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Heating Plant Safety Rules

Section 1 - Central Utility Control Panel Operation

  1. Required
    1. Read General Safety Rules.
    2. Read Shop Safety Rules.
    3. Confined Space Entry Training.
    4. View Proper Lifting PowerPoint presentation.
    5. Lock Out/Tag Out Training.
    6. View Proper Ladder safety PowerPoint presentation.
    7. Respirator Protection Training.
    8. Wear work shoes/boots.
    9. Hazard Communications Training.
  2. Recommended
    1. Standard first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
    2. Safety shoes/boots.
  3. Always Remember
    1. Make sure all mechanical and electrical equipment is in proper working condition. Report any problems.
    2. No smoking when checking No. 6 oil level.
    3. Always wear protective equipment when appropriate.
    4. Know the location of and how to use fire extinguishers.

Section 2 - Stationary Fireman

  1. Required
    1. Read General Safety Rules.
    2. Confined Space Entry Training.
    3. Lock Out/Tag Out Training.
    4. View Proper Lifting PowerPoint presentation.
    5. View Proper Ladder safety PowerPoint presentation.
    6. Respiratory Protection Training.
    7. Work shoes/boots.
    8. Read Machine Shop Safety Rules.
  2. Recommended
    1. Standard First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.
    2. Safety shoes/boots.
  3. Always Remember
    1. Only qualified and authorized persons may make repairs, adjustments, operate or work with electrical conductors or power-operated apparatus, machinery or equipment. Appropriate Lock Out/Tag Out procedures will be used at all times.
    2. A continual watch should be maintained at all times for defects in the boiler and all accessories. These should be promptly reported to the person in charge of the shift for proper action. A minor defect may cause the failure of a boiler or result in injury to members of the crew. Report such conditions even though you believe them unimportant.
    3. Do not leave tools lying around. Always clean up area after job is completed.
    4. Do not operate any electrical equipment or valves with red tags or "Hold" tags on them.
    5. Items requiring repair should be reported on maintenance forms provided for this purpose.
    6. Safety or other valves on equipment must not be made ineffective by:
      1. Operating with valve gags in place.
      2. Placing any object on or near valve.
      3. Removing hand wheel.
      4. Any other means.
    7. Check the water level in the boiler by glancing at the water gauge glass at frequent intervals. Do not depend on automatic alarms or feed water regulators to give low water warning.
    8. Use approved eye and face protection when looking into an operating boiler furnace inspection door.
    9. Always open boiler furnace inspection doors slowly from the hinged side.
    10. Always use proper size valve wrench.
    11. Check body clearances, properly position body, and establish good footing when using a valve wrench or opening a valve.
    12. Never apply undue force to any valve. Do not use a "cheater" bar on a valve wrench.
    13. Always stand to one side of a valve when opening it, where possible.
    14. Do all low voltage switching in accordance with established local procedures.
    15. A boiler shall be purged at least 5 minutes after loss of fire.
    16. If a boiler will not light on oil after three (3) consecutive tries, allow 30 minutes before the next attempt.
    17. Do not bypass any safety devices in an attempt to light a boiler.
    18. Place burner assemblies in racks provided before attempting minor adjustments.
    19. Use approved insulated gloves to handle oil burner guns, auxiliary burner apparatus, slice bars, and pokers.
    20. Gloves for use in the boiler room should be large enough so that the worker can get them off his hands quickly by merely flipping the hands. This will prevent burns caused by inability to remove a hot glove quickly.
    21. Do not work on pressurized lines or vessels until tested by approved means and found safe for work.
    22. Before repairing valve, pipe, tubing, hose, or other such facility under pressure:
      1. Be sure valve controlling line is shut off.
      2. Slowly release pressure remaining in the line.
      3. Incorporate necessary Lock Out/Tag Out procedures.
    23. Before opening boiler blow-down valve, soot blower valve or chemical injection device, check to make sure everyone is in the clear.
    24. Lubricate or make repairs to machinery or equipment after notifying lead operating engineer and receiving assurance that no part of the machinery will start until work is completed and everyone is in the clear, and appropriate Lock Out/Tag Out procedures are followed.
