VHA DIRECTIVE 2003-050
September 11, 2003
(5) Assurance that there is continuous operator attendance within boiler plants generating
high pressure steam (above 15 pounds per square inch gauge (psig)). Boiler plant operators must
not leave any high pressure (above 15 psig) boiler plant unattended at any time, nor can they be
relieved by unqualified persons.
(6) Ensurance that no boiler of any pressure can be restarted remotely.
(7) An ongoing training program to develop, maintain, and regularly refresh operator
proficiency in safe boiler plant operations.
(8) Ensurance that operators that are well trained and proficient in properly performing the
following:
(a) Lighting off, warming up, placing in service, and shutting down the boilers.
(b) Firing on each of the available fuels.
(c) Operating all plant equipment and controls, including start-up and shutdown.
(d) Gradual warm-up of hot piping systems and placing them into service.
(e) Maintaining water quality to protect the equipment and piping from damage.
(f) Handling malfunctions and emergency situations.
(g) Collecting and organizing the plant performance records.
(h) Routine equipment maintenance.
(i) Preparation of equipment for inspections.
(j) Facilitating and monitoring the receipt of fuels and supplies.
(9) Operation of all equipment at the highest cost effectiveness and efficiency. This means
maintaining steam pressure at the minimum necessary for the proper operation of the plant and
connected loads.
(10) A steam conservation program focused particularly on maintaining steam traps,
condensate pumps, and the integrity of piping systems and pipe insulation. Steam and
condensate leaks and other necessary repairs must be reported and given a high priority.
(11) A steam load-shedding plan for implementation during a boiler plant emergency that
reduces steam-generating capability, and identifies the critical loads that must continue to be
served, to the greatest extent possible, without compromising boiler plant safety.
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