Boilers and Unfired Pressure Vessels

If the cast iron boiler will satisfy the code clearance requirements

The code requires a minimum of 30” of clearance in front, at rear, and on both sides, and 72” overhead. If your broiler meets these requirements, do the following:

• Submit a fully completed copy of the INTENT TO INSTALL BOILER (LIBI-302) form for each unit to be installed.

Note: If the unit is a boiler that will be moved, you must also submit a copy of the PERMIT TO MOVE BOILER OR UNFIRED PRESSURE VESSEL (LIBI-301).

• Submit payment via check or money order made payable to Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. 

Click here for fee schedule.

Note: If sending in intent forms for two boilers, the total payment fee is double the fee listed in the fee schedule. If you seek approval for three boilers in one boiler room, the fee will be three times the listed fee.

• Mail these items to:

PA Department of Labor & Industry Boiler Division
651 Boas Street
Room 1606
Harrisburg, PA 17121

When approved, the Boiler Division will send a copy of the INTENT TO INSTALL BOILER form. It will give you permission to install the unit. The form will also indicate the inspector name and phone number to call for the hydrostatic test. (A commissioned insurance inspector may also perform the required inspection.)

At the time of the test, you must submit a completed CAST IRON BOILER INSTALLATION REPORT (LIBI-236) for each unit. We will conduct the hydrostatic test at 1½ times the Maximum Allowable Working Pressure for hot water boilers. For steam boilers, the pressure will be 45 psi.

Once the installation is inspected and approved, the boiler may be used. The Boiler Division will issue a Certificate of Operation when they get the inspector’s report. They will also mail an invoice for the annual certificate fee and the inspection fee.

A copy of this certificate must be placed in a visible location within the boiler room.

If the cast iron boiler will not satisfy the code clearance requirements

You need to follow the do the following if your boiler will not satisfy the code clearance requirements

• Submit three sets of plans for the installation.
  • Draw them on paper that is at least 18” x 24” in size and to a scale of at least ¼ “ = 1’.
  • These should show the floor plan with all objects in the boiler room.
  • We also need an elevated view showing the breaching and smoke pipe. This is needed when the minimum overhead clearance (72”) cannot be satisfied.

• Submit payment via check or money order. Make it payable to Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, for each boiler.

  Click here for fee schedule.

  Note: If sending in intent forms for two boilers, the total payment fee is double the fee listed in the fee schedule. If seeking approval of three (3) or more boilers in the same boiler room, the total payment will be triple the fee listed in the fee schedule.

• Submit one copy of the BOILER VARIANCE REQUEST - INDUSTRIAL BOARD PETITION (LIBI-303).

  Note: A separate request must be submitted for each boiler that requires a variance.

Submit payment via a separate check or money order. Make it payable to Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for this Industrial Board request.Mail these items to:

PA Department of Labor & Industry Industrial Board
651 Boas Street
Room 1622
Harrisburg, PA 17121

The Industrial Board may grant the variance. If they do, the Boiler Division will send a "plan letter." This letter will approve the installation. It will include the Board's approval and two sets of plans. The plan approval letter will have the name and phone number of the Boiler Division inspector. You should call them to inspect the boiler installation. (A commissioned insurance inspector may also perform the required inspection.

The plan letter, Industrial Board variance and one set of plans must be kept permanently in an accessible location within the boiler room.

Once the installation is inspected and approved, the boiler may be used. The Boiler Division will issue a Certificate of Operation when it gets our inspector’s report. Then, it will mail an invoice for the annual certificate fee and the inspection fee. A copy of this certificate must be placed in a visible location within the boiler room.

At the time of the test, you must submit a completed CAST IRON BOILER INSTALLATION REPORT (LIBI-236) for each unit. We will conduct the hydrostatic test at 1½ times the Maximum Allowable Working Pressure for hot water boilers. For steam boilers, the pressure will be 45 psi.

