How often do boilers need to be inspected?

Owners and users of boilers covered by a state boiler safety law. That usually includes power and process boilers in plants, and heating boilers in commercial buildings, schools and larger apartment buildings. Small residential boilers are often exempt. New York exempts low-pressure boilers in dwellings with fewer than six families. Pennsylvania exempts single-family homes with no business in them and apartment buildings with four or fewer units. Massachusetts exempts boilers in private residences. Some cities run their own programs. In New York State, Buffalo, New York City and White Plains have their own boiler laws. Check your state program for the exact scope.

• You may not be allowed to run the boiler. Ohio law says an owner or user shall not operate a boiler, or let it be operated, without a certificate of operation.
• In Texas, late inspection fees apply once a certificate expires: $25 a day for the first 30 days, $50 a day for the next 30, and $100 a day after 60 days. Violations can also bring administrative penalties, or a Class B misdemeanor with a fine of up to $2,000, up to 180 days in jail, or both.
• In Texas, if an insured boiler is more than 90 days past due, TDLR may send its own inspector and charge additional fees of up to $260.
• In New York, late inspection fees rise with delay: one times the original fee at 45 days, two times at 60 days and three times at 180 days.
• An inspector who finds a boiler unsafe can remove the certificate. In Massachusetts, the boiler must not be operated until a valid certificate is reissued.

1. 1

   Find out who inspects your boiler

   If the boiler is insured, the insurance company’s commissioned inspector usually does the certificate inspection. If not, contact your state boiler program to schedule a state inspector.

2. 2

   Check the type of inspection due

   An internal inspection is done with the boiler shut down and not under pressure. An external inspection is done while it is running, where possible. Your certificate or state rules say which is due.

3. 3

   Prepare the boiler and the plant room

   For an internal inspection, plan the shutdown and ask the inspector what access they need. Clear the area around the boiler, controls and safety valves.

4. 4

   Have your records ready

   Keep the current certificate, previous inspection reports, operating logs and water treatment records to hand. California inspectors review logs and water treatment records for boilers on extended intervals.

5. 5

   Fix any defects the inspector finds

   Make the repairs listed in the inspection report and keep proof of the work. In Pennsylvania, the certificate is issued only once an inspection report shows the boiler is safe to operate.

6. 6

   Pay the fees and post the new certificate

   The state issues the certificate after it gets the inspection report, and may invoice a certificate fee. Post the new boiler inspection certificate in the boiler room or near the boiler, and file a copy.

A simple reminder plan: 90 days, 60 days, 30 days, 7 days before the expiration date. The calculator above puts these in your calendar.

• The current boiler inspection certificate (certificate of operation), posted as your state requires, plus a scanned copy.
• Inspection reports from the state or insurance company inspector, with any defects and repair dates.
• Invoices or work orders for repairs made after an inspection.
• Operating logs and water treatment records.
• A list of all boilers with their state number, location, type (high or low pressure) and certificate expiration date.

• Assuming every boiler is on the same cycle. Power boilers and low-pressure heating boilers often have different intervals.
• Assuming the insurance company will book the inspection on time. In Texas, late inspection fees apply to the owner as well as the inspection agency.
• Forgetting to post the new certificate and leaving the expired one on the wall.
• Not planning the shutdown needed for an internal inspection until the last week.
• Assuming a small boiler is exempt without checking the state rule. Exemptions are narrow and differ by state.
• Losing track of boilers after a change of insurer.