A.“Act” means the Boiler and Pressure Vessel Safety Act which was enacted as R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 28-25.
B.“Administrator” means the Administrator of the Division of Occupational Safety is appointed by the Director of Labor and Training and is responsible for implementation and enforcement of all provisions under R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 28-20. For purposes of these Regulations, and consistent with the organizational structure of the Department of Labor and Training, duties assigned by statute to the “Administrator” may be performed by the “Chief Inspector” when expressly delegated by the Director, consistent with R.I. Gen. Laws § 28-25-3. Nothing in this Part alters the statutory assignment of authority or precludes future appointment of an Administrator.
C.“Alteration” means a change in any item described on the original Manufacturer's Data Report which affects the pressure capability of the boiler or pressure vessel. Non-physical changes such as an increase in the maximum allowable working pressure (internal or external) or design temperature of a boiler or pressure vessel shall be considered an alteration. A reduction in minimum temperature such that additional mechanical tests are required shall also be considered an alteration.
D.“API-ASME code” means the American Petroleum Institute (API) in conjunction with the ASME Code as used in these Rules and Regulations shall mean the Code for unfired pressure vessels for petroleum liquids and gases.
E.“Approved” means approved by the Code Commission for Occupational Safety and Health.
F.“ASME Code” means the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), including addenda and code cases, approved by the associated ASME board.
G.“Authorized inspection agency” means any of the following:
1.a department or division established by a jurisdiction which has adopted and does administer one or more sections of the ASME Code, one of which shall be Section I as a legal requirement, and whose inspectors hold valid commissions issued by The National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors; or
2.an insurance company which has been licensed or registered by the appropriate authority of a State of the United States or a Province of Canada to write and does write boiler and pressure vessel insurance and to provide inspection service of boilers and pressure vessels in such State or Province.
H.“Boiler” means a closed vessel in which water or other liquid is heated, steam or vapor is generated, steam or vapor is superheated, or any combination thereof, under pressure or vacuum, for use external to itself, by the direct application of energy from combustion of fuels, electricity or solar energy. The term boiler includes fired units for heating or vaporizing liquids other than water where these units are separate from processing systems and complete within themselves. The term boiler also shall include the apparatus used by which heat is generated and all controls and safety devices associated with such apparatus or the closed vessels.
1.“Electric boiler” means a power boiler or heating boiler in which the source of heat is electricity.
2.“Heating boiler” means a steam or vapor boiler operating at a pressure not exceeding 15 psi steam pressure or a hot water boiler in which water or other fluid is heated and intended for operation at pressures not exceeding 160 psi or temperatures not exceeding 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
3.“High pressure boiler” or “High-temperature boiler” means a boiler in which water, oil, or other fluid is heated and intended for operation at pressures more than 160 psi and/or temperatures in more than 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
4.“Hot water supply boiler” means a boiler filled with water used for storage and/or supply of hot water to be used externally to itself at pressures not exceeding 160 psi or at temperatures not exceeding 250 degrees Fahrenheit at or near the boiler outlet.
5.“Miniature boiler” means a power boiler or high-temperature water boiler which does not exceed the following limits:
a.16" inside diameter of shell;
b.20 sq. ft. heating surface (not applicable to electric boilers);
c.5 cu. ft. gross volume exclusive of casing and insulation; and
d.100 psi maximum allowable working pressure.
6.“Portable boiler” means a boiler which is primarily intended for temporary location and the construction and usage permits it to be readily moved from one location to another.
7.“Power boiler” means a boiler in which steam or other vapor is generated at a pressure of more than 15 psi.
8.“Unfired power boiler” means an unfired steam or other vapor generating system using heat from the operation of a processing system or other indirect heat source.
I.“Certificate inspection” means an inspection, the report of which is used by the Administrator or Chief Inspector as justification for issuing, withholding or revoking the inspection certificate. This certificate inspection shall be an internal inspection when required; otherwise, it shall be as complete an inspection as possible.
J.“Certificate of competency” means the qualification required by R.I. Gen. Laws § 28-25-4, satisfied by either (a) passing a written examination approved by the Administrator, or (b) holding a commission certificate/card issued by the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors, or (c) holding a commission certificate/card from another US state with standards of examination equal to those of Rhode Island.
K.“Certificate of inspection” means a certificate issued by the Administrator or Chief Inspector for the operation of a boiler, pressure vessel or nuclear system as required by the Act.
L.“Chief inspector” means the Chief Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspector in the Division of Occupational Safety appointed by the Director of Labor and Training and charged to administer and implement the provisions of this Chapter. The Chief Inspector is responsible to the Administrator of Occupational Safety as outlined in R.I. Gen. Laws § 28-25-3.
M.“Commission” means the authorization issued by the Administrator of the Division of Occupational Safety, acting through the Chief Inspector, for a person to act as an authorized inspector in Rhode Island pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 28-25-4. The Commission is evidenced by a Commission Card and is valid until termination of the inspector’s employment, subject to annual registration/renewal as required by statute.
