What is critical to check after performing maintenance on a steam boiler?

After performing maintenance on a steam boiler, it is critical to ensure that all safety devices are functioning properly. Safety devices are designed to prevent dangerous situations, such as overpressure conditions or unsafe water levels, which could lead to boiler failure or accidents. Regular checks are essential to verify that these devices, which may include pressure relief valves, water level controls, and alarms, are operational and ready to respond in case of an emergency.

While ensuring the boiler is at maximum pressure, checking the aesthetics, or confirming that all valves are fully open might seem important, they do not hold the same level of priority as verifying the functionality of safety devices. Maintaining a safe operating environment is the fundamental responsibility of anyone involved with steam boilers, making the proper functioning of safety devices paramount to ensure the safety of personnel and equipment.