Boiler Explosion Sparks Safety Concerns

by Melody Gustafson
EAST LIVERPOOL – KSU Business Manager Henry Trenkelbach on Tuesday discussed the precautions everyone involved with the “boiler project” took to ensure the safety and health of everyone who comes to the building.

Early Tuesday, chimney workers began removing 18 inches of brick and mortar from the roof due to the possibility that it could crash through the ceiling of the offices below. After it is gone, they will install a metal one.

Because of the risk of fire from possible damage to the flue, furnace workers employed a temporary “stack” to vent the hot fumes from the boiler until they can slide a metal liner can into the present flue. According to Trenkelbach, the new chimney will have a “double wall” flue that “will last forever,” protecting the flammable material in the building from the heat.

Trenkelbach and maintenance staff checked all the windows overlooking Broadway Street for leakage to eliminate the concern that CO2 could find its way indoors. He also installed CO2 alarms powered by electric outlet. “There is no outside air being circulated inside the building,” he said.

The company that installed the boilers, C.D. Whitfield Inc., worked closely with a representative from the boiler manufacturer to carefully scrutinize the new boilers’ performance, checking that the proper sequence of actions occurred when the start button is pressed. Several parameters involving amount of air suction and amount of flame had to be satisfied before everyone called it a day.

“I took all the precautions I could to make sure no one gets sick,” Trenkelbach said.