N.“Commission Card” means the physical or electronic credential issued by the Department of Labor and Training that evidences a Rhode Island Commission and displays the inspector’s name, employer, commission/license number, and expiration date.
O.“Commission-National Board” means the commission issued by The National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors to a holder of a certificate of competency who desires to make shop inspections or field inspections in accordance with the National Board Bylaws and whose employer submits the inspector's application to the National Board for such commission.
P.“Code commission” means the State of Rhode Island Code Commission on Occupational Safety and Health.
Q.“Condemned boiler” and “Condemned pressure vessel” means a boiler or pressure vessel that has been inspected and declared unsafe, or disqualified by legal requirements, by an inspector and a stamping or marking designating its condemnation has been applied by the Chief or Authorized Inspector.
R.“Director” means the Director of Labor or his duly authorized representative.
S.“Division” means the Division of Occupational Safety within the State Department of Labor.
T.“External inspection” means an inspection made when a boiler or pressure vessel is in operation, if possible.
U.“Inspector” means the Chief Inspector, or any Authorized Inspector, or Owner-User Inspector.
1.“Authorized inspector” means an Inspector employed by the State of Rhode Island or an Authorized Insurance Company holding a National Board Inservice Commission, and who is regularly employed by the State or an Insurance Company authorized to insure against loss from explosion of boilers or pressure vessels in this State.
2.“Chief inspector” means the Chief Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspector appointed under the Act.
3.“Owner-user inspector” means an Inspector who holds a valid National Board Owner-User Commission.
V.“Internal inspection” means as complete an examination as can reasonably be made of the internal and external surfaces of a boiler or pressure vessel while it is shut down and manhole plates, handhole plates or other inspection opening closures are removed as required by the inspector.
W.“Jurisdiction” means a State, commonwealth, county or municipality of the United States or a Province of Canada which has adopted one or more sections of the ASME Code, one of which is Section I, and maintains a duly constituted department, bureau or division for the purpose of enforcement of such Code.
X.“Lined potable water heater boiler” means a water heater with a corrosion resistant lining used to supply potable hot water.
Y.“National Board” means the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors, (NB) l055 Crupper Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43229, whose membership is composed of the Chief Inspectors of jurisdictions who are charged with the enforcement of the provisions of the ASME Code.
Z.“National Board inspection code” means the manual for boiler and pressure vessel inspectors published by the National Board from which copies may be obtained.
AA.“Nonstandard boiler or pressure vessel” means a boiler or pressure vessel that does not bear the ASME stamp, the API-ASME stamp, or the stamp of any jurisdiction which has adopted a standard of construction equivalent to that required by the Department.
BB.“Owner” or “User” means any person, firm or corporation legally responsible for the safe installation, operation and maintenance of any boiler or pressure vessel within the jurisdiction.
CC.“Owner-user inspection agency” means an owner or user of pressure vessels who maintains a regularly established inspection department, whose organization and inspection procedures meet the requirements of the National Board rules and are acceptable to the Division.
DD.“Pressure vessel” means a vessel in which the pressure is obtained from an external source, or by the application of heat from an indirect source.
EE.“PSI” means pounds per square inch gauge.
FF.“Reinstalled boiler” or “Reinstalled pressure vessel” means a boiler or pressure vessel removed from its original setting and reinstalled at the same location or at a new location without change or ownership.
GG.“Relief valve” means a pressure relief valve actuated by inlet static pressure having a gradual lift generally proportional to the increase in pressure over opening pressure. It may be provided with an enclosed spring housing suitable for closed discharge system application and is primarily used for liquid service.
HH.“Repair” means the work necessary to restore a boiler or pressure vessel to a safe and satisfactory condition, provided there is no deviation from the original design.
II.“Repair of pressure relief valve” means the replacement, re-machining or cleaning of any critical part, lapping of seat and disk or any other operation which may affect the flow passage, capacity function or pressure retaining ability of the valve. Disassembly, reassembly and/or adjustments which affect the pressure relief valve function are also considered a repair.
JJ.“Safety relief valve” means a pressure relief valve characterized by rapid opening or pop action, or by opening in proportion to the increase in pressure over opening pressure, depending on application.
KK.“Safety valve” means a pressure relief valve actuated by inlet static pressure and characterized by rapid opening or pop action.
LL.“Second-hand boiler” or “Second-hand pressure vessel” means a boiler or pressure vessel which has changed both location and ownership since primary use.
MM.“Standard boiler” or “Standard pressure vessel” means a boiler or pressure vessel which bears the stamp of this State, the ASME stamp, the API-ASME stamp, both the ASME and National Board stamp, or the stamp of another jurisdiction which has adopted a standard of construction equivalent to that required by the Board.