Once the installation is inspected and approved, the boiler may be used. The Boiler Division will issue a Certificate of Operation when they get the inspector’s report. They will also mail an invoice for the annual certificate fee and the inspection fee. 

If the unfired pressure vessel meets ASME code and its clearance requirements: 

It can be installed without permission from the Boiler Division. The code clearance requirements are a minimum of 18” in front, at rear and on both sides, and 30” in front of manhole cover.

The unit must be inspected and approved. This happens after the vessel is installed and before it is used. If your insurers have a commissioned inspector, call them to arrange the inspection.

If your insurance carrier does not have an inspector, you must work with the Boiler Division. You can email, call, or fax them to request an inspection. If you fax in a request, please include a phone number we can reach you at during business hours. 

• Email at wross@pa.gov
• Call 717-214-4319
• Fax 717-705-7262

Once the inspection has been passed, the unfired pressure vessel may be used.

The Boiler Division will issue a Certificate of Operation. They will do this when they get our inspector’s report. They will mail an invoice for the annual certificate fee and the inspection fee.

A copy of this certificate must be placed in a visible location within the boiler room.

If the unfired pressure vessel will not satisfy the code clearance requirements do the following:

Submit one copy of the UNFIRED PRESSURE VESSEL VARIANCE REQUEST - INDUSTRIAL BOARD PETITION (LIIB-305). Note that a separate request must be submitted for each vessel that requires a variance.

Submit payment of via check or money order. Make it payable to Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for this Industrial Board request. Mail these items to:

PA Department of Labor & Industry Industrial Board
651 Boas Street
Room 1622
Harrisburg, PA 17121

If the Industrial Board grants the variance, the Boiler Division will mail a copy of its order to the owner. After the installation is inspected and approved, the vessel may be used.

The Boiler Division will issue a Certificate of Operation when they get our inspector's report. They will do this after mailing an invoice for the annual certificate fee and the inspection fee. Display this certificate in a visible spot near the unfired pressure vessel.

All boilers and pressure vessels that must comply with Pennsylvania’s Boiler and Unfired Pressure Vessel Law have to be inspected periodically.

These inspections must be done by a person with a current Pennsylvania boiler inspector commission. If your insurance carrier has a paid inspector, call the company. Arrange the inspection.

If your insurance carrier lacks a commissioned inspector, you must call the Boiler Division at 717-214-4319. They will help you arrange the required inspection. You may also fax this request to 717-705-7262. If you fax in the request, include a phone number. We need to reach you during business hours (8 AM to 5 PM).

We shall conduct field inspections in accordance with the following:

• We will inspect power boilers and process boilers internally and externally. This will happen while they are not under pressure. We will do this every 12 months. However, the Department may extend power boiler checks to 24 months. It may also extend process boiler checks to 60 months. This is allowed if the boiler passes an annual external inspection and meets the rules in section 3a.111(2) of the regulation.

• We inspect low-pressure steam vapor boilers that are not under pressure. We inspect them every 24 months.

• External inspection of hot water supply boilers will be conducted every 24 months. An inspector may require internal inspection because of a vessel's age or condition. The Department will tell the boiler's owner or operator. They will do so either in speaking or in writing. They will tell them about the need for an internal inspection.

• We will inspect inside steel hot water heating boilers. We will do this inspection every 48 months. External inspections will be conducted every 24 months.

• We will inspect low-pressure boilers in schools. The inspections will be every 24 months. They will be internal and external.

• External inspections of cast iron boilers will be conducted every 24 months. They will include an internal inspection of the firebox. The unit shall be flushed until clean if the watersides appear to contain sludge.

• Unfired pressure vessels will be inspected every 36 months. An inspector may require internal inspections because of a vessel's age or condition. If an internal inspection is needed, the boiler owner or operator will be notified. They will be notified in writing or verbally.

