Technical Note SB25: Safe operation of wood fuelled heat plant

Wood fuelled heat plant are designed to be operated in a safe manner and the safety features will differ for specific brands.  Anyone operating heat plant must be made conversant with the safety features before they are allowed to undertake any action relating to the operation of the plant.  Owners of heat plant should maintain a register which shows the training and refresher training of any person working on the plant.  This includes anyone de-ashing, adding fuel etc. Of particular concern is anyone brought in as a relief operator at times when the regular operator is not available.

The biggest risk is of course the high temperature and pressure of the heat transfer medium but the fuel handling and de-ashing can also be dangerous if not undertaken properly.