NN.“Water heater boiler” means a closed vessel used exclusively to supply potable water which is heated by the combustion of fuels, electricity or any other source and withdrawn for use external to the system at pressures not exceeding 160 psi and shall include all controls and devices necessary to prevent water temperatures from exceeding 210 degrees Fahrenheit as well as storage vessel connected to the water.
2.5.1Minimum Construction Standards for Boilers and Pressure Vessels:
A.All boilers, pressure vessels, water heaters and storage tanks, unless otherwise exempt, shall be registered with the Department of Labor and Training. All new boilers, pressure vessels, water heaters, and storage tanks unless otherwise exempt, to be operated in this jurisdiction, shall be designed, constructed, inspected, stamped and installed in accordance with the 2025 ASME Code, incorporated above at § 2.3 of this Part, and the latest addenda including code cases in effect, and these Rules and Regulations. Boilers and pressure vessels for which an ASME Manufacturers' Data Report is required shall bear the manufacturer's "NB" number as registered with the National Board. A copy of the Manufacturers' Data Report, signed by the manufacturer's representative and the National Board commissioned inspector shall be filed with the Chief Inspector through the National Board.
B.State Special - If, due to a valid impediment to full ASME Code compliance, a boiler or pressure vessel cannot bear the ASME and National Board stamping, details in the English language and United States customary units of the proposed construction material specifications and calculations approved by a Registered Professional Engineer experienced in boiler and pressure vessel design shall be submitted to the Chief Inspector by the owner or user for approval as "State Special" which must be obtained from the Chief Inspector before construction is started.
C.Before a second-hand boiler or pressure vessel, is installed, a new installation application for permission to install shall be filed by the owner or user with the Chief Inspector and his approval obtained.
D.The following shall be exempt from the 2025 ASME Code construction requirements of § 2.5.1(A) of this Part.
1.Water heaters and water storage tanks where none of the following limitations are exceeded:
a.Heat input of 200,000 BTU/Hr;
b.Water temperature of 210 degrees Fahrenheit; and
c.Nominal water capacity of 120 gallons; except that they shall be provided with one or more safety relief valves meeting the requirements of § 2.7.6 of this Part.
2.Continuous coil type hot water boilers used only for "steam vapor" cleaning of such things as machinery, equipment and building when none of the following limitations are exceeded:
a.3/4" diameter tubing or pipe size with no drums or headers attached;
b.Nominal water containing capacity does not exceed six (6) gallons;
c.Water temperature does not exceed 350 degrees Fahrenheit; and
d.Steam is not generated within the coil, except that they shall be provided with one or more safety relief valves meeting the requirements of § 2.6.6 of this Part.
3.In any circumstances other than the above, the owner or user shall contact the Chief Inspector.
2.5.2Frequency of Inspections of Boilers and Pressure Vessels
A.Power boilers and high-pressure, high temperature water boilers shall receive an inspection annually which shall be an internal inspection where construction permits; otherwise, it shall be as complete an inspection as possible. Such boilers shall also be inspected externally annually while under normal operating conditions.
B.Low pressure boilers, hot water heaters, and hot water storage tanks shall receive an inspection biennially.
1.Steam or vapor boilers shall have an external inspection biennially and may have an internal inspection, if deemed necessary, at the discretion of the inspector and shall include the function of all controls and safety devices.
2.Hot water heating and hot water supply boilers shall have an external inspection biennially and where construction permits, an internal inspection at the discretion of the inspector.
3.Water Heater boilers including hot water storage tanks shall have an external inspection biennially and shall include the function of all controls and devices.
C.Except as provided for in §§ 2.5.2(D) and (E) of this Part, unfired pressure vessels shall receive an inspection triennially. This inspection shall be internal where construction permits. Pressure vessels not subject to internal corrosion shall be inspected externally.
D.Pressure vessels that are under the supervision of an owner-user inspection agency shall be inspected at the same interval unless otherwise agreed upon by the Chief Inspector with that Agency.
E.Based upon documentation of safe service conditions by the owner or user of the operating equipment and after an external inspection by the Chief Inspector, said Chief Inspector may, in his discretion, permit variations in the inspection frequency requirements as provided in these Rules and Regulations.
2.5.3Notification of Inspection
A.Certificate inspection, as required in § 2.5.2 of this Part, shall be carried out by the authorized insurance inspector prior to the expiration date of the certificate at a time mutually agreeable to the inspector and owner or user of new or existing or reinstalled boilers/pressure vessels.
B.External inspections may be performed by the inspector during reasonable hours and shall not require prior notification in accordance with R.I. Gen. Laws § 28-25-7.
C.When as a result of an external inspection or determined by other objective means, it is the inspector's opinion that continued operation of the boiler or pressure vessel constitutes a menace to public safety, the inspector may request an internal inspection or an appropriate pressure test or both to evaluate conditions. In such instances the owner or user shall prepare the boiler or pressure vessel for such inspections or tests as the inspector designates in accordance with R.I. Gen. Laws § 28-25-7.
