Arkansas Boiler Operator Practice Exam

If there is no water in a boiler with the fire on, what should you do?

1. Immediately add water

2. Turn off the fire

3. Wait until the fire goes out

4. Report to a supervisor

The correct answer is: Turn off the fire

Turning off the fire is the appropriate action if there is no water in the boiler while it is lit. A boiler operates by heating water to produce steam, and without water, the heating elements can become damaged due to overheating. This condition can lead to severe safety hazards, including the risk of an explosion or fire. By extinguishing the fire immediately, you prevent potential damage to the boiler and ensure the safety of the surrounding area. While adding water might seem like a solution, it could exacerbate the situation by introducing cold water to a hot system, leading to thermal shock. Waiting for the fire to go out can also lead to further complications or hazards. Reporting to a supervisor is important once immediate actions have been taken, but addressing the immediate danger of the fire is the first priority.