Collective agreement
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.
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.
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.
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.
In this standard:
Authorized inspection agency means the
provincial or territorial or other inspection agency which:
- employs qualified inspectors;
- meets the requirements of an "Authorized Inspection Agency" as
defined in Section 3.2 of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code;
- does not contract with any department or agency of the Public Service for
the operation, repair or maintenance of boilers, pressure vessels or piping
systems (organisme d'inspection autorisé);
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);
minister means the Minister of Public
Works (ministre);
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).
This chapter replaces chapter 3-1 of PMM volume 12.
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.
1.1.2 This standard does not apply to:
(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;
(c) a pressure vessel that is installed for use at a pressure
of 100 kPa (15 pounds per square inch) 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
(c) at a pressure higher than its maximum allowable pressure.
1.5.2 The operating authority shall ensure that:
(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,
(c) in accordance with this section, 1.8 and 1.9.
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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