2.5.4Qualifications for Rhode Island Commission to serve as an Authorized Inspector
A.An applicant for a Rhode Island Commission to serve as an Authorized Inspector must hold a certificate of competency as defined in § 2.4(J) of this Part demonstrated by one of the following:
1.Passing a written examination approved by the Administrator;
2.Holding a National Board Commission Certificate/Card (certificate of competency); or
3.Holding a commission certificate from a foreign U.S. state whose standards are equal to Rhode Island.
B.Written examination approved by the Administrator
1.Examination for an inspector's Rhode Island Commission may be held at the office of the Division or at any other location to be selected by the Administrator. An applicant for an examination shall have education and experience equal to at least one of the following:
a.a degree in mechanical engineering plus one year of experience in design, construction, operation or inspection of high-pressure boilers and pressure vessels;
b.a degree in a branch of engineering, other than mechanical engineering or an associate degree in mechanical technology plus two years of experience in design, construction, operation inspection of high pressure boilers and pressure vessels;
c.the equivalent of a high school education plus three years of experience:
(1)in high pressure boiler and pressure vessel construction or repair; or
(2)as an operating engineer in charge of high-pressure boiler operation; or
(3)as an inspector of high-pressure boilers and pressure vessels.
2.Applications for examination shall be in writing on a form to be furnished by the Administrator stating the education of the applicant, a list of his employers, his period of employment and position held with each employer. Applications containing willful falsifications or untruthful statements shall be cause for rejection. Applications shall be submitted to the Chief Inspector at least 45 days prior to the date of examination.
3.If the applicant's education and experience are acceptable to the Administrator, he shall be given a written examination dealing with the design, construction, maintenance and repair of boilers and pressure vessels and their appurtenances, and the applicant shall be accepted or rejected on the merits of this examination. If the applicant is successful in meeting the requirements of the Division, a certificate of competency will be issued by the Administrator, when the applicant is employed by an authorized inspection agency. Upon the expiration of 90 days, an applicant who failed to pass the examination will be permitted to take another written examination and his acceptance or rejection will be determined by the Administrator on the basis of this examination.
C.Commission Certificate/Card issued by National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors
1.Applicants possessing a National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspector commission certificate/card may request a Rhode Island Commission by submitting the request in writing to the State of Rhode Island Boiler Unit located at 1511 Pontiac Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920. The letter shall include a copy of his or her current National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspector commission certificate/card and the appropriate fee as noted in § 2.5.5 of this Part.
D.Commission Certificate/Card issued by Foreign Jurisdictions
1.Applicants possessing a commission card from a foreign US state may request a Rhode Island Commission by submitting the request in writing to the State of Rhode Island Boiler Unit located at 1511 Pontiac Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920. The letter shall include a copy of his or her current foreign US state commission card and the appropriate fee as noted in § 2.5.5 of this Part.
E.Upon verification of credentials and employment by an authorized inspection agency, the Administrator, through the Chief Inspector, may issue a Rhode Island Commission, evidenced by a Commission Card as defined in §§ 2.4(M)-(N) of this Part.
F.The Chief Inspector may, in connection with any application for a new or renewal commission, require the applicant to participate in an interview, inspector training, or other form of professional dialogue as deemed necessary to assess qualifications, clarify application materials, or ensure compliance with applicable standards.
G.A Commission may be suspended or revoked by the Administrator after due investigation and recommendation by the Chief Inspector for adequate and just cause. Written notice of any such suspension shall be given by the Administrator, within not more than 10 days, to the inspector and his employer. Persons whose Commissions have been suspended or revoked shall be entitled to an appeal to the Administrator as provided for in the Act and to be present in person and represented by counsel at the hearing of the appeal.
H.Commissioned inspectors are responsible for familiarizing themselves with these Rules and Regulations as well as the applicable provisions of Rhode Island General Laws Chapter 28-25 (Boiler Inspection and Pressure Vessels). These materials are available on the Department’s website at http://dlt.ri.gov/wrs/occupationalsafety/.
2.5.5Commission Fees
A.A fee of sixty-dollars ($60.00) will be charged for each applicant taking the examination for a certificate of competency or to each applicant for a Commission as outlined in §§ 2.5.4(C)-(D) of this Part. A sixty-dollar ($60.00) check or money order shall be made payable to “RI Dept. of Labor and Training – Boiler Unit”.
2.5.6Annual Registration and Renewal Commission
A.Each person holding a valid Commission Card for the purpose of conducting inspections as provided by the Act shall apply to the Administrator or Chief Inspector to obtain a renewal Commission Card annually, not later than March 31 of each year. The renewal application shall include a copy of the inspector’s RI Commission Card, foreign state commission or national board commission along with a fee of thirty ($30.00) by check or money order made payable to “RI Dept. of Labor and Training – Boiler Unit”.
2.5.7Conflict of Interest
A.An inspector shall not engage in the sale of any services, article or device relating to boilers, pressure vessels, or their equipment.
