Boiler Owners
New Boiler Installation:
Beginning January 1, 2006, any new boiler installed and operated in this state, unless otherwise exempted as described in section E in this document, must be designed and constructed in accordance with the ASME Code or a nationally recognized code of construction (International Mechanical Code). Any new boiler installed in this state must be marked in accordance with the code of construction and must be registered with the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors (614-888-0750).
Inspections:
1. Beginning January 1, 2006, each boiler in current use in this state that is not exempt from registration and regular inspections (see section E below) must be thoroughly inspected as to their installation and condition. Owners and operators of all boilers must have a special inspector file with the department evidence of timely inspection as provided in Title 41, Chapter 14, of the of the 1976 Code of Laws of South Carolina, as amended. The department will accept boiler inspections from special inspectors on line beginning June 1, 2006, utilizing the Praeses (Jurisdiction Online) Data Base System for boiler inspections. Owners should contact their insurance provider or an independent special inspector to conduct the inspection. The special inspector will make all arrangements for the initial registration and inspection and for subsequent inspections. The special inspector will submit the inspection report to the department. An invoice for the boiler registration fee or subsequent inspection fee will be sent to the owner by the department.
2. Annually, an inspection must be conducted on power boilers and high pressure, high temperature water boilers and this inspection must be an internal inspection; however, if it is not possible to perform an internal inspection, the inspection must be as complete an inspection as possible. The boiler must also be externally inspected while under pressure, if possible.
3. Biennially an inspection must be conducted on low-pressure steam or vapor heating boilers and an internal inspection must be conducted every four years where installation permits.
4. Biennially, an inspection must be conducted on hot water heating or hot water supply boilers and an internal inspection must be conducted at the discretion of the inspector.
5. Special inspectors should submit initial and subsequent inspection reports on-line (done by insurance companies or PRAESES data base). The boiler owner must have a special inspector submit an initial registration/inspection report to the Boiler Safety Program by May 31, 2007. Boiler inspection reports performed by special inspectors on or after April 2, 2006, may be submitted to the department on line beginning June 1, 2006, provided the inspector has attached a department boiler registration tag number to the boiler. All initial boiler registration/ inspection reports must be submitted to the department within 90 days of the inspection. A grace period of two months beyond the last annual or biennial inspection may lapse between certificate inspections.
THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF BOILERS REQUIRE REGISTRATION AND INSPECTION:
1. Type of Boiler: requires annual inspection Power Boiler (P) (over 15 psig) High Pressure, High Temperature Water Boiler (HP/HT) Perform inspection when over 160 psig or if temperature exceeds 250 degrees F. External inspection performed. External inspection should be conducted under pressure, (IF POSSIBLE). Internal inspection performed (INSPECTION MUST BE AS COMPLETE AS POSSIBLE). Inspector should submit either an internal or external inspection per year, not both within a 12-month period. (Some boilers may qualify for an alternative THREE YEAR INSPECTION cycle, see Regulation 71-9102(B)(1).
2. Type of Boiler: requires biennial inspection Low Pressure Steam Boiler or Vapor Heating Boiler (LPS) (VP) (over 15 psig) External inspection performed. Internal inspection performed every four years (WHERE INSTALLATION PERMITS). Submit one type of inspection per year, not both inspections within a 12-month period.
3. Type of Boiler: requires biennial inspection Hot Water (or other heated medium) Heating Boiler (HWH) when exceeding 200,000 BTU per hour, or when exceeding a water temperature of 210 F, or nominal water-containing capacity EXCEEDING 120 Gallons. Hot Water (or other heated medium) Supply Boiler (HWS) when exceeding 200,000 BTU per hour, or when exceeding a water temperature of 210 F, or nominal water-containing capacity EXCEEDING 120 Gallons. External inspection performed. INTERNAL INSPECTION MAY BE PERFORMED AT THE DISCRECTION OF THE INSPECTOR. Submit one type of inspection per year, not both inspections within a 12-month period.
INFORMATION REQUIRED FOR EACH BOILER INSPECTION:
1. Age of boiler
2. Boiler dimensions (cast iron boiler)
3. Capacity of boiler
4. Date of last boiler inspection
5. Maximum pressure of boiler
6. Location of boiler
7. Type of boiler
8. Use of Boiler
9. Location of boiler in the building
Boiler Owners That Must File for Initial Boiler Registration and Must Provide Routine Inspection Reports to the Department:
1. Boilers in the care, custody, and control of research facilities and used solely for research purposes which require one or more details of non code construction or which involve destruction or reduced life expectancy of those vessels.
2. Boilers operated and maintained for the production and generation of electricity.
3. Boilers operated and maintained as part of a manufacturing process. 4. Boilers that are subject to OSHA standards of compliance.
5. Boilers operated and maintained by a public utility or the Public Service Authority including, but not limited to, boilers operated and maintained for the production of electricity.
6. Boilers located in structures in which the public has access.
7. Apartment houses with six or more units.
Boilers Exempt From Registration and Inspection:
1. Boilers that are located on farms and used solely for agricultural or horticultural purposes.
2. Heating boilers that are located in private residences or in apartment houses of less than six family units.
3. All pressure vessels are exempt from regulation under this chapter.
4. Boilers under federal control or under regulations of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Parts 192 and 193.
5. Hot water supply boilers equipped with ASME-National Board approved safety relief valves which are directly fired with oil, gas, or electricity when none of the following limitations are exceeded: heat input of 200,000 BTU per hour; water temperature of 210 degrees Fahrenheit; nominal water-containing capacity of 120 gallons.
Document 200 – Boiler Registration and Inspection Information
Document 240 – Report of an Unregistered Boiler
Document 220 – Report for Unsafe or Hazardous Boiler
Boiler Safety Act - Title 41, Chapter 14
Regulation - Chapter 71, Article 9100
*See Article 9100 for the Boiler Safety Program