Massachusetts 2nd Class Fireman's Practice Exam

Testing a safety valve by hand is primarily done to ensure that the valve can lift properly. This action verifies that the valve is functioning as intended and can release pressure when required. A safety valve is critical for maintaining the safety of a boiler system; it must be able to open and close effectively to prevent overpressure situations that could lead to dangerous conditions. By manually testing the valve, operators can detect potential issues such as debris or corrosion that may prevent it from lifting when necessary. This hands-on check helps confirm the operational reliability of the safety device, which is essential for compliance with safety regulations and for protecting personnel and equipment. Other considerations like checking popping pressure or the operating range of the boiler are important as well, but those are typically measured under specific conditions and not through a routine manual test. Additionally, the statement about never testing them by hand is incorrect as the manual check is a recognized practice in ensuring the valve's functionality.