2.5.8Inspection Reports to be Submitted by Inspectors
A.Inspection reports shall be submitted no later than five (5) business days after completion of the inspection.
2.5.9Insurance Companies to Notify Chief Inspector of New, Cancelled or Suspended Insurance on Boilers or Pressure Vessels
A.All insurance companies shall notify the Chief Inspector within five (5) business days of all boilers or pressure vessels on which insurance is written, cancelled, not renewed or suspended because of unsafe conditions.
2.5.10Authorized Inspectors to Notify Chief Inspector of Unsafe Boilers or Pressure Vessels
A.If an authorized inspector, upon first inspection of a new risk, finds that a boiler or pressure vessel or any equipment thereof, is in such condition that his company would refuse insurance or that it does not comply with jurisdictional rules, the company shall immediately notify the Chief Inspector and submit a report on the defects. If, upon inspection, an authorized inspector finds a boiler or pressure vessel to be unsafe for further operation, he shall promptly notify the owner or user, stating what repairs or other corrective measures are required to bring the object into compliance with these Rules and Regulations. Unless the owner or user makes such repairs or adopts such other corrective measures promptly, the authorized inspector shall immediately notify the Chief Inspector. Until such corrections have been made no further operation of the boiler or pressure vessel involved shall be permitted. If an inspection certificate for the object is required and is in force, it shall be suspended by the Chief Inspector. When re-inspection establishes that the necessary repairs have been made or corrective actions have been taken and that the boiler or pressure vessel is safe to operate, the Chief Inspector shall be notified by report. At that time an inspection certificate, where applicable, will be issued.
2.5.11Defective Conditions Disclosed at Time of External Inspection
A.If, upon an external inspection, there is evidence of a leak or crack, sufficient covering of the boiler or pressure vessel shall be removed to permit the inspector to satisfactorily determine the safety of the boiler or pressure vessel. If the covering cannot be removed at that time, he may order the operation of the boiler or pressure vessel stopped until such time as the covering can be removed and proper examination made.
2.5.12Owner or User to Notify Chief Inspector of Accident
A.When an accident occurs to a boiler, pressure vessel, power piping or process piping, the owner or user shall promptly notify the Chief Inspector by submitting a detailed report of the accident. In the event of a personal injury or any explosion, notice shall be given immediately by telephone, telegraph or messenger, and neither the boiler, pressure vessel, power piping or process piping, nor any parts thereof, shall be removed or disturbed before permission has been granted by the Chief Inspector, except for the purpose of saving human life and limiting consequential damage.
2.5.13Inspection Certificate and Inspection Fees
A.Certificate Inspection by Authorized Insurance Inspectors or State Inspectors
1.If, after inspection by an authorized insurance inspector or state inspector, a boiler or pressure vessel is found to be safe and in conformance with these Rules and Regulations, the owner, user, authorized inspection insurance agency, or insurance agency shall pay directly to the jurisdiction a biennial certificate fee of sixty ($60.00) dollars for each boiler which shall include hot water heaters. A triennial certificate fee of forty-five ($45.00) shall be assessed for each unfired pressure vessel inspected under the provisions of R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 28-25.
B.Certificate Inspection by Authorized Owner/User Inspection Agency
1.If a boiler or pressure vessel after inspection, by an authorized owner/user inspection agency is found to be suitable and to conform to these Rules and Regulations, the owner, user, authorized inspection insurance agency, or insurance agency shall pay directly to the jurisdiction a fee of sixty dollars ($60.00) for each boiler or pressure vessel required to be inspected under the Act upon which an inspection certificate shall be issued in accordance with R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 28-25-10 and 28-25-11. Checks and money orders for payment of inspection certificate fees should be made payable to the Department of Labor, Division of Occupational Safety, Boiler Unit.
C.Certificate Inspection by State Inspector
1.The owner or user of a boiler or pressure vessel required by this Act to be inspected by the Chief Inspector, or by an authorized State inspector, shall pay directly to the Division of Occupational Safety, upon completion of inspection, fees in accordance with the following schedule:
2.Power boilers and high pressure, high temperature water boilers: $96.00
a.External Inspections Fees: $60.00
3.Heating Boilers
a.Certificate and Inspection Fees: $60.00 Biennially
(1)A fee shall be assessed for inspections of boilers and storage tanks at the same location not to exceed $240.00 biennially per location.
4.For boilers where the only source of heat is electrical energy, the fee shall be $60.00 biennially.
5.Pressure Vessels
a.Certificate and Inspection Fees
(1)Each pressure vessel shall be subject to inspection every three (3) years and shall be charged at a rate of $45.00.
(2)A group of pressure vessels, such as the rolls of a paper machine or dryer operating as a single machine or unit, shall be considered as one pressure vessel.
(3)Not more than one fee shall be charged or collected for any and all inspections as above of any pressure vessels in any required inspection period except as provided below.
