Part 12 - Annual maintenance and inspection
Check whether relief valve and air vents are not
weeping. Low water cut off is flushed (if applicable).
Examine all venting for evidence of leaks. Ensure vent screens are cleaned and clear of
debris. Check the burner plate for signs of leaking.
Listen for water flow noises indicating a drop in appliance water flow rate.
Warning
Boiler Only
- Boiler system cleansers and corrosion inhibitors must not be used to flush
contaminants from water heaters or potable water systems.
Perform the operational checklist detailed in section 11.
Refractory Ceramic Fibers (RFC)
Warning
Personal Protective Equipment Recommended -
Read the following warnings
and
handling instructions carefully before commencing any service work in the combustion chamber. The
insulating material on the inside of the burner door and at the back of the combustion chamber can contain
Refractory
Ceramic Fibers
and should not be handled without personal protective equipment.
Warning
Potential Carcinogen
- Use of Refractory Ceramic Fibers in high temperature
applications (above 1000
o
C / 1832
o
F) can result in the formation of Crystalline Silica (cristobalite), a respirable
silica dust. Repeated airborne exposure to crystalline silica dust may result in chronic lung infections, acute
respiratory illness, or death. Crystalline silica is listed as a (potential) occupational carcinogen by the following
regulatory organizations: International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), Canadian Centre for
Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and National
Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Failure to comply with handling instructions in the table
below may result in serious injury or death.
Warning
Crystalline Silica -
Certain components confined in the combustion chamber may
contain this potential carcinogen. Improper installation, adjustment, alteration, service or maintenance can cause
property damage, serious injury (exposure to hazardous materials) or death. Refer to the table below for
handling instruction and recommended personal protective equipment. Installation and service must be
performed by a qualified installer, service agency or the gas supplier (who must read and follow the supplied
instructions before installing, servicing, or removing this appliance. This appliance contains materials that have
been identified as carcinogenic, or possibly carcinogenic, to humans).
Table 12.1 Handling Instructions for Refractory Ceramic Fibers (RCF)
Reduce the Risk of Exposure
Precautions and Recommended Personal Protective
Equipment
Avoid contact with skin and eyes
Wear long-sleeved clothing, gloves, and safety goggles or
glasses.
Avoid breathing in silica dust
Wear a respirator with a N95-rated filter efficiency
or better.
1
Use water to reduce airborne dust levels when
cleaning the combustion chamber.
Do not dry sweep silica dust. Pre-wet or use a
vacuum with a high efficiency filter.
Avoid transferring contamination
When installing or removing RFCs, place the
material in a sealable plastic bag.
Remove contaminated clothing after use. Store in
sealable container until cleaned.
Wash contaminated clothing separately from other
laundry.
First Aid Measures
If irritation persists after implementing first aid measures
consult a physician.
Skin
- Wash with soap and water.
Eyes
- Do not rub eyes; flush with water
immediately.
Inhalation
– Breathe in fresh air; drink water,
sneeze or cough to clear irritated passage ways.
Notes:
1
Respirator recommendations based on CCOHS and OSHA requirements at the time this document was written.
Consult your local regulatory authority regarding current requirements for respirators, personal protective equipment,
handling, and disposal of RCFs.
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