The law states that any boiler and pressure vessel in the country above 15 lb must have a regular yearly inspection, performed by a licensed inspector from a commercial insurance provider. And while inspections are mandatory, commercial boilers and auxiliary boiler equipment should to be properly maintained to ensure safe operation and long service life despite the mandate.

Your boiler system is a considerable investment of equipment and resources - it is important to select the right vendor for your steam plant inspection and boiler maintenance needs. You should look for qualified boiler service companies with highly experienced technicians and provide:

• Comprehensive maintenance contracts
• Full service boiler maintenance
• Planned outage maintenance
• Emergency boiler equipment service
• On-site equipment assessments

Be sure to ask questions about specific inspection reporting and technical experience, and preventive maintenance options. You boiler service provider should be able to uncover mechanical issues with tubing, refractory, gaskets, controls, etc., and allow for the opportunity to make planned outage repairs.

Annual boiler inspections address the labor, material, equipment and supervision to:

• Remove and replace safety relief valves
• Open boiler inspection of tubes, tube sheets, and level controls
• Close the boiler(s) and prepare for firing
• Perform calibration service and performance testing
• Inspect related boiler equipment as applicable

Passing inspection ensures that your boiler will receive a new annual certificate of operation. A preventive maintenance plan provides peace of mind that your steam plant will operate safely at peak efficiency for years to come.

While annual inspections are mandatory to receive a certificate of operation, commercial boilers and auxiliary boiler equipment should to be properly maintained to ensure safe operation and long service life despite the legal mandate.