Industrial boilers are not to be trifled with. While a high-quality boiler can last a long time and function well with proper maintenance, it can have its problems that lead to the need for emergency repair. Many boiler problems require emergency repair techs to respond very quickly; you're not going to wait for days or even hours. Still, it's vital that you know what to do in that short time while you wait for the techs to show up. The techs are going to have to do these anyway, so you should get a head start and help keep everyone safe.
Read on to learn what to do if you have a boiler emergency .Evacuate Non-Emergency Personnel
Once you realize something is wrong with the boiler, get everyone out of the space except for essential personnel and emergency responders. No one should be in the building who doesn't absolutely need to be there. The boiler problems could include gas leaks, an explosion risk (it takes a lot for this to become a possibility, but you can't take chances with this -- always err on the side of caution), and other problems that put people's lives at stake. Get everyone outside.
Use the Right Wording
When you report the problem, let the company know that you have a boiler that won't shut off, won't vent pressure, has an unusual odor all of a sudden, and so on. Don't just say there's a problem with the boiler as that vague wording does not necessarily point to an emergency. Is the boiler starting to get very hot and won't cool down like it usually does? Tell them so that a tech knows they have to get out there fast. Also give the company additional details like metal turning red, gas odors, stuck valves, or anything else you can safely find out about the boiler.
Ask About Shutting off the Gas
In many circumstances, the emergency tech will shut off the fuel flow to the boiler. Cutting the power (even if the "power" is gas-fueled) is one of the best ways to help the equipment cool down or shut off any growing problems. Technically, you could do this, too, but check with the company first. Whether the emergency responder is coming from a utility company or the boiler repair company, verify that shutting off fuel is the best move, and verify where that fuel needs to be shut off. For example, cutting gas flow to the boiler at the boiler could be more dangerous for you than cutting off gas flow to the whole building. You also don't want to create more problems, so verify and get permission for the shutdown first.
The techs should arrive quickly and diagnose the problem. Once repairs commence, you can start to arrange for an emergency replacement boiler, if needed, too.
You can't have an industrial plant without the right equipment. What equipment you need, exactly, depends on the industry you are in. If you make granite counters, for instance, you will need some saws and cranes. If you make plastic straws, you will need molds and mixers. One thing is true across all industries, however. You need to take care to source the materials from good suppliers who stand behind their products, and then you need to take good care of your equipment. Learn more about the equipment and supplies used in industrial settings as you read this blog on the topic.