6.Hydrostatic tests
a.When it is necessary to make a special trip to witness the application of a hydrostatic test, an additional fee based on the scale of fees outlined in § 2.5.13(C)(7) of this Part below shall be charged.
7.All other inspections, including reviews and surveys, shop inspections, special inspections, and inspections of second-hand or used boilers, or pressure vessels made by the Chief Inspector or authorized inspector employed by the State of Rhode Island shall be charged at the rate of not less than $190.00 for 1/4 day (2 Hrs.), $275.00 1/2 day (4 Hrs.), or $500.00 for one full day, including travel time, plus all expenses, including traveling, meals and lodging, where applicable. Minimum charge shall be 1/4 day ($190.00).
D.Disposition of fees - The Administrator or Chief Inspector shall account for and transfer all fees so received to the Treasurer of the State.
E.If the owner or user of a boiler or pressure vessel or system, which is required to be inspected refuses to allow an inspection to be made or refuses to pay the fee stipulated with this code of regulation, the inspection certificate shall be suspended by the Chief Inspector until the owner or user complies with the requirements.
F.The owner or user who causes a boiler or pressure vessel or system to be operated without a valid certificate shall be subject to the penalty as provided for in the Act.
G.Fees for Services
1.Hydrostatic tests by state inspections $100.00
2.Repair and alteration permit $100.00
3.Return visits for violations/charged to contractors $100.00
4.Return check fee $25.00
5.Overdue invoices $25.00 yearly
6.Certificate replacement fee $10.00
7.Portable boiler permits $300.00
2.5.14Validity of Inspection Certificate
A.An inspection certificate, issued in accordance with § 2.5.13 of this Part shall be valid until expiration unless some defect or condition affecting the safety of the boiler or pressure vessel is disclosed.
2.5.15Restamping Boilers and Pressure Vessels
A.When the stamping on a boiler or pressure vessel becomes indistinct, the inspector shall instruct the owner or user to have it re-stamped. Request for permission to re-stamp the boiler or pressure vessel shall be made to the Chief Inspector and proof of the original stamping shall accompany the request. The Chief Inspector may grant such authorization. Re-stamping authorized by the Chief Inspector shall be done only in the presence of an authorized inspector and shall be identical with the original stamping except for the ASME Code Symbol Stamp. Notice of completion of such stamping shall be filed with the Chief Inspector by the inspector who witnessed the stamping on the boiler or pressure vessel together with a facsimile of the stamping applied.
2.5.16Penalty for Operation of Unsafe Boilers or Pressure Vessels
A.If, upon inspection, a boiler or pressure vessel is found to be in such condition that it is unsafe to operate, the inspector shall notify the Chief Inspector, and the inspection certificate may be suspended by the Chief Inspector.
B.Any person, firm, partnership or corporation causing such objects to continue to be operated shall be subject to the penalty provided in the Act.
2.5.17Condemned Boilers and Pressure Vessels
A.Any boiler or pressure vessel having been inspected and declared unfit for further service by an inspector shall be permanently stamped by the Chief Inspector on either side of the boiler or pressure vessel with “DO NOT OPERATE” signage approved by the Department of Labor and Training. Records of condemned boilers or pressure vessels shall be reflected in the boiler registration database.
B.Any person, firm, partnership, or corporation using or offering for sale a condemned boiler or pressure vessel for operation within this State shall be subject to the penalties provided by the Act.
2.5.18Reinstallation of Boilers or Pressure Vessels
A.When a standard boiler or pressure vessel located in this jurisdiction is to be moved outside the jurisdiction for temporary use or for repair, alteration, or modification, a new installation application shall be made by the owner or user to the Chief Inspector for permission to reinstall the boiler or pressure vessel in the jurisdiction. When a non-standard boiler or pressure vessel is removed from this State, it shall not be reinstalled within this State.
2.5.19Installation, Operation, Sale or Offering for Sale of Non-Standard Boilers or Pressure Vessels
A.The installation, operation, sale or the offering for sale of non-standard boilers or pressure vessels in this jurisdiction is prohibited without permission from the Chief Inspector.
2.5.20Working Pressure for Existing Installations
A.Any authorized inspector may decrease the working pressure on any existing installation if the condition of the boiler or pressure vessel warrants it. If the owner or user does not concur with the inspector's decision, the owner or user may appeal to the Chief Inspector who may request a joint inspection with the authorized inspector. The Chief Inspector shall render the final decision, based upon the data contained in the inspector's reports.
2.5.21Repairs and Alterations to Boilers & Pressure Vessels
A.Repairs and alterations to boilers and pressure vessels shall be made in accordance with the rules of the National Board Inspection Codes (2025 Edition) incorporated above at § 2.3 of this Part. Repairs shall be made by a repair organization having one of the following types of authorization:
1.an organization in possession of a valid Certificate of Authorization for use of the "R" Symbol Stamp, issued by the National Board.