    25. Do not use an air hose as a temporary drain line on high pressure steam systems. Apply "Hold" tags as needed.
    26. Wear dust tight goggles when engaged in ash handling.
    27. When it is necessary to handle hot ashes, the worker's feet should be amply protected to prevent burns. Stout shoes should be worn. Wear gloves to prevent burning the hands.
    28. No work shall be attempted on boiler or steam line under pressure unless instructed to do so by the supervisor, and then only while he personally supervises the work. The supervisor shall inspect the equipment and establish that conditions are safe. Use appropriate Lock Out/Tag Out procedures.
    29. Be sure all persons are in safe position before blowing dirt or condensation from pressure line or equipment.
    30. No workman shall enter a boiler without closing, locking and tagging all valves governing the boiler. The boiler shall not be entered without first ascertaining that all valves are shut and without leaks. Follow appropriate confined space procedures before entry.
    31. Never enter a boiler unless there is a man on the outside of the boiler to watch you and all confined space procedures have been followed.
    32. Thoroughly ventilate the boiler setting and shell, to remove explosive or deadly gases, before entering the boiler.
    33. Whenever blow-off valves of several boilers are connected in one header, see that the valves of boilers in service are marked and padlocked to prevent their being opened into the boiler in which men are working.
    34. Only low voltage lamps (12v) or electric cords protected by ground fault interrupter will be allowed in a boiler drum or setting.
    35. After the cleaning operation is completed, examine the interior to see that no tools or other equipment are left in the boiler.
    36. Never close boiler until absolutely certain that all men are out and the equipment has been removed.
    37. Where mechanical tools are driven by air, the power should be generated outside of the boiler and all connections inspected at intervals. Hose lines should be armored and protected from possible damage. Do not permit excess pressure on such lines.
    38. Where rotating type tube cleaners are used, the operator will be equipped with goggles and will wear a tight-fitting cap so that there will be no danger or getting chips in eyes or having hair catch on the tool as the tool is placed in tubes overhead.
    39. When men are working inside a furnace or air heater, the following precautions will be observed. All confined space entry procedures will be followed before entry.
      1. Dust respirators will be worn if slag is being chipped or if tubes are being brushed.
      2. Men will be required to wear goggles, dust-tight type if the work is dusty.
      3. If men are working overhead, those working in the furnace fire box will wear hard hats.
    40. Leaking manholes or hand holes on boilers shall not be repaired while pressure is on boiler.
    41. Do not work on or near a safety valve while pressure is on boiler.
    42. Pressure steam lines shall not be worked on while under boiler pressure.
    43. Leaks in pipes, flanges or gaskets should be repaired at the earliest possible time, as they may be caused by defective material.
    44. Close shut-off valve at source before attempting to connect or disconnect steam, air hose or line.
    45. Approved protective equipment and clothing shall be worn whenever acids and caustics in harmful quantities may spill, splash, fly or drip upon the person handling shell. The quantity of acid handled shall determine the kind and quantity of such clothing and equipment. Minimum protection shall be goggles and rubber gloves. Face shield may be used in addition.
    46. Persons handling sulfuric acid and/or liquid caustic soda shall have quick access to a supply of water for diluting and washing off any acid spilled on them or their clothing. Minimum protection shall be a bucket of water. Where large quantities of acid are handled, an emergency shower or a supply of running water shall be readily available.
    47. Always wear goggles, rubber gloves, and apron when working with acid or caustic.
    48. When handling acid or caustic, check the nearest supply of clean water and see if it is available for emergency use in case of injury.
    49. If you get acid or alkali on any part of the body, promptly remove any contaminated clothing, go immediately to the emergency shower and completely wash your body.
    50. Wash gloves in fresh water before removing or reusing them.
    51. All locations in which acids or caustic materials are stored or handled shall be marked plainly with appropriate signs.
    52. Wherever acids or caustics are handled, floor shall be maintained completely dry.
    53. Spilled acids shall be neutralized and cleaned up immediately.
    54. Whether empty or full, a carboy shall never be tipped toward a person.
    55. Only approved methods, tools and equipment shall be used to extract acid from a container. Use of compressed air or sucking by mouth on a siphon are expressly prohibited. (Exception: unloading a railroad tank car or tanker truck with compressed air.)
