consultant, if available, to compare the general conditions observed in the inspection to those of previous inspections. The inspector should also provide a written report to the owner/operator that gives a chronological list of cause and effect problems and constructive action to take to avoid recurrence.
About BTG Boiler Training
The key to safe boiler operation and inspections is boiler operator training. BTG offers boiler training classes, boiler water treatment classes and we also create custom boiler operator training classes for companies. For a class near you please check out our class schedule here. BTG is a part of Boiler Supply Company. Boiler Supply company specializes in new boiler systems by Cleaver Brooks, Parker Boiler and more. They also provide boiler repair and boiler parts to companies across the Southeast U.S.
Boiler Safety Training: Are Boiler Explosions a Thing of the Past?
Without question, the safety level in industrial plants and manufacturing facilities is much better than it was 100 years ago. At that time, death and injury from boiler explosions were almost an everyday occurrence. But today, are boiler explosions a thing of the past? Sadly, the answer is “no” and boiler safety training is just as important now as it has ever been.
A Recent Tragedy
Just this year, on April 3 (2017), a steam storage tank weighing close to 2,000 pounds blasted through the roof of the Loy Lange Box Company. The force of the explosion was equal to 350 pounds of TNT.
The van-sized tank went through the roof at almost 120 mph. It rose 425 feet above street level and traveled laterally approximately 520 feet toward its “target.” Then it crashed through the roof of a nearby linen company building. So, in just a fraction over 10 seconds, three people were killed and at least five were injured. Ultimately, one of the injured died.
This tragic story repeats itself year after year.
What Was the Cause?
Statistics show that low water condition, operator error, and poor maintenance are some of the leading causes of boiler explosions. The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) found the cause of the explosion. It was a failure at the bottom of the tank. A part that was leaking had been repaired earlier in the year instead of being replaced. Consequently, the repaired part corroded, causing the failure of the boiler. With proper boiler safety training it’s possible this tragedy could have been prevented.
Boiler Safety Training is One Way Boiler Explosions Can Be Prevented
Only individuals with the appropriate skills and boiler safety training can operate and maintain boilers and pressure vessels safely. That’s why, at BTG, we design our boiler training classes to give boiler operators and maintenance engineers the skills and the understanding they need for boiler operations, service, troubleshooting, and equipment safety. Learn more about our training here.
About Boisco Training Group
Boisco Training Group is a leading provider of boiler training courses, boiler training classes, and boiler water treatment training. We provide classes throughout the southeast to teach boiler operator safety training in Nashville, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Atlanta and surrounding cities.
New Boiler Training Course for 2017
If you are looking for a boiler training course in 2017 check out the wide array of courses we have to offer by clicking here. BTG (Boisco Training Group), the training division of Boiler Supply Company, Inc., specializes in both boiler training classes and boiler water treatment training classes. We provide this training to boiler owners, operators, and maintenance personnel. The success of these classes continues to grow, and we have scheduled additional classes into 2017 to meet the demand.
About Our Boiler Operator Training Course
The importance of the safe operation of boilers cannot be over emphasized. Historically, before “survivors” from boiler explosions learned how to periodically clean their boilers, boiler explosions were quite common. Boiler operator training classes not only teach safe operation and maintenance, they save lives.
Beginners will be challenged by this class and seasoned professionals will be able to update and reaffirm their knowledge. The following topics are included in our boiler training courses:
- Combustion & Heat Transfer
- Burners & Fuel Trains
- Dangers & Prevention
- Controls & Safety Devices
- Operations, Safety, & Testing
- Sequence of Operation
- Inspections & Planned Maintenance
- Boiler Efficiency
- Troubleshooting
Click here to download the detailed class agenda.
Find a Boiler Training Course Near You
BTG offers boiler training classes in Nashville, TN, Knoxville, TN, and Fairburn, GA. To find a convenient class date, click here to view the class schedule. Then click on the class date you are interested in to see how many seats are still available in the class. You can even register and pay online.