2.an organization in possession of a valid ASME Certificate of Authorization provided such repairs are within the scope of the organization's Quality Control System.
3.an organization working within the State provided authorization for the organization to perform such repairs has been issued by the Chief Inspector.
B.Alterations to a boiler or pressure vessel shall be made by an organization in possession of a valid ASME Certificate of Authorization.
2.5.22Requirements for Installations
A.In accordance with R.I. Gen. Laws § 28-25-10, any person erecting or installing a new, second-hand, or reinstalled boiler or pressure vessel shall first make application for a permit to install to the Division of Occupational Safety, Boiler Unit. A permit fee of one hundred twenty dollars ($120.00) will be required for all heating boilers, water heaters, or storage hot water supply (low pressure) and a fee of three hundred dollars ($300.00) for all power boilers (high pressure). The installer of such installations must attach a photocopy of his/her license and record his/her Pipefitter Master license number or Master Plumber license number or other license number applicable for the installation on the permit application.
B.All new and second-hand item installations shall comply with the general requirements of these Regulations. In addition, applicable sections of these Regulations that pertain to the specific requirements for items falling into categories outlined in § 2.5.3 of this Part, shall be followed.
1.No boiler or pressure vessel shall hereafter be installed in this State unless it has been constructed in accordance with ASME Code, incorporated above, registered with the National Board and installed in conformity with these Rules and Regulations except:
a.those exempt by the Act;
b.those outlined in § 2.5.1(B) of this Part
2.The stamping shall not be concealed by lagging or paint and shall be exposed at all times unless a suitable record is kept of the location of the stamping so that it may be readily uncovered at any time this may be desired.
3.Boilers and/or pressure vessels shall have a carbon monoxide detector installed in or immediately adjacent to the boiler room for all new, secondhand, and reinstalled item installation or when existing installation has any new item installations or repairs in accordance with the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors (Edition 2025), incorporated above at § 2.3 of this Part.
2.5.23Application of State Serial Numbers
A.Upon completion of the installation of a boiler or pressure vessel, or at the time of the initial certificate inspection of an existing installation each boiler or pressure vessel shall be identified by the inspector with a serial number of the State, consisting of letters and figures to be not less than 5/16 inch in height and arranged as follows:
B.All cast iron, low-pressure heating boilers shall have securely attached to the front of the boiler a corrosion resistant metal tag or suitable tag allowed by construction code which shall have the serial number of the State stamped thereon. All pressure vessels constructed of cast iron, or of material of such thickness that it should not be stamped, shall have securely attached a corrosion resistant metal tag and or suitable tag allowed by the construction code, which shall have the serial number of the State stamped thereon.
2.5.24Penalties
A.Any person, firm or corporation violating any of the provisions of these Rules and Regulations shall be charged with a violation and may be subject to a fine not to exceed $500.00 per day for each such violation. The Department of Labor shall impose said fine on the installer of new construction or the owner/user of existing boilers or pressure vessels as provided for in R.I. Gen. Laws § 28-25-16. Each day of such operation in violation of the provisions shall be considered a separate offense.
2.8.1GR-1 Inspection of Boilers and Pressure Vessels
A.All boilers and pressure vessels not exempted by the Act or by rules and regulations promulgated under the Act and which are subject to regular inspections, shall be prepared for such inspections as required in § 2.8.2 of this Part.
B.Approved pressure vessels(hot water heaters listed by a nationally recognized testing agency), with approved safety devices including pressure temperature relief valve, with a nominal water containing capacity of one hundred twenty (120) gallons or less having a heat input of less than two hundred thousand (200,000) B.T.U. per hour, used solely for hot water supply at pressure of one hundred sixty (160) pounds per square inch or less, and at temperatures of two hundred ten degrees (210°) Fahrenheit or less, boilers having a heat input of less than 200,000 B.T.U. per hour, steam boilers having a generating capacity of less than 200 lbs. an hour provided; that such pressure vessels and boilers are not installed in places of public assembly such as schools, child care centers, public and private hospitals, nursing and boarding homes, churches, public buildings, or any similar place of public assembly (boilers which are less than 200,000 B.T.U. per hour or steam boilers which generate less than 200 lbs. per hour capacity and are included in these exemption categories will be considered residential type boilers and not subject to ASME-CSD-1 rules; these units must still conform to local code ordinance and manufacturer specifications for proper installation and use.). For purposes of this Section, the following definitions may apply:
1.“schools” and such other places of public assembly means every public, private, parochial or charter school recognized by any Rhode Island city or town school committee or by the Rhode Island Department of Education;
2.“child care centers” and such other places of public assembly means any Family Child Care Home, Group Family Care Home, Child Day Care Center and Child Day Care Center (School Age) as defined by the State of Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families regulations for licensure (214-RICR-40-00-1);
3.“public and private hospitals” and such other places of public assembly means an Organized Ambulatory Care Facility-Freestanding, Ambulatory Surgery Center, a Freestanding Ambulatory Surgical Center, Emergency Care Facility, and a Hospital as defined by the State of Rhode Island Department of Health regulations for licensure for healthcare providers (see 216-RICR-40-10) and R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-17-1 et seq. and any mental health, substance abuse and developmental disability residential treatment facility licensed or certified by the Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Health Care, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals and any Adult Day Care Center licensed by the Rhode Island Division of Elderly Affairs;
4.“nursing homes” and such other places of public assembly means Adult Day Care centers, Assisted Living Residences, Hospice Inpatient Facilities, Nursing Home Facilities and Rehabilitation Hospital Centers as defined by the State of Rhode Island Department of Health regulations for licensure (see 216-RICR-40-10) and R.I. Gen Laws § 23-17-1 et seq.;
5.“boarding homes” means a residential house in which one or more rooms are rented to members of the general public by the week or month and where lodgers receive laundry and cleaning services and at least one meal per day;
6.“churches” means a place of worship or location where a group of people or congregation comes to perform acts of religious study, honor or devotion;
7.“public buildings” means any building owned, leased or controlled in whole or in part by the State of Rhode Island or any agency or political subdivision thereof;
8.“similar place of public assembly” means those places specifically defined herein.
