Chapter 2-1 - Boiler and pressure vessels directive

Notice to the reader: This document is no longer in effect. It has been archived online and is kept purely for historical purposes. The replacement directive can be found at http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/pubs_pol/hrpubs/TBM_119/oshd-dsst/oshd-dsst_e.asp

General

This standard is deemed to be part of collective agreements between the parties to the National Joint Council and employees are to be afforded ready access to this standard.

Grievance procedure

In cases of alleged misinterpretation or misapplication arising out of this standard, the grievance procedure, for all represented employees within the meaning of the Public Service Staff Relations Act, will be in accordance with Section 7.0 of the National Joint Council By-Laws. For unrepresented employees the departmental grievance procedure applies.

Application

This standard incorporates the minimum requirements of the Canada Labour Code,

Part II and applicable regulations issued pursuant to that legislation, and applies to all departments and other portions of the Public Service, as defined in Part I of Schedule I of the Public Service Staff Relations Act.

Scope

Notwithstanding the scope of other federal government codes or standards concerning boilers and pressure vessels this standard is primarily concerned with Occupational Safety. This standard shall have application in all government owned buildings occupied by Public Service employees. Where Public Service employees occupy buildings not owned by the federal government it shall be applied to the maximum extent that is reasonably practical. Privately owned facilities occupied by the Public Service are expected to comply with the applicable provincial or territorial requirements.

Definitions

Authorized inspection agency means the provincial or territorial or other inspection agency which:

boiler means a fired pressure vessel including flanged nozzles, screwed or welded connections in which gas or vapour may be generated or a gas, vapour or liquid may be put under pressure by heating (chaudière);

code means the CSA Standard B51-M1981 Code for the Construction and Inspection of Boilers and Pressure Vessels. The English version of which is dated March 1981 and the French version of which is dated September 1981 as amended to May 1984 (code);

design means the plans, patterns, drawings and specifications used for the fabrication of a boiler, pressure vessel or piping system (plan);

designated inspection agency means the provincial, territorial or other inspection agency engaged by the Minister to inspect boilers, pressure vessels or piping systems for specified geographic areas (organisme d'inspection désigné);

fitting means a regulating, controlling or measuring device subject to internal pressure and attached to a boiler, pressure vessel or piping system and includes a gauge cock, water column, feedwater level controller, pipe fittings and safety, stop-check, blowdown, continuous blowdown, soot blower, feed water, water treatment, drain vent and isolating valves (accessoire);

major repairs means repairs that may affect the strength of a boiler, pressure vessel or piping system (réparations importantes);

maximum allowable working pressure means the maximum allowable working pressure set out in the record of inspection (pression de service maximale autorisée);

maximum temperature means the maximum temperature set out in the record of inspection (température maximale);

operating authority means the Public Service department or agency responsible for the operation and/or maintenance of a boiler, pressure vessel or piping system (autorité exploitante);

piping system means an assembly of pipes, pipe fittings, valves, safety devices, pumps, compressors and other fixed equipment which contains a gas, vapour or liquid and is connected to a boiler or pressure vessel (tuyauterie);

pressure means pressure in kilopascals measured above the prevailing atmospheric pressure (pression);

pressure vessel means a vessel, other than a boiler, that is used for containing, storing, distributing, processing or otherwise handling any gas, vapour or liquid under pressure and includes any piping system attached to the vessel (récipient soumis à une pression interne);

provincial or territorial inspection agency means the agency responsible for inspection, certification and registration of boilers, pressure vessels and piping systems under provincial or territorial jurisdiction in the geographical area in which a boiler, pressure vessel or piping system of the Public Service is located (organisme d'inspection provincial ou territorial);

qualified inspector means a person recognized under the laws of the province or territory in which the boiler, pressure vessel or piping system is located as qualified to inspect boilers, pressure vessels and piping systems (inspecteur compétent);

qualified person means, in respect of a specified duty, a person who because of his/her knowledge, training and experience is qualified to perform that duty safely and properly (personne compétente);

regional director means an officer designated by the Minister to administer the safety inspection program in the area in which a Public Service occupancy or establishment is located (directeur régional);

record of inspection means a record prepared by a qualified inspector in accordance with section 48 of this standard (dossier d'inspection);

seal means to take any measure necessary to prevent the unauthorized operation or use of a boiler, pressure vessel or piping system (fermer);

welding means welding in connection with the fabrication, alteration or repair of a boiler, pressure vessel or piping system (soudure).

