Maximising safety in the boilerhouse

In the third such article, Derry Carr, C.Env, I.Eng, BSc (Hons), M.I.Plant.E., M.S.O.E., technical manager & group gas manager at Dalkia, who is vice-chairman of the Combustion Engineering Association, examines the key regulatory and safety obligations for hospital energy managers and boiler technicians, a number of which have seen changes in recent years with revision to guidance and other documentation.

Modern hospitals require a high volume of energy – often derived from on-site boiler plant, in order for healthcare professionals to efficiently carry out their facility-critical medical duties. Boiler systems are required to comply with a raft of different legislation, including the Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999; the Pressure Equipment Regulations 1999; the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000, and The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002. The Guidance documents from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) on the safe operation of boilers, PM5 and PSG2, were withdrawn in 2011, and have since been replaced by a much more open document, INDG 436, which provides basic advice on the operation of steam boilers. However, the guidance in INDG 436 is both very specific on the responsibilities of owners, managers, and supervisors, and well-suited for use by those who may not have access to technical industry guidance. BG01 is a boiler guide endorsed by the HSE, and prepared by the Combustion Engineering Association (CEA) and Safety Assessment Federation (SAFed), which details stringent guidance that boiler houses must be operated in accordance with, and runs in parallel with INDG 436. BG01 is applicable to any facility with an industrial or commercial steam and hot water boiler operating at between 0.5 and 32 bar gauge, and at a temperature between 110°C and 400°C.

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