The boiler operation regulations in the State of Tennessee were implemented in the early 1950’s.  In 1955 the so-called “20 Minute Rule” was made a part of the regulations. The general requirement 0800-03-03-.04(22) of the Rules put forth by the Tennessee board of Rules under Statutory Authority of the T. C. A. Section 68-122-102 states the following:

(a) A power boiler having a rating of 5 h. p. or 50 sq. ft. of heat absorbing surface or greater shall not be operated for periods of longer than twenty (20) minutes without being checked by an attendant who has been qualified by the owner in its operation, regardless of whether the boiler is equipped with automatic feedwater regulator, fuel or damper regulator, high or low water alarm or other form of automatic control.

As the number of industries, requiring boilers, has grown significantly since the Rule was implemented there have not been enough state inspectors available to check on all of the operating boilers. However, the state of Tennessee has not dismissed the Rule. Recently, state inspectors have been visiting more boiler rooms and have found that some boilers are not being checked every twenty minutes. Checking boilers every twenty minutes means that a boiler attendant cannot leave the boiler room but for a very short period until it is time to check the boiler again. Today most companies cannot afford to have a dedicated boiler attendant to monitor the boilers.  The person assigned as the boiler monitor must also be able to perform other duties to keep the cost of business down.

At some point since the so called “20 Minute Rule’ was implemented another little known and little used rule was implemented.  This rule is called a “Variance” which says:

(b) A variance from the requirements of (a) above may be issued by the Board. All requests must be submitted to the Chief Inspector no less than forty-five (45) days prior to the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board.

The Board grants variances to this rule under conditions that result in the same (or better) degree of safety that is implied in Rule o800-03-03-.04(22). A computerized remote monitoring system is a minimum requirement necessary to satisfy the degree of safety desired. The remote monitoring stations shall be attended/monitored at all times when the variance is in effect. An attendant/operator visit to the boiler room at least every four (4) hours to verify satisfactory boiler system operation, is required.

If you would like to know more about a State of Tennessee boiler room  variance Industrial Boiler & Mechanical Co., Inc. can help you understand all of the requirements, and aid you in securing a “Variance” to the “20 Minute Rule”.  Please call 423-629-1117.