Reference

Requirements

1.1 Specific application and exclusion

1.1.1 Subject to this section every boiler, pressure vessel and piping system in the Public Service shall comply with the requirements relating to design, construction, installation, operation, maintenance, repair and inspection set out in this standard and in clauses 3.8, 3.9, 4.8 to 5.1, 5.3 to 6.3, 7.1 and 8.1 of the Code to the extent essential to the safety and health of employees.

(a) a heating boiler that has a heating surface of 3 square metres (30 square feet) or less;

(b) a pressure vessel that has a capacity of 40 L (1-1/2 cubic feet) or less;

(d) a pressure vessel that has an internal diameter of 150 mm (6 inches) or less;

(e) a pressure vessel that has an internal diameter of 600 mm (24 inches) or less and is used for the storage of hot water;

(f) a pressure vessel that has an internal diameter of 600 mm (24 inches) or less and is connected to a water-pumping system containing gas that is compressed to serve as a cushion; and

(g) a refrigeration plant operating under pressure that has a capacity of 18 kW or less of refrigeration.

1.2 Design, construction and installation

1.2.1 Design, construction and installation of every boiler, pressure vessel and piping system used in the Public Service shall conform to the requirements of 1.1 of this standard.

1.2.2 Solid fuel fire tube boilers operating at a pressure over 103 kPa shall be provided with a fusible plug which meets the standards set out in Appendix A-19 to A-20.8 of Section 1 of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code date July 1, 1983.

1.2.3 Every boiler and pressure vessel shall have at least one safety valve or other equivalent fitting to relieve pressure at or below the maximum allowable working pressure.

1.2.4 Where two or more boilers or pressure vessels are connected to each other and are used at a common operating pressure they shall each be fitted with one or more safety valves or other equivalent fittings to relieve pressure at or below the maximum allowable working pressure of the boiler or pressure vessel that has the lowest maximum allowable working pressure.

1.2.5 Every steam boiler that is not under continuous attendance by a qualified person shall be equipped with a low-water fuel cut-off device which serves no other purpose.

1.2.6 Where an automatically fired hot-water boiler is installed in a forced circulation system and is not under continuous attendance by a qualified person the boiler shall be equipped with a low-water fuel cut-off device.

1.2.7 Where two or more hot water boilers of the coil or fin-tube type are installed in one system, a low-water fuel cut-off device is not required on each boiler if:

(a) the low-water fuel cut-off device is installed on the main water outlet header; and,

(b) a flow switch which will cut off the fuel supply to the burner is installed in the outlet piping of each boiler.

1.2.8 Low-water fuel cut-off devices and flow switches shall be installed in such a manner that:

(a) they cannot be rendered inoperative; and,

(b) they can be tested under operating conditions.

1.3 Marking and identification

1.3.1 The operating authority shall ensure that the provisions of the Code are complied with in respect of the marking and identification of any boiler, pressure vessel or piping system used in the Public Service.

1.3.2 Where an existing boiler, pressure vessel or piping system lacks marking and identification data as required by the Code, the operating authority shall arrange for its inspection in accordance with 1.4 and shall ensure that the required marking and identification is provided.

1.4 Inspection and certification of new installations and major repairs

1.4.1 The operating authority shall ensure that the provincial or territorial inspection agency has access to all plans and specifications relating to a new installation or major repair of a boiler, pressure vessel or piping system.

1.4.2 Subject to this section no boiler, pressure vessel or piping system shall be operated or used following installation or major repair until the boiler, pressure vessel or piping system has been inspected and certified by the provincial or territorial inspection agency.

1.4.3 Where the provincial or territorial inspection agency is not prepared to provide the inspection and certification services referred to in this section the operating authority shall ensure that the new installation, or major repair, is inspected by an authorized inspection agency and that documentation acceptable to Labour Canada is obtained certifying that the newly installed or repaired boiler, pressure vessel or piping system complies with the requirements of this standard and with the Code to the extent essential for the safety and health of employees.

