To handle backdraft in boilers, first inspect the draft system for obstructions or damage, ensuring proper airflow. Ensure venting components like flue dampers and tuyeres are functioning correctly. Install safety devices such as carbon monoxide (CO) detectors and pressure relief valves. Regularly maintain boiler components, including cleaning burners and checking for exhaust system leaks. If backdraft occurs, immediately shut down the boiler, ventilate the area, and contact a certified technician.

Backdraft occurs when exhaust gases are forced back into the combustion chamber due to negative pressure, which can ignite unburned fuel or introduce toxic gases like CO into living spaces. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), backdraft-related CO poisonings account for approximately 400 hospitalizations annually, underscoring the need for proactive prevention. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards emphasize that 30% of boiler fires stem from improper draft control systems. A 2021 study by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) found that 40% of backdraft incidents were preventable through routine maintenance, including annual inspections and vent system upgrades. These measures reduce operational risks by ensuring exhaust gases exit efficiently, maintaining positive pressure, and mitigating the likelihood of toxic gas infiltration. Industry data also shows that proper installation of CO detectors and pressure relief valves can lower backdraft-related incidents by up to 60%, as reported by the Boilers and Pressure Vessels Code (BPVC) Committee. Adhering to these protocols safeguards both personnel and equipment while complying with regulatory requirements.