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.