Minnesota Special Engineer Boiler License Practice Exam

What must be installed by each door leading out of a new boiler room?

1. A fire extinguisher

2. A kill switch

3. An emergency exit sign

4. A temperature gauge

The correct answer is: A kill switch

For a new boiler room, the installation of a kill switch by each door leading out is essential for safety purposes. A kill switch is designed to immediately shut down the boiler system in emergency situations, thus preventing potential hazards such as fire or explosion. It provides a quick and accessible means for personnel to stop operations swiftly if a critical situation arises. In the context of boiler safety regulations, having a kill switch ensures that anyone can act quickly to mitigate risks associated with high pressure and elevated temperatures typically present in boiler operations. This immediate access to an emergency shut-off is particularly critical in maintaining a safe working environment. While fire extinguishers, emergency exit signs, and temperature gauges are also important components of overall safety protocols in boiler rooms, they serve different functions. Fire extinguishers are crucial for fighting fires, emergency exit signs guide personnel out in case of an emergency, and temperature gauges monitor operational parameters, but none provide the immediate shutdown capability that a kill switch does, making it a critical requirement by safety standards.