Boiler Room Due Diligence

I often wonder if other people’s brains work like mine.  I think about a topic, which leads to another topic, then another, and before I know it, I’ve created this whole big-budget movie-like scenario in my head that warrants an Emmy.  In last month’s blog post, we discussed common causes for low-water levels in boilers, and writing that post led to a number of thoughts, which climaxed with a not-so-pleasant explosion-like ending.  I realize that is taking it a bit far, but boilers, if not properly maintained, can fail, leading to a potentially dangerous situation.  And one thing I can say for certain is that most folks do not properly care for their commercial boilers.

Here are 5 easy things you can do to both keep your boiler in good working order and to avoid a potential boiler room disaster:

1. Safety first – Always wear the appropriate clothing, shoes, and safety gear when working on your boiler.
2. Follow procedures – Create a set of guidelines to follow for proper startup and shutdown, and make sure that whoever is responsible for following the guidelines understands and follows them carefully and consistently. 
3. Preventative maintenance – Set up a routine preventative maintenance program according to the manufacturers’ specifications, and be sure to document each one along with any unusual findings.
4. Inspections – Perform regular inspections and address any issues found during the inspections immediately.
5. Boiler room – The boiler’s burner needs the appropriate amount of air circulation to work properly.  If there isn’t proper circulation, the boiler could produce carbon monoxide, so avoid storing unnecessary items in the boiler room.

If your new or used boiler is in need of attention and you don’t know where to start, call Tri-State Laundry Equipment Co. at 866-885-5218.  We are glad to offer assistance with advice, service, parts, or equipment replacement.