1.5 Operation

1.5.1 No person shall operate or use, or permit to be operated or used, a boiler, pressure vessel or piping system:

(a) unless it has been inspected by a qualified inspector in accordance with the requirements set out in 1.8 and a valid record of inspection has been issued in respect of that boiler, pressure vessel or piping system;

(b) unless every operator thereof is qualified in accordance with this section; and

(a) every boiler, pressure vessel or plant has at least one safety valve or other approved equivalent fitting to relieve pressure at or below its maximum allowable pressure;

(b) where two or more boilers or pressure vessels are connected to each other in a plant for use at a common operating pressure, they are each fitted with one or more safety valves or other approved equivalent fittings to relieve pressure at or below the maximum allowable pressure of the weakest boiler or pressure vessel in the plant as shown on the certificate of inspection for that boiler or pressure vessel;

(c) no person alters, interferes with or renders inoperative any fitting attached to a boiler, pressure vessel or plant, except for the purpose of adjusting or testing the fitting, and on instructions from the inspection agency.

1.5.3 he standards for control and supervision of the operation of boilers, pressure vessels and piping systems located in a province or territory are those standards established under the applicable provincial or territorial statute or ordinance.

1.5.4 Subject to the provisions of this section, the qualifications and requirements of an operator of a boiler, pressure vessel or piping system are those qualifications and requirements established under the applicable provincial or territorial statute or ordinance.

1.5.5 Any person employed as an operator who holds a valid Certificate of Qualification issued by any province or territory or a federal agency authorized to do so is considered qualified to operate a boiler, pressure vessel or piping system in any province or territory for which an equivalent certificate is required.

1.6 Repair, alteration and maintenance

1.6.1 Every boiler, pressure vessel and piping system shall be maintained and repaired by qualified persons.

1.6.2 All repairs and welding of boilers, pressure vessels and piping systems shall be carried out in accordance with the standards referred to in clauses 5.1, 6.1 and 7.1 of the Code.

1.6.3 Where, in the course of maintenance and repairs an employee is required to enter a boiler or pressure vessel the operating authority shall ensure that the requirements of the Hazardous Confined Spaces Safety Standard are adhered to.

1.7 Inspections general

1.7.1 A qualified inspector shall inspect every boiler, pressure vessel and piping system:

(a) after installation;

(b) after any welding, alteration or repair is carried out on it; and,

1.7.2 The Minister shall designate a provincial, territorial or other authorized inspection agency to carry out safety inspections of boilers, pressure vessels and piping systems for specified geographical areas in accordance with this section, 1.8 and 1.9 of this standard.

1.7.3 The designated inspection agency shall assign qualified inspectors to perform safety inspection of boilers, pressure vessels and piping systems in its geographical area.

1.7.4 Qualified inspectors employed by the designated inspection agency shall be furnished with accreditation by the Minister identifying them as safety inspectors authorized to carry out the inspections referred to in this section, 1.8 and 1.9 and, on producing his or her credentials shall, at any reasonable time, be permitted access to public Service facilities in order to inspect any boiler, pressure vessel or piping system.

1.7.5 Operating authorities shall provide to the Regional Director, a list of all boilers, pressure vessels and piping systems in their charge which are subject to the requirements of this standard and shall provide prompt notification of any additions or deletions to this list.

1.7.6 The operating authority shall ensure that, during any inspection of a boiler, pressure vessel or piping system, there is a person in attendance who is capable of taking all the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of the person making the inspection.

1.7.7 Subject to this section, 1.8 and 1.9, every boiler, pressure vessel and piping system in use shall be inspected by a qualified inspector as frequently as is necessary to ensure that it is safe for its intended use.

1.7.8 To the extent essential to the safety and health of employees every boiler in use in a work place shall be inspected:

(a) externally not less than once each year; and,

(b) internally not less than once every two years.

1.7.9 Every pressure vessel in use in a work place, other than a buried pressure vessel, shall be inspected:

(a) externally not less than once each year; and

(b) subject to this section, internally not less than once every two years.

1.7.10 Where a pressure vessel is used to store anhydrous ammonia, the internal inspection may be replaced by an internal inspection conducted once every five years if at the same time a hydrostatic test at a pressure equal to one and one half times the maximum allowable working pressure is conducted.

1.7.11 The factor of safety for a high pressure lap-seam riveted boiler shall be increased by at least 0.1 each year after 20 years of use and, if the boiler is relocated at any time, it shall not be operated at a pressure greater than 102 kPa.

1.8 Inspection and testing -- Halon systems

1.8.1 Subject to this section Halon 1301 and Halon 1211 containers shall not be recharged without a test of container strength and a complete visual inspection being carried out if more than five years have elapsed since the date of the last test and inspection.

1.8.2 Subject to this section Halon 1301 and Halon 1211 containers that have been continuously in service without discharging may be retained in service for a maximum of 20 years from the date of the last test and inspection at which time they will be emptied, retested, subjected to a complete visual inspection and re-marked before being put back in service.

