Boiler and Pressure Vessel FAQs
We receive many questions concerning boiler and pressure vessel inspections, below are some of the most commonly asked questions. If you have any additional questions, please contact the HIOSH Boiler and Elevator Office.
“Boiler” is typically defined as “a closed vessel in which water or other liquid is heated, steam or vapor is generated, steam is superheated, or any combination thereof, under pressure or vacuum, for use external to itself, by the direct application of energy from the combustion of fuels, from electricity or nuclear energy.” Also included are fired units for heating or vaporizing liquids other than water where these units are separate from processing systems and are complete within themselves. This definition includes water heaters that exceed 200,000 Btu/hr heat input, 200 degrees Fahrenheit at the outlet, or 120 gallons nominal water containing capacity. Your state’s Boiler Safety division can give you specific guidance on what that state considers a boiler and how it should be treated.
A pressure vessel is a container other than a boiler or piping used for the containment of pressure. Your state’s Boiler Safety division can give you specific guidance on what types and sizes of pressure vessels are regulated and how they should be treated.
Boilers and pressure vessels can and sometimes do explode resulting in property damage, injuries, and death. We are exposed to the dangers of boilers and pressure vessels daily. They are found in schools, churches, hospitals, hotels, apartments, refineries, factories, utility plants, stores, and other establishments. The potential for accidents is well documented.
The owner or user is responsible for obtaining the required inspection and maintaining their boilers and pressure vessels in safe working condition.
If the boiler or pressure vessel is covered by boiler/machinery insurance, contact your insurance company to arrange for the services of a qualified insurance inspector. If the boiler or pressure vessel is uninsured, a Deputy Inspector employed by your state’s Boiler and Pressure Vessel Safety Program will perform the inspection.
The owner or user is ultimately responsible for preparing the boiler or pressure vessel for inspection. The owner or user may perform these functions or contract it to a qualified individual or firm.
Typically, there is a fee for inspections. Boilers and pressure vessels can be inspected by an insurance inspector or a state (Deputy Inspector). Depending on the state, fees may be assessed for these inspections.
The inspection certificate or operating permit is evidence that the boiler or pressure vessel has been inspected and is safe to operate at the pressure shown on the certificate. Most state laws require an inspection certificate and operation without the inspection certificate is considered a violation of the law.
If you maintain insurance on your boiler and/or pressure vessel, the insurance inspector who is commissioned by your state will likely perform the required periodic inspections (usually taking over after the initial installation inspection was done by your state inspector). If the insurance is canceled, a state inspector or your new insurance company’s inspector will have to inspect your boiler and/or pressure vessel.
Contact your state’s Boiler Safety Division so an inspector (state or Insurance) can be notified that your object is ready for re-inspection. Generally, after receiving a satisfactory inspection report (noting that the violations have been corrected), your state’s Boiler Safety Division will issue a permit. Every state is unique, so please check with your state if you have questions.
The person, firm or corporation performing the installation typically (depending on the state) must submit an “Application for Installation Permit” form to the state’s Boiler Safety Division and get approval (along with a permit number). Many of these forms are available online, if you would like to see what your state’s requirements are for new installations or relocations, visit the state boiler resource page.
A variance is ruling by the state’s Boiler Authority that allows you to install or operate a boiler or pressure vessel that does not meet code requirements. A variance application is used for owners and users wishing to install a boiler/vessel not meeting the statutes or codes in its entirety and must be obtained prior to operation of the unit.
It must typically meet all requirements for a new installation. In addition, an Application for Installation Permit must typically be obtained from the Boiler Safety division.
