Before entering the boiler drums or firebox, the boiler must be certified to be what?

The proper condition for a boiler to be certified before entry into the boiler drums or firebox is that it must be gas free. This means that the atmosphere inside the boiler must be free of combustible gases, toxic substances, and oxygen levels must be within safe limits to prevent explosion or asphyxiation risks for personnel entering the confined space.

Ensuring the area is gas free is crucial since it safeguards the health and safety of workers who will be performing maintenance or inspections. The procedure to verify that a boiler is gas free typically involves testing the air quality within the confined space to confirm there are no hazardous gases present.

This certification process is integral to safe operating practices in the marine engineering environment, where enclosed spaces like boilers can pose significant risks if not properly assessed and managed before entry.