The Essential Commercial Boiler Plant Room Service Checklist
A Guide to Ensuring Safety, Compliance, and Efficiency
Why This Checklist Matters
Regular, comprehensive servicing of a commercial boiler plant room is a fundamental requirement. It is crucial for reliable heating and hot water and is a matter of legal compliance under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. This checklist outlines the key tasks involved in a thorough annual service, which should always be performed by a qualified and competent professional, such as a Gas Safe registered engineer for gas-fired systems.
1. Boiler and Combustion System
Boiler Water & Heat Exchanger
- Check water level, pressure, and temperature.
- Inspect for leaks, corrosion, and scale buildup.
- Test and calibrate low-water cutoff and safety controls.
- Inspect tubes/exchanger for fouling or thinning.
- Clean and descale internal surfaces as required.
Fuel System
- Inspect fuel lines, valves, and filters for leaks or damage.
- Verify correct fuel pressure and flow rates.
- Clean or replace fuel filters as necessary.
Combustion & Air System
- Inspect air intakes and exhausts for obstructions.
- Clean or replace combustion air filters.
- Inspect burners for wear, damage, or misalignment.
- Use a flue gas analyser to test and calibrate combustion controls for safety and efficiency.
Flue & Safety Valves
- Inspect the entire flue system for leaks or corrosion.
- Check flue draft and temperature.
- Manually test all safety and relief valves.
2. Ancillary Systems
Feedwater & Condensate
- Inspect all pumps, valves, and controls.
- Check pressure and flow rates.
- Clean filters as needed.
Blowdown & Water Treatment
- Test blowdown valves and controls.
- Check chemical feed pumps and controls.
- Test water chemistry and adjust as required.
- Clean or replace water treatment filters/resins.
3. Electrical and Control Systems
Controls & Electrical
- Test all local boiler controls, safety circuits, and alarms.
- Visually inspect electrical panels, wiring, and connections for damage or loose fittings.
Building Management System (BMS)
- Check the BMS for logged boiler plant alarms or faults.
- Verify correct communication and control between the BMS and the boiler equipment.
4. Safety, Compliance, and General Maintenance
Safety & Emergency Systems
- Test all emergency shutdown ("knock-off") buttons.
- Inspect fire extinguishers and suppression systems in the plant room.
- Verify compliance with current safety regulations.
General & Record Keeping
- Lubricate all moving parts as per manufacturer guidelines.
- Ensure the plant room is clean and free of combustible storage.
- Maintain an accurate, up-to-date logbook of all service activities, tests, and remedial actions. This is a legal requirement.