    56. When mixing caustics or acids, proper personal protective equipment shall be worn.
    57. Always pour the caustic or acid into the water. Never pour water into the caustic or acid.
    58. Acids and caustic shall only be handled or used in well ventilated areas.
    59. Machine guards must be in place when machinery is operated. The only exception is for the purpose of making a test after repairs are made.
    60. When machine guards are removed for the purpose of making repairs, they shall be replaced as soon as the work is completed.
    61. If it is necessary to place guards on any apparatus, they shall be of substantial construction, suitable for the purpose intended and shall be replaced by permanent guard as soon as possible.
    62. Never remove a guard on a running machine.
    63. Always be on the lookout for improperly guarded machines. Report these hazards to your foreman.
    64. Only persons authorized and qualified by their supervisor may operate cranes.
    65. Be certain that the aisle or area into which you will walk is clear of obstructions. Avoid climbing on or over objects when directing the hoist travel.
    66. Hitching equipment shall be checked for defects before using it and again when returning it to the storage area. Defective hitching equipment shall be removed from service.
    67. Hitches shall not be made of a load whose weight is not known. Load weights shall be determined with reasonable accuracy. Do not exceed the crane capacity.
    68. Hitching equipment shall be protected from damage by the load.
    69. Hitching equipment shall be properly applied so that the load can be lifted in a secure and stable position without danger of dropping, shifting or turning.
    70. Only approved hitching equipment shall be used. Fabrication and use of improvised hitching equipment shall not be permitted.
    71. Use suitable protection when using impact tool, to prevent rivet head, bolt, chip or other metallic object from "flying".
    72. Use wrench suitable for object on which it is to be used. Properly adjust and securely apply wrench, assume a braced position with firm footing and apply and increase pressure on handle gradually to prevent overbalancing.
    73. Wrench handle must not be lengthened by any means, or struck, unless designed for the purpose.
    74. Place chisel or other such tool firmly and strike it squarely.
    75. Insulation, weatherproofing or covering on wire or electrical apparatus must not be depended upon for protection against shock.
    76. Due to the high speed of air grinders, it is important that the proper size grinder and the correct size wheel be used.
    77. Wear goggles at all times when using grinders. When using a large grinder, use a face shield.
    78. Destroy defective grinding wheels or arbors.
    79. After changing wheels, hold the grinder in a protected position while starting it up. This will prevent injuries to yourself or others if the wheel should fly apart or whip.
    80. All welding operations shall follow all guidelines found in Pipe Fitter section.
    81. Do not stand on makeshift devices. USE A LADDER.
    82. All ladders should be placed on secure footing when in use.
    83. Always check straight or extension ladders for broken or split rails, rungs or other defects, and never use a defective ladder.
    84. Position straight or extension ladders as shown in diagram:
    85. Do not stand on the top or second rung of a straight, or extension, ladder.
    86. Extension ladders must have 3 ft. of overlap for ladders up to 36 ft. Add 1 ft. for each additional 10 ft.
    87. Metal ladders must not be used in areas where a ladder might contact exposed electrical equipment.
    88. Only one person is allowed on any ladder at a time. Nothing will be carried in the hands when ascending or descending.
    89. Do not place a step ladder in front of doors which open towards the ladder except when the door is blocked open or locked closed.
    90. Step ladders must be opened fully before being used.
    91. Approved barriers and/or warning devices shall be used to guard areas where there is a danger from falling materials.
    92. Approved barriers and/or warning devices shall be placed in a manner that will prevent anyone form falling into temporary openings when manhole covers, floor plates, gratings, etc., are removed.
    93. Smoking is prohibited in crusher houses, galleries and other places designated as "No Smoking" areas in the coal handling section.
    94. Use no extension cords except those approved by the plant electrician.
    95. Stand rakes and forks against the wall with prongs down.
    96. An employee must never enter a coal bin without first notifying his foreman. He must wear a safety belt with attached life line, and a watchman must be stationed to safeguard the man entering the bin.