1.8.3 Where Halon 1301 or Halon 1211 containers have been subjected to unusual corrosion, shock or vibration a visual inspection and a test of container strength shall be carried out.

1.8.4 A Halon 1301 or Halon 1211 container shall be tested by non-destructive test methods such as hydrostatic testing and shall be thoroughly dried before being filled.

1.9 Buried pressure vessels

1.9.1 Where a pressure vessel is buried the installation shall conform to the standards set out in clauses A1.1(a) to (g), (i) to (k) and (n) of Appendix A to the boiler code.

1.9.2 Before backfilling is done over a pressure vessel, notice of the proposed backfilling shall be given to the Regional Safety Officer of Labour Canada.

1.9.3 Where test plates are used as indication of corrosion of a buried pressure vessel the test plates and, subject to this section, the pressure vessel shall be completely uncovered and inspected by a qualified inspector at least once every three years.

1.9.4 Where the test plates on an inspection referred to in subsection 1.8.4 show no appreciable corrosion, the pressure vessel may be completely uncovered and inspected at intervals exceeding three years if the operating authority notifies the Regional Safety Officer of Labour Canada of the condition of the test plates and of the proposed inspection schedule for the pressure vessel.

1.9.5 Every buried pressure vessel shall be completely uncovered and inspected at least every 15 years.

1.10 Records

1.10.1 Where a boiler, pressure vessel or piping system has been inspected in accordance with sections 1.7 to 1.9 and the boiler, pressure vessel or piping system has been found to comply with the requirements of this standard, and of the Code to the extent essential for the safety and health of employees he/she shall forthwith issue a record of inspection.

1.10.2 Every record of inspection shall be signed by the qualified inspector who carried out the inspection and shall include:

(a) the date of the inspection;

(b) the identification and location of the boiler, pressure vessel or piping system that was inspected;

(c) the maximum allowable working pressure and the maximum temperature at which the boiler or pressure vessel may be operated;

(d) a certification that the boiler, pressure vessel or piping system meets the requirements of this standard and of the Code to the extent essential for the safety and health of employees;

(e) a declaration as to whether in the opinion of the person carrying out the inspection, the boiler, pressure vessel or piping system is safe for its intended use; and,

(f) any other observations that the person considers relevant to the safety and health of employees.

1.10.3 The operating authority shall keep every record referred to in this section for a period of ten years after the inspection is made, at the work place in which the boiler pressure vessel or piping system is located.

1.10.4 Where a qualified inspector finds, on inspection of the boiler, pressure vessel or piping system, a condition that makes the operation of that boiler, pressure vessel or piping system unsafe the inspector shall notify the operating authority of the unsafe condition and direct that the use of the boiler, pressure vessel or piping system is prohibited. The inspector shall also direct that the boiler, pressure vessel or piping system is to be sealed in the manner prescribed and shall cancel the existing record of inspection and shall so advise the Regional Director.

1.10.5 Where the use of a boiler, pressure vessel or piping system has been prohibited it shall not be returned to service until repairs, if practical, have been completed and the boiler, pressure vessel or piping system has been inspected and certified by the provincial or territorial inspection agency in accordance with 1.4.

1.10.6 Where the use of a boiler, pressure vessel or piping system has been prohibited, and, in the opinion of the inspection agency, the boiler, pressure vessel or plant is not capable of being repaired or the operating authority does not wish to have it repaired, the operating authority shall specify a method of disposal that will effectively prevent further use of the boiler, pressure vessel or piping system in the Public Service.

1.10.7 The operating authority shall immediately notify the authorized inspection agency upon the discovery of any condition in a boiler, pressure vessel or piping system which may make the operation of the boiler, pressure vessel or piping system unsafe.

1.11 Accident reporting and investigation

1.11.1 The operating authority shall ensure that any accident or hazardous occurrence involving a boiler pressure vessel or piping system is investigated and reported to Labour Canada.

1.11.2 Any damage to a boiler, pressure vessel or piping system which results in fire or the rupture of the boiler, pressure vessel or piping system shall be reported to a Safety Officer of Labour Canada within 24 hours.

1.11.3 No person shall disturb, destroy or alter any wreckage of a ruptured boiler, pressure vessel or piping system unless permission to do so is given by a Safety Officer of Labour Canada.

1.11.4 Notwithstanding this section, the wreckage of a ruptured boiler, pressure vessel or piping system may be moved to the extent necessary to allow the safe removal of an injured person.


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