Always proceed to proper valves or switches rapidly but without confusion in time of emergency. You can think better walking than running.

Always check the water level in the gauge glass with the gauge cocks at least daily - also at any other time you doubt the accuracy of the glass indication.

Always accompany orders for important operations with a written memorandum. Use a logbook to record every important fact or unusual event.

Always have at least one gauge of water before lighting off. The gauge cocks should check the level.

Always be sure the blowdown valves are closed, and proper vents, water-column valves, and pressure-gauge cocks are open.

Always use the bypass if one is provided. Crack the valve from its seat slightly and await pressure equalization. Then open it slowly.

Always watch the steam gauge closely and be prepared to cut the boiler in, opening the stop valve only when the pressures are nearly equal.

Always lift the valve from its seat by the hand lever when the pressure reaches about three quarters of popping pressure.

Always consult the CEC officer in charge of the plant, your CPO, or other proper superior and accept his/her recommendations before increasing the safety-valve setting.

Never fail to anticipate emergencies. Do not wait until something happens before you start thinking. Never start work on a new job without tracing every pipeline in the plant and learning the location and purpose of each and every valve regardless of size. Know your job!

Never leave an open blowdown valve unattended when a boiler is under pressure or has a fire in it. Play safe, your memory can fail.

Never give verbal orders for important operations or report such operations verbally with no record. Have something to back you up when needed.

Never light a fire under a boiler without checking all valves. Why take a chance?

Never open a valve under pressure quickly. The sudden change in pressure, or resulting water hammer, may cause piping failure.

Never cut a boiler in on the line unless its pressure is within a few pounds of header pressure. Sudden stressing of a boiler under pressure is dangerous.

Never bring a boiler up to pressure without trying the safety valve. A boiler with its safety valve stuck is the same as playing with dynamite.

Never increase the setting of a safety valve without authority. Serious accidents have occurred from failure to observe this rule.

In case of an oil fire in the boiler room, close the master fuel-oil valve and stop the oil pump.

Other than the above precautions, the following list contains a number of SAFE practices that you should try to follow in your work. It also contains a number of UNSAFE practices that you must avoid.

SAFE PRACTICES

Always have the valve fitted with a new spring and restamped by the manufacturer for changes over 10 percent.

Always keep out loiterers, and place plant operation in the hands of proper persons. A boiler room is not a safe place for a club meeting.

Always consult the CEC officer in charge of the plant, your CPO, or other proper superior before making any major repair to a boiler.

Always allow the draft to clear the furnace of gas and dust for several minutes. Change draft conditions slowly.

Always consult someone in authority. Two heads are better than one.

UNSAFE PRACTICES

Never change adjustment of a safety valve more than 10 percent. Proper operation depends on the proper spring.

Never allow unauthorized persons to tamper with steam plant equipment. If they don't injure themselves, they may injure you.

Never allow major repairs to a boiler without authorization.

Never attempt to light a burner without venting the furnace until clear. Burns are painful.

Never fail to report unusual behavior of a boiler or other equipment. It may be a warning of danger.