Re: operator continuous attendance

Posted by tm on June 01, 2009 at 13:05:53:

In Reply to: Re: operator continuous attendance posted by Rick on June 01, 2009 at 11:26:06:

: : : : Can it be justified to consider relaxing a state requirement for continuous attendance of power boilers based on the availability of automatic computer monitored controls and safety shutdown devices? I would be interested in seeing comments regarding boiler attendance requirements / practices from those in juristictions requiring licenced operators

: : : You must be crazy... Look up some exploded boiler pics on the internet. Steam is a very powerful force that can become dangerous and deadly very quickly. Those laws are on the books for a reason.

: : No Son;
: : I am not crazy. I am a licensed First Class Engineer and a Chief. I was referring to state legislature proposals which come up with the backing of industry people seeking to eliminate or change full time operator requirements. What are operator attendance regs in your area? Attendance levels at specific horsepower ratings?

: I am Stationary Engineer in NYC. Here you are required a licenced operator whenever you have a high pressure boiler. That is any boiler operating above 15psig. For refrigeration you are required to have a licenced operator if you have more that 50 HP of compressor(s) on one evaporator. What are your requirements as of now?

Thanks for the replies. The issue here in Massachusetts is the level of attendance required by the licensed operator. Here all steam boilers of 9 horsepower and greater and with safety valves set at above 15 psig require licensed operators. Boilers from 9 hp to 250hp are allowed periodic attendance, boilers 251-500 horsepower are allowed non-continuous attendance, and boilers of 501 horsepower and greater require continuous attendance. A bill has been introduced in the legislature that would allow a boiler user to apply for exemption from the continuous attendance of boilers 501 and greater requirement based on automatic computer control and other safety shutdown technology. The rules vary so greatly here in the U.S.A from one jurisdiction to another. Thank you for your feedback. TM

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