Owners or users must prepare a boiler or unfired pressure vessel for an internal inspection. They must do this in line with the ANSI/NB23 after an inspector notifies them. Inspectors will not inspect a boiler or unfired pressure vessel if it is not ready for an internal inspection.

If an approved boiler or pressure vessel needs repairs or changes, a commissioned inspector must be called. The inspector will give advice on the best way to make the repairs.

Repairs or changes must follow all the rules in the National Board Inspection Code (ANSI/NB 23).

Only manufacturers or repair companies may do welded repairs, alterations, or tube replacements. They must hold a National Board “R” stamp.

The law covers all accidents or explosions with boilers or pressure vessels. These events must follow special notification rules.

The owner, user, or operator must notify the Department of the accident. This must be done within 24 hours of the incident. This may be done via one of the following means:

• Telephone call to 717-772-2443
• Faxed message to 717-705-7262
• E-mail to wross@pa.gov

Hand carried message delivered to:

PA Department of Labor & Industry Boiler Division
651 Boas Street
Room 1606
Harrisburg, PA 17121

When the accident is reported, a Department inspector will start an investigation.

Until an inspector arrives to investigate, no one should move or disturb the boiler, pressure vessel, or related parts. Only do so if needed to prevent harm.

Before the unit is brought back into service, it must pass inspection.

The owner, user or operator must file a copy of a BOILER OR UNFIRED PRESSURE VESSEL ACCIDENT REPORT (LIBI-306). This must occur within five (5) days of the accident.

This should be faxed (717-705-7262) or mailed to the following address:

PA Department of Labor & Industry Boiler DivisionRoom 1614
L&I Building
651 Boas Street
Harrisburg, PA 17121

An individual must have a current Pennsylvania Inspector Commission. They need it to inspect boilers and pressure vessels in the Commonwealth. To get a Pennsylvania Commission, an individual must meet one of the criteria below.

1. Be an employee of a company authorized to insure boilers and pressure vessels.

2. Be an employee of a boiler or unfired pressure vessel owner. They must authorize you to inspect boilers or unfired pressure vessels used in process operations.

3. Be employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

The Department of Labor and Industry offers exams for Pennsylvania State Inspector Commissions. They offer them throughout the year. Applicants must apply at least one month before they schedule to take the exam.

To apply, submit all of the following:

• An APPLICATION FOR PENNSYLVANIA BOILER INSPECTOR COMMISSION (LIBI-304) form.

• A copy of a valid National Board Commission Card.

• The applicant must show proof of their company's license. The license lets them write insurance in Pennsylvania for boilers and pressure vessels. Alternatively, the applicant can be an employee of a boiler or pressure vessel owner who allows them to inspect these items in process operations.

• Pay the total fee for the exam and the card by check or money order. Make it payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Click here for fee schedule.

An applicant who fails the first PA Inspector Commission exam can take it two more times. They must take the retests within a year and not pay extra fees.

A PA Commission is valid for one (1) calendar year.

To renew a Pennsylvania Commission, individuals must submit the following:

• An APPLICATION FOR PENNSYLVANIA BOILER INSPECTOR COMMISSION (LIBI-304) form.

• A copy of their PA Commission Credential Card.

• A copy of their valid National Board Commission Card.

• Printed verification that the applicant’s company is authorized to write insurance in Pennsylvania to insure boilers and unfired pressure vessels. Or that the applicant is an employee of a boiler or unfired pressure vessel owner that has authorized them to perform inspections on boilers or unfired pressure vessels that are involved in process operations.

• A check or money order in the amount of the fee for the new credential card.

You can find info on the National Board exam at: www.nationalboard.org

Applications and appropriate fees should be mailed to:

Department of Labor & Industry Certifications
Accreditations & Licensing Division
651 Boas Street
Room 1606
Harrisburg, PA 17121

Call the Certification, Accreditation, and Licensing Division at 717-772-3396. Call if you have questions about getting a PA Commission.