Tackling Fire Risk and Boosting Efficiency in a Food Sector Boiler House

A valued client in the food sector recently commissioned a Technical Boiler House Risk Assessment, as part of their ongoing commitment to safety and compliance. During the assessment, a potential fire risk was identified at the rear of the boiler house. Specifically, there were scorch marks on the wall adjacent to the boiler back end, and it was noted that there were no heat shields in place, an issue that could pose both a safety risk and operational inefficiency if left unaddressed. The client needed a practical and compliant solution that would reduce the temperature at the back of the boiler, eliminate the fire hazard, and improve the overall safety of the area.

JBC’s engineering team responded quickly to assess the situation on-site and propose an effective fix. After reviewing the setup and discussing options with the client, we recommended installing specialised insulation to mitigate the high surface temperatures at the boiler back end. We worked with STL Power & Process Controls to source the correct insulation material, which was measured to fit the area precisely. Once delivered, the insulation was installed with minimal disruption to the site’s operations.

Our approach not only addressed the immediate safety concern but also offered an opportunity to improve the boiler’s thermal efficiency in the process.

The result was a safer, more efficient boiler house. The risk of fire caused by excess heat at the boiler back end was eliminated, and the surrounding surfaces, which previously presented a touch risk, were significantly cooled. Beyond safety improvements, the addition of insulation also contributed to enhanced boiler efficiency by reducing heat loss. The client was extremely satisfied with the outcome, not only because the issue was resolved swiftly and effectively, but because the solution delivered added value in terms of performance and peace of mind.