Boiler & Commercial Water Heaters

PHOTO SHOWS → DANGEROUS BOILER ROOM
→ Combustible storage, clutter, and insufficient clearances → Immediate fire / flash-fire / explosion hazard

What You Are Looking At

• Commercial gas-fired hot water boilers and/or large commercial water heaters (mix of stainless and older painted tanks).
• Located in a dedicated mechanical/boiler room with gas piping, venting, draft hood, combustion-air openings, and control/relief components.

Why This Is a Serious Concern

• ANY storage in a boiler/mechanical room—especially cardboard, plastics, brooms, fans, chemicals—creates fuel for rapid ignition.
• Clutter blocks access to gas shutoff valves, burner compartments, and relief valves, slowing emergency response.
• Insufficient equipment clearances can:
  • trap heat around the appliance,
  • damage controls,
  • accelerate corrosion, and
  • violate NFPA 54 clearance requirements, increasing risk of fire or BLEVE-type pressure events.

Good Condition (Acceptable)

• Room 100% free of storage, trash, tools, chemicals, and all non-fixed items.
• Minimum clearances maintained:
  • ≥ 30 inches working space required by NFPA 54 for service access
  • 36 inches side clearance and 18 inches above is a conservative insurance standard (acceptable to use; not contradictory).
• Draft hood/diverter installed correctly, no open combustion air hazards.
• Current annual boiler/water heater inspection, relief valve test log posted, and no visible leaks, rust, or scorch marks.

(Note: NFPA 54 does not mandate “18 inches above” specifically; this is an industry/insurance best practice. Using it is correct as guidance on a field card.)

Fix Needed – HIGH PRIORITY (Fire/Explosion Hazard)

• Any combustible or loose storage in the boiler room (cardboard boxes, plastic buckets, fans, cleaning supplies, tools, trash, etc.).
• Clearances < 30 inches (NFPA 54) or < 36 inches (industry best practice) around equipment.
• Draft hood missing, damaged, or burner/pilot area exposed.
• Expired or missing inspection tags, relief valve test log, or evidence of overheating/corrosion.

Corrective Actions & Proper Recommendation

1. Immediate
   • Remove ALL storage, buckets, cardboard, cleaning supplies, fans, equipment, and non-fixed items from the boiler room.
   • Clear all access around gas shutoff valves and relief valves.
2. Within 7 Days
   • Restore and maintain ≥ 30 inches service clearance (NFPA 54) and 36-inch side / 18-inch top clearance as best practice.
   • Install durable “NO STORAGE PERMITTED – MECHANICAL ROOM” signage on the door.
3. Within 30 Days
   • Schedule a licensed boiler contractor for:
     • annual inspection (CSD-1 requirement for most commercial jurisdictions),
     • combustion safety check,
     • relief valve test,
     • burner compartment cleaning.
   • Ensure current service tags and logs are attached.

Exact Report Wording Suggestions

“Good” –
“Boiler/mechanical room completely free of storage, full clearances maintained, draft hood properly installed, and current inspection/relief valve tags present.”

“Fix Needed – HIGH RISK” –
“Boiler room contains combustible storage and insufficient clearances. Significant fire/explosion hazard. Recommend removing all items today, maintaining required clearances, and scheduling licensed annual inspection and relief valve testing.”

LCA Certified Inspector Motto

“Empty it. Clear it. Tag it. Rec it.”

Disclosure

This card highlights common mechanical and fire-code violations.
Always verify NFPA 54 (2024 edition), ASME CSD-1, and local boiler/mechanical room requirements.
When in doubt — recommend immediate licensed contractor service and documentation.

© 2026 SpotRisk, Inc.