How to Prepare for Your Jurisdictional Boiler or Pressure Vessel Inspection

ABOUT JURISDICTIONAL BOILER AND PRESSURE VESSEL INSPECTIONS

Each industry has its own needs and obligations regarding jurisdictional object inspection services. For all industries (especially refineries and public utilities) it is important to ensure that not only is equipment operating but is running safely. Clients do this by regularly inspecting their large industrial boilers.

Inspections for boilers and pressure vessels are maintained not only to provide a safer and loss-controlled work environment for industrial equipment, but to keep your company within the guidelines of the law. Inspections are required by corresponding state boiler and pressure vessel laws (MSHA) and O.S.H.A. (for federal law).

preparing for a jurisdictional inspection

In order to promote efficiency and good use of inspectors’ times, there are steps you can take prior to both internal and external inspections that will make the process easier. Several recommendations include:

External Inspections:

• Inform all relevant internal personnel about the scheduled inspection
• Inform your contact of any concerns regarding the equipment
• Ensure that the current certificate of inspection is on-hand and posted
• Prove safe and clear access to equipment for the inspector

Internal Inspections:

• Shut down the boiler utilizing correct shut down procedures
• Allow the boiler to cool 24 to 48 hours prior, depending on the size and type of boiler
• Lockout and tag valves and other relevant equipment prior to the inspection
• Remove manhole and handhole covers
• Clean all internal and external surfaces
• Disconnect the feed line connection at the boiler

Jurisdictional boiler and pressure vessel inspections differ from many other inspections because often the equipment must be shut down (with a cool-down period) prior to inspection. A boiler inspection may take a day or two to complete due to this requirement. It is critical for the facility and inspector to work together to schedule an optimum time for the outage. These annual (at minimum) checks are scheduled around the client’s production needs so as to minimize the overall impact. Once the inspection is successfully completed, the equipment is returned to service.

about findings and recommendations

TÜV SÜD ARISE inspection services provide an unbiased look at boilers and pressure vessels. We identify the types of inspections required to be performed and schedule for the least interruption to production. After the on-site visits, of the inspectors’ findings and recommendations are reported to your facilities. During the contract inspection period, object lists are provided to identify and monitor all objects at the facility, including inspection due dates. Not only is this information conveyed, but we work together with the client to maintain and complete all inspections on time.

Working with TÜV SÜD ARISE, the client owns their information. Everything collected and reported is seen and distributed to our clients. With information in hand, facility management decision making is vastly improved. Our stewardship reports (object summary, recommendation summary, etc.) allow for easy review and analysis of the overall program.

TÜV SÜD ARISE EXPERTISE TO ASSIST YOU

TÜV SÜD ARISE is here to assist with your jurisdictional inspection needs. Keeping track of all objects and regulatory inspections can be time consuming as companies grow. Our third-party services are there to help with your boiler and pressure vessel operations and provide a unique perspective on your equipment. Remember, maintaining your facility inspections to stay current may be a legal mandate, but it also helps your facility operate safely and efficiently.