boiler lockout cover - OK to keep locked?

elfie

is it OK to keep a lock on the lockout cover when the boiler is in operation?



there is another emergency on/off switch on the wall by the entrance to boiler room



thanks

Ron Jr._3

I'd say no

It should be easily accesible in case a technician needs to turn the boiler off or on while servicing . Kids hitting the switch ? 

Dave in QCA

Think about it....

The switch is there, painted red, so that the boiler can be turned off whether for servicing or in an emergency.  Even though there is another switch, a person might encounter an emergency situation, see this switch, and then become flustered.



So, you have a switch that is supposed to be able to function, except if it needs to be locked out.



The lockout is to be used to lock the boiler in the off position, not in the on position.



Isn't the answer obvious?

elfie

you would think so

but when hartford steam boiler ins does an inspection and feels its not a problem along with a maintenance director, i thought maybe i was missing something



i agree it makes sense to remove lock



and the commercial boiler firm never raised it as a problem.

Boiler wrestler

Cover lock

"and the commercial boiler firm never raised it as a problem."

maybe they have the key?



Why is it locked? Who are they keeping out?



A cover is not a bad idea to prevent accidental switching off, but locking negates the function of having a switch at all.



A door switch outside the boiler room to kill the burner circuit sounds like a better idea than mounted on the boiler.

RobG

What is the point?

What's the point of having the one switch locked and one unlocked? It's like locking the back door of your house and leaving the front door unlocked.

Rob