Schools should check their boilers are well maintained to avoid a repeat of the fatal explosion at Orewa College last month, according to fire safety officer Ray Coleman.
The explosion on June 24 killed school caretaker Rick Nel and seriously injured a heating services contractor.
Mr Coleman says boiler explosions are not common. Although a coal dust explosion, which occurs when coal dust mixes with air and a source of ignition, has been discounted as the cause of the Orewa explosion, Mr Coleman says that keeping the boiler area clean is important.
“In the end it may come down to human error, but generally it’s important that boilers are regularly maintained and the boiler room and boiler area are clean,” he says. “That should negate any problems, but that is not to say that Orewa College’s boiler was not well maintained.”
Orewa College principal Kate Shevland says the school’s 30-year-old boiler was regularly serviced.
“There was a problem the day before the explosion with leaking pipes, which is why we called the contractors,” Ms Shevland says. “We were not aware whether it was a pipe problem or a boiler one. We just knew we had no heating until it was fixed.”
She says on the day of the explosion, radiators in the classrooms, fed by the boiler, began to shake and make a noise, which caused the evacuation of classrooms. Simultaneously, there was a massive bang from the boiler house.
Taymac Engineering in Christchurch manufacture coal-fired boilers. Taymac’s general manager Steve Howman says in his 25 years experience, this is the first time he has heard of a boiler exploding.
“Boilers have safety features to prevent this happening,” Mr Howman says. “They are a durable, cost-efficient heating method, which is why so many schools use them.”
The Department of Labour is investigating the blast. Mr Coleman’s report as to the origin of the fire will go to the Department of Labour next week.
Mr Coleman said the quick actions of staff on the day had been crucial in avoiding a large-scale tragedy.
Schools should check their boilers are well maintained to avoid a repeat of the fatal explosion at Orewa College last month, according to fire safety officer Ray Coleman.The explosion on June 24 killed school caretaker Rick Nel and seriously injured a heating services contractor.Mr Coleman says boiler explosions are not common. Although a coal dust explosion, which occurs when coal dust mixes with air and a source of ignition, has been discounted as the cause of the Orewa explosion, Mr Coleman says that keeping the boiler area clean is important.“In the end it may come down to human error, but generally it’s important that boilers are regularly maintained and the boiler room and boiler area are clean,” he says. “That should negate any problems, but that is not to say that Orewa College’s boiler was not well maintained.”Orewa College principal Kate Shevland says the school’s 30-year-old boiler was regularly serviced.“There was a problem the day before the explosion with leaking pipes, which is why we called the contractors,” Ms Shevland says. “We were not aware whether it was a pipe problem or a boiler one. We just knew we had no heating until it was fixed.”She says on the day of the explosion, radiators in the classrooms, fed by the boiler, began to shake and make a noise, which caused the evacuation of classrooms. Simultaneously, there was a massive bang from the boiler house.Taymac Engineering in Christchurch manufacture coal-fired boilers. Taymac’s general manager Steve Howman says in his 25 years experience, this is the first time he has heard of a boiler exploding.“Boilers have safety features to prevent this happening,” Mr Howman says. “They are a durable, cost-efficient heating method, which is why so many schools use them.” The Department of Labour is investigating the blast. Mr Coleman’s report as to the origin of the fire will go to the Department of Labour next week.Mr Coleman said the quick actions of staff on the day had been crucial in avoiding a large-scale tragedy.
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