What should be checked first before starting the fire in a steam boiler?

• A. Fuel level
• B. Boiler water level
• C. Safety valve condition
• D. Burner operation

Answer: (B)

Before starting the fire in a steam boiler, it is crucial to check the boiler water level first because maintaining the correct water level is essential for the safe operation of the boiler. If the water level is too low, it can lead to overheating and potential damage to the boiler structure or even catastrophic failure. This situation can result in a severe hazard not only to the equipment but also to personnel nearby.

The boiler must have sufficient water to create steam and absorb heat. Checking the water level ensures that there is adequate water for the boiler to operate effectively while preventing dry firing, which occurs when there is insufficient water to carry away heat from the boiler's surfaces.

While it is certainly important to check the fuel level, safety valve condition, and burner operation as part of a comprehensive pre-operational checklist, these checks are secondary to ensuring that the water level is adequate for safe boiler operation.