BC revises boiler staffing requirements

Mar.
26, 2010, New Westminster, BC – The Province of British Columbia has amended
the Power Engineers, Boiler, Pressure Vessel, and Refrigeration Safety
Regulation (PEBPVRSR). The amendments provide for two changes to the safety
system.

The
first change details the exemption of low-pressure thermal fluid plants from
prescribed staffing requirements. The change is intended to recognize advances
in control technology for these non-pressurized systems. Changes to sections 2,
74, and 79, and the addition of section 84.1 to the PEBPVRSR specify that
low-pressure thermal fluid plants of any size may be exempt from staffing
requirements provided that they meet the criteria specified in the PEBPVRSR.
Generally, the plants may be exempted from staffing requirements if they have automated
control systems, commissioning systems, functional testing programs, and maintenance
programs that have been approved by a professional engineer. All of these documents
have to be registered by a Provincial Safety Manager. Owners will be required
to ensure that functional testing and maintenance programs are carried out as
approved by a professional engineer.

The
second change amends the qualification requirements for Boiler Safety Officers.
Previously, only first class power engineers or, in certain circumstances,
second class power engineers were eligible to become Boiler Safety Officers.
Under the revised section 65, the prerequisite for application is that the
applicant must meet the qualification requirements of the National Board of
Boiler Inspectors (NBBI) for obtaining a National Board Commission. The qualification
requirements can be viewed at the NBBI website. The intent
of this change is to broaden the skill set and prospective applicant pool for
Boiler Safety Officers.

The
changes are effective immediately. A complete copy of the changes can be
obtained from the British Columbia Safety Authority.