    97. Do not throw refuse into the coal bin.
    98. Keep covers over openings into coal bins closed, except when bins are open for inspection, cleaning or filling.
    99. When walking over the grating of a coal bin, be especially careful.
    100. Handles on wheels of ash pit doors must always be up.
    101. Safety spectacles shall be worn where eye hazards exist. Face shields, covering face helmets or cup goggles must be worn for chipping, grinding, bolt cutting or flue blowing.
    102. Ear protectors shall be worn in accordance with noise hazard signs in various locations.
    103. Do not wear loose or torn clothing around moving equipment or machinery. Coveralls or work clothes in good condition with long sleeves and tails tucked in, are suggested. Shirts, long pants, and shoes are always required.
    104. Gloves should not be worn around moving machinery or equipment.
    105. Rings, wrist watches, and other jewelry should not be worn around moving machinery or equipment.

Section 3 - Stationary Fireman Helper

  1. Required
    1. Read General Safety Rules.
    2. Read Confined Space and View Confined Space video.
    3. Read Lock Out/Tag Out and View Lock Out/Tag Out video.
    4. View Proper Lifting PowerPoint presentation.
    5. View Proper Ladder safety PowerPoint presentation.
    6. Read Respiratory Protection section.
    7. Work shoes/boots.
  2. Recommended
    1. Standard First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.
    2. Safety shoes/boots.
  3. Always Remember
    1. Only qualified and authorized persons may make repairs, adjustments, operate or work with electrical conductors or power-operated apparatus, machinery or equipment. Appropriate Lock Out/Tag Out procedures will be used at all times.
    2. Do not leave tools lying around. Always clean up area after job is completed.
    3. Do not operate any electrical equipment or valves with red tags or "Hold" tags on them.
    4. Items requiring repair should be reported on maintenance forms provided for this purpose.
    5. Safety or other valves on equipment must not be made ineffective by:
      1. Operating with valve gags in place.
      2. Placing any object on or near valve.
      3. Removing hand wheel.
      4. Any other means.
    6. Always use proper size valve wrench.
    7. Check body clearances, properly position body and establish good footing when using a valve wrench or opening a valve.
    8. Never apply undue force to any valve. Do not use a "cheater" bar on a valve wrench.
    9. Always stand to one side of a valve when opening it, where possible.
    10. Use approved insulated gloves to handle oil burner guns, auxiliary burner apparatus, slice bars and pokers.
    11. Gloves for use in the boiler room should be large enough so that the worker can get them off his hands quickly by merely flipping the hands. This will prevent burns caused by inability to remove a hot glove quickly.
    12. Do not work on pressurized lines or vessels until tested by approved means and found safe for work.
    13. Before repairing valve, pipe, tubing, hose, or other such facility under pressure:
      1. Be sure valve controlling line is shut off.
      2. Slowly release pressure remaining in the line.
      3. Incorporate necessary Lock Out/Tag Out procedures.
    14. Before opening boiler blow-down valve, soot blower valve or chemical injection device, check to make sure everyone is in the clear.
    15. Lubricate or make repairs to machinery or equipment after notifying lead operating engineer and receiving assurance that no part of the machinery will start until work is completed and everyone is in the clear, and appropriate Lock Out/Tag Out procedures are followed.
    16. Do not use an air hose as a temporary drain line on high pressure steam systems. Apply "Hold" tags as needed.
    17. No work shall be attempted on boiler or steam line under pressure unless instructed to do so by the supervisor, and then only while he personally supervises the work. The supervisor shall inspect the equipment and establish that conditions are safe. Use appropriate Lock Out/Tag Out procedures.
    18. Be sure all persons are in safe position before blowing dirt or condensation from pressure line or equipment.
    19. No workman shall enter a boiler without closing, locking and tagging all valves governing the boiler. The boiler shall not be entered without first ascertaining that all valves are shut and without leaks. Follow appropriate confined space procedures before entry.
    20. Never enter a boiler unless there is a man on the outside of the boiler to watch you and all confined space procedures have been followed.
    21. Never enter a boiler until it is sufficiently cool and even then take precaution against burns caused by flue dust or loose parts which might fall.