2.8.2GR-2 Preparation for Inspection
A.The owner or user shall prepare each boiler or pressure vessel for inspection and shall prepare for and apply a hydrostatic or pressure test, whenever necessary, on the date arranged by the inspector which shall not be less than seven (7) days after the date of notification.
1.Boilers - The owner or user shall prepare a boiler for internal inspection in the following manner:
a.Water shall be drawn off and the boiler washed thoroughly;
b.Manhole and hand-hole plates, washout plugs and inspection plugs in water column connections shall be removed as required by the inspector. The furnace and combustion chambers shall be cooled and thoroughly cleaned;
c.All grates of internally fired boilers shall be removed;
d.Insulation or brickwork shall be removed as required by the inspector in order to determine the condition of the boiler, headers, furnace, supports or other parts;
e.Prior to the inspection, the owner/user shall make any and all preparations with regards to asbestos containing materials which are necessary to provide proper access to equipment and to control exposure to asbestos fibers during the inspection. The required preparatory work shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions of the Rhode Island Rules and Regulations for Asbestos Control (216-RICR-50-15-1);
f.The pressure gage shall be removed for testing as required by the inspector;
g.Any leakage of steam or hot water into the boiler shall be prevented by disconnecting the pipe or valve at the most convenient point or any appropriate means approved by the inspector;
h.Before opening the manhole or hand-hole covers and entering any parts of the steam generating unit connected to a common header with other boilers, the non-return and steam stop valves must be closed, tagged, and padlocked, and drain valves or cocks between the two valves opened. The feed valves must be closed, tagged, and padlocked, and drain valves or cocks located between the two valves opened. After draining the boiler, the blow-off valves shall be closed, tagged and padlocked. Blow-off lines, where practicable, shall be disconnected between pressure parts and valves. All drains and vent lines shall be opened.
2.Pressure Vessels - Pressure vessels shall be prepared for inspection to the extent deemed necessary by the inspector and the applicable procedures outlined in § 2.8.2(A)(1) of this Part
2.8.3GR-3 Boilers and Pressure Vessels Improperly Prepared for Inspection
A.If a boiler or pressure vessel has not been properly prepared for an internal inspection, or if the owner or user fails to comply with the requirements for a pressure test as set forth in these Rules, the inspector may decline to make the inspection or test and the inspection certificate shall be withheld or right to operate revoked, until the owner or user complies with the requirements.
2.8.4GR-4 Removal of Covering to Permit Inspection
A.If the boiler or pressure vessel is jacketed so that the longitudinal seams of shells, drums or domes cannot be seen, sufficient jacketing, setting wall, or other form of casing or housing shall be removed to permit reasonable inspection of the seams and other areas necessary to determine the condition and safety of the boiler or pressure vessel, provided such information cannot be determined by other means.
2.8.5GR-16 Suggestions for Operations
A.It is suggested that the Recommended Rules for Care of Power Boilers, Section VII and the Recommended Rules for Care and Operation of Heating Boilers, Section VI of the ASME Code incorporated above at § 2.3 of this Part, be used as a guide for proper and safe operating practices.
2.8.6GR-19 Conditions Not Covered by These Rules and Regulations
A.For any conditions not covered by these requirements, the applicable provisions of the 2025 ASME Code, CSD-1:2024, or the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors (Edition 2025) incorporated above at § 2.3 of this Part shall apply. If no applicable code provision exists, the Chief Inspector shall exercise his/her professional judgment grounded in the Chief Inspector’s training, experience, expertise, and knowledge of the adopted codes and industry practice to specify requirements that ensure an equivalent safety standard consistent with these Regulations and R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 28-25.
