Boiler Safety Room Audits can SAVE YOUR PLANT MONEY & PREVENT INJURY learn more from our expert, Bob.
1. Hello Bob; thank you for taking the time to answer some questions for us today. Could you tell us a little bit about yourself and why you are personally so interested in performing Boiler Room Safety Audits.
I have been involved in the steam equipment industry for over 40 years. This has involved equipment used in the corrugating industry involving control valves, steam rotary joints and steam traps. In recent years I have been involved in boiler room safety audits. I am passionate in keeping boiler rooms safe and educating operators on best safety practices.
2. What caused the Boiler Safety Room Audits to become a requirement at major Corrugators?
A Corrugated Plant boiler exploded in 2017. The tank was repaired in 2012 with no permit. On March 31st of 2017 a leak started, and the boiler was shutdown. It was started it back up without repair on April 3rd . Due to the issue the boiler exploded this day and flew like a missile at 120 MPH and 580 feet in the air. This caused 4 causalities, which lead to a $47.2 Million Dollar Settlement.
3. How can Rochester Midland Corporation help Corrugator’s create safe environments?
By completing an equipment assessment and key hardware & process audit. This can range from immediate safety issues to long term maintenance best practices that will prevent future issues. Third party evaluation ensures independent evaluation, free of bias, and consistent across customers. Equipment audited includes the proper function of boiler safety devices, but also high-pressure receivers and deaerator tanks. These pressure vessels are often overlooked within a boiler room and can post a significant safety risk if not properly maintained.
4. We realize there are probably several areas you review during an audit, but can you name three areas you review during the audit?
1. Testing of critical safety devices on the boiler.
2. Review of boiler feed water chemistry.
3. General condition of boiler room and other safety devices and controls.
5. How often do you find issues within Boiler Rooms?
Issues are almost always found during audit. Serious issues are reported immediately and requested to be fixed ASAP.
6. Could you briefly explain what is provided to a Corrugator once the audit is complete?
Once an audit is completed the plant personnel will be requested to have a meeting to discuss the findings. The final report is issued within one week after the audit is completed.
7. Lastly, what is one line that you frequently here during or after a safety audit is complete?
I can't believe we were not looking at these safety items that were found during the audit.