What typically happens if the safety valve of a boiler is not functioning?

If the safety valve of a boiler is not functioning, the most significant risk is that the boiler can overpressurize, which may lead to catastrophic failure. The safety valve is a critical component designed to release steam or pressure if it exceeds predetermined limits, ensuring that the boiler operates within safe pressure parameters. If this valve fails, there is no mechanism to relieve the excess pressure, which can result in structural failure of the boiler, causing explosions or other severe accidents.

Understanding the importance of the safety valve highlights the critical role it plays in boiler operation and safety, making option A the most accurate depiction of the potential consequences of a non-functioning safety valve. The other choices do not adequately capture the immediate and severe risk associated with loss of function in this vital safety mechanism.