    22. Thoroughly ventilate the boiler setting and shell to remove explosive or deadly gases before entering the boiler.
    23. Whenever blow-off valves of several boilers are connected in one header, see that the valves of boilers in service are marked and padlocked to prevent their being opened into the boiler in which men are working.
    24. Only low voltage lamps (12v) or electric cords protected by ground fault interrupter will be allowed in a boiler drum or setting.
    25. After the cleaning operation is completed, examine the interior to see that no tools or other equipment are left in the boiler.
    26. Never close boiler until absolutely certain that all men are out and the equipment has been removed.
    27. Where mechanical tools are driven by air, the power should be generated outside of the boiler and all connections inspected at intervals. Hose lines should be armored and protected from possible damage. Do not permit excess pressure on such lines.
    28. Where rotating type tube cleaners are used, the operator will be equipped with goggles and will wear a tight-fitting cap so that there will be no danger of getting chips in eyes or having hair catch on the tool as the tool is placed in tubes overhead.
    29. When men are working inside a furnace or air heater, the following precautions will be observed. All confined space entry procedures will be followed before entry.
      1. Dust respirators will be worn if slag is being chipped or if tubes are being brushed.
      2. Men will be required to wear goggles, dust-tight type if the work is dusty.
      3. If men are working overhead, those working in the furnace fire box will wear hard hats.
    30. Ventilation will be provided before entering a fire box.
    31. Gauge glasses shall not be replaced without first shutting off the valves on top and bottom of the water column, which are provided for that purpose.
    32. Leaking manholes or hand holes on boilers shall not be repaired while pressure is on boiler.
    33. Do not work on or near a safety valve while pressure is on boiler.
    34. Pressure steam lines shall not be worked on while under boiler pressure.
    35. In case a blow-off line breaks or a tube ruptures, the fires should be immediately drowned, and the boiler should be kept supplied with enough warm water to overcome that lost by the break until all pressure is off and steel work is cool.
    36. Leaks in pipes, flanges or gaskets should be repaired at the earliest possible time, as they may be caused by defective material.
    37. Close shut-off valve at source before attempting to connect or disconnect steam, air hose or line.
    38. Acids in any quantity shall be kept in an approved carboy or other approved container prominently labeled. These containers shall not be used for any other purposes.
    39. Approved protective equipment and clothing shall be worn whenever acids and caustics in harmful quantities may spill, splash, fly or drip upon the person handling shell. The quantity of acid handled shall determine the kind and quantity of such clothing and equipment. Minimum protection shall be goggles and rubber gloves. Face shield may be used in addition.
    40. Persons handling sulfuric acid and/or liquid caustic soda shall have quick access to a supply of water for diluting and washing off any acid spilled on them or their clothing. Minimum protection shall be a bucket of water. Where large quantities of acid are handled, an emergency shower or a supply of running water shall be readily available.
    41. Always wear goggles, rubber gloves, and apron when working with acid or caustic.
    42. When handling acid or caustic, check the nearest supply of clean water and see if it is available for emergency use in case of injury.
    43. If you get acid or alkali on any part of the body, promptly remove any contaminated clothing, go immediately to the emergency shower and completely wash your body.
    44. Wash gloves in fresh water before removing or reusing them.
    45. All locations in which acids or caustic materials are stored or handled shall be marked plainly with appropriate signs.
    46. Wherever acids or caustics are handled, floor shall be maintained completely dry.
    47. Spilled acids shall be neutralized and cleaned up immediately.
    48. Whether empty or full, a carboy shall never be tipped toward a person.
    49. Only approved methods, tools and equipment shall be used to extract acid from a container. Use of compressed air or sucking by mouth on a siphon are expressly prohibited. (Exception: unloading a railroad tank car or tanker truck with compressed air.)
    50. When mixing caustics or acids, proper personal protective equipment shall be worn.
    51. Always pour the caustic or acid into the water. Never pour water into the caustic or acid.
    52. Acids and caustic shall only be handled or used in well ventilated areas.
    53. Machine guards must be in place when machinery is operated. The only exception is for the purpose of making a test after repairs are made.
    54. When machine guards are removed for the purpose of making repairs, they shall be replaced as soon as the work is completed.
