Q17. Q18. Flu-gas  temperatures  should  be  at  how  many degrees  above  steam  production  temperature during boiler operations? When securing a boiler, at what pressure should you open the drum vent valves? Q19. What is the purpose of a boiler operating log? SAFETY Learning  Objective:  Understand  the  relationship  of safety in operating and maintaining boilers. Recognize the different types and use of lockout devices in boiler maintenance. In servicing boilers, the need for SAFETY cannot be  overemphasized.  Much  progress  has  been  made over the years in the development of safety devices for boilers. There are still many ways, however, in which serious accidents can happen around boilers. A boiler operator  or  serviceman  who  is  careless  on  the  job threatens  the  safety  of  everyone.  Accidents  somehow have a way of happening at a moment we least expect. All  the  more  reason,  therefore,  for  constant  alertness and close attention to detail. Do not take chances! BE SAFETY  CONSCIOUS! Some   of   the   major   safety   precautions   to   be observed by Utilitiesmen engaged in boiler operation and servicing are presented below. As  protection  against  toxic  or  explosive  gases, boiler   settings   must   be   ventilated   completely   and tested  for  toxic  or  explosive  gases  before  crews  are permitted to enter. The  covers  of  manholes  must  be  removed  for ventilation before people enter the drum. Before anyone enters a steam drum, mud drum, or other   waterside   enclosure,   steam   and   feed   lines connected  to  the  headers  under  pressure  should  be isolated  by  a  stop  valve  and  a  blank  with  an  open telltale valve in between, or by two stop valves with a telltale valve opened in between. A ventilating fan should be operating in the drum when someone is working in the boiler. Workers should not be inside the waterside of the boiler  when  pressure  is  being  applied  to  test  a  valve that has not been under pressure. Workers  should  wear  protective  clothing  when making  boiler  water tests. Boiler  settings  must  be  examined  daily  for  external air   leaks.   Cracks,   blisters,   or   other   dangerous conditions  in  joints,  tubes,  seams,  or  blowoff connections  are  to  be  reported  to  your  senior  chief petty officer immediately. Boilers   should   also   be   examined   regularly   for deposits  on  their  heating  surfaces  and  for  grease  or other foreign matter in the water. Boilers showing any such  faults  should  be  cleared  at  the  first  opportunity and should not be used until cleared. Performing  certain  adjustments  and  repairs  while pressure  is  up  is  prohibited.  A  complete  absence  of pressure is to be ensured by opening the air cock or test and water gauge cocks connecting with the steam space before fittings or parts subject to pressure are removed or tightened, and before manhole or handhole plate fittings are loosened on a boiler that has been under pressure. large  warning  sign,  such  as  Caution-Man  Working Inside, should be placed near the furnace entrance. The  use  of  open-flame  lights  is  prohibited  in boilers.  When  cleaning  where  flammable  vapors  and gases  may  be  present,  workers  are  to  use  only explosionproof portable lamps equipped with heavily insulated  three-wire  conductors,  with  one  conductor connecting  the  guard  to  ground. Safety-toed shoes or toe guards must be worn to prevent injuries from falling slag. When someone is working inside the furnace, a a respirator must be worn. When a worker is chopping slag inside a furnace, Hard hats and goggles must be worn. When cleaning operations are performed, workers should wear the proper personal protective equipment. The following requirements apply: Combustion   control,   feed   control,   and   burner, stoker,  or  similar  adjustments  are  permitted  with  the boiler steaming, since many adjustments can be made only when pressure is up. Oil accumulated on furnace bottoms should be cleaned out immediately. The   fuel-oil   suction   and   discharge   strainers should  be  cleaned  at  least  every  8  hours  and  more frequently  if  necessary. Condensate  pits  in  boiler  rooms  should  have metal  covers.  If  the  pits  must  be  opened  for maintenance,  adequate  guards  should  be  placed  around them and warning signs posted. 2-25