    55. If it is necessary to place guards on any apparatus, they shall be of substantial construction, suitable for the purpose intended and shall be replaced by permanent guard as soon as possible.
    56. Never remove a guard on a running machine.
    57. Always be on the lookout for improperly guarded machines. Report these hazards to your foreman.
    58. Only persons authorized and qualified by their supervisor may operate cranes.
    59. Be certain that the aisle or area into which you will walk is clear of obstructions. Avoid climbing on or over objects when directing the hoist travel.
    60. Hitching equipment shall be checked for defects before using it and again when returning it to the storage area. Defective hitching equipment shall be removed from service.
    61. Hitches shall not be made of a load whose weight is not known. Load weights shall be determined with reasonably accuracy. Do not exceed the crane capacity.
    62. Hitching equipment shall be protected from damage by the load.
    63. Hitching equipment shall be properly applied so that the load can be lifted in a secure and stable position without danger of dropping, shifting or turning.
    64. Only approved hitching equipment shall be used. Fabrication and use of improvised hitching equipment shall not be permitted.
    65. Use suitable protection when using impact tool, to prevent rivet head, bolt, chip or other metallic object from "flying".
    66. Use wrench suitable for object on which it is to be used. Properly adjust and securely apply wrench, assume a braced position with firm footing and apply and increase pressure on handle gradually to prevent overbalancing.
    67. Wrench handle must not be lengthened by any means, or struck, unless designed for the purpose.
    68. Place chisel or other such tool firmly and strike it squarely.
    69. Insulation, weatherproofing, or covering on wire or electrical apparatus must not be depended upon for protection against shock.
    70. Due to the high speed of air grinders, it is important that the proper size grinder and the correct size wheel be used.
    71. Wear goggles at all times when using grinders. When using a large grinder, use a face shield.
    72. Destroy defective grinding wheels or arbors.
    73. After changing wheels, hold the grinder in a protected position while starting it up. This will prevent injuries to yourself or others if the wheel should fly apart or whip.
    74. All welding operations shall follow all guidelines found in Pipe Fitter section.
    75. Do not stand on makeshift devices. USE A LADDER.
    76. All ladders should be placed on secure footing when in use.
    77. Always check straight or extension ladders for broken or split rails, rungs or other defects, and never use a defective ladder.
    78. Position straight or extension ladders as shown in diagram:
    79. Do not stand on the top or second rung of a straight, or extension, ladder.
    80. Extension ladders must have 3 ft. of overlap for ladders up to 36 ft. Add 1 ft. for each additional 10 ft.
    81. Metal ladders must not be used in areas where a ladder might contact exposed electrical equipment.
    82. Only one person is allowed on any ladder at a time. Nothing will be carried in the hands when ascending or descending.
    83. Do not place a step ladder in front of doors which open towards the ladder except when the door is blocked open or locked closed.
    84. Step ladders must be opened fully before being used.
    85. Approved barriers and/or warning devices shall be used to guard areas where there is a danger from falling materials.
    86. Approved barriers and/or warning devices shall be placed in a manner that will prevent anyone form falling into temporary openings when manhole covers, floor plates, gratings, etc., are removed.
    87. Smoking is prohibited in crusher houses, galleries and other places designated as "No Smoking" areas in the coal handling section.
    88. Use no extension cords except those approved by the plant electrician.
    89. Stand rakes and forks against the wall with prongs down.
    90. An employee must never enter a coal bin without first notifying his foreman. He must wear a safety belt with attached life line, and a watchman must be stationed to safeguard the man entering the bin.
    91. Safety spectacles shall be worn where eye hazards exist. Face shields, covering face helmets or cup goggles must be worn for chipping, grinding, bolt cutting or flue blowing.
    92. Ear protectors shall be worn in accordance with noise hazard signs in various locations.
    93. Do not wear loose or torn clothing around moving equipment or machinery. Coveralls or work clothes in good condition with long sleeves and tails tucked in, are suggested. Shirts, long pants, and shoes are always required.
    94. Gloves should not be worn around moving machinery or equipment.
    95. Rings, wrist watches, and other jewelry should not be worn around moving machinery or equipment.