Boilers in Canada are regulated by the provinces, and many must be registered and inspected periodically under a provincial boiler and pressure vessel program. Owners are responsible for keeping them in safe condition between those inspections, which means routine checks, competent operators where required, licensed service and good records.
Who regulates boilers
Each province has its own boiler and pressure vessel legislation and a body that administers it. In Alberta that is ABSA, in British Columbia Technical Safety BC, and in Ontario the TSSA. These programs set out which boilers must be registered, how often they are inspected, who can operate them and who can repair them. Requirements depend on things like the boiler's size, pressure, temperature and use, so the rules for a small hot water heating boiler can be quite different from those for a high-pressure steam plant.
Fuel-burning equipment is also covered by gas codes and the gas safety program in each province, and the work on burners and gas trains must be done by licensed gas technicians.
Check your province's rules. Inspection intervals, operator certification and which boilers are exempt vary between provinces and change over time. Confirm the current requirements with your provincial authority, and do not assume a boiler is exempt without checking.
Types of inspection
| Inspection | Who does it | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Mandated periodic inspection | Provincial inspector or authorized inspector | Condition and safety of the boiler and its safety devices, as required by the province |
| Internal inspection | Authorized inspector, with the boiler shut down and opened | Scale, corrosion, cracking and condition of internal surfaces, where required |
| Combustion and burner service | Licensed gas technician | Burner operation, combustion efficiency, flame safeguard and gas train |
| Routine operator checks | Building operators or trained staff | Pressures, temperatures, water levels, leaks, alarms and logbook entries |
What an inspector looks for
Inspectors focus on the parts that prevent an explosion, a fire or a scald. These typically include:
- Safety relief valves: correct size and setting, free discharge piping and evidence of testing or replacement.
- Operating and limit controls: high-limit switches, low-water cut-offs and flame safeguards.
- Gauges and water level indicators that work and can be read.
- Signs of leaks, corrosion, overheating or damage to the vessel and piping.
- Combustion air supply and venting.
- Clearances, access and the condition of the boiler room.
- Registration, certificates, nameplate information and logbooks.
What owners should check between inspections
Most boiler failures develop between inspections. A routine, set by the manufacturer's instructions and your provincial requirements, should cover:
- Pressure and temperature readings within normal ranges, recorded in a log.
- Low-water cut-off tested as the manufacturer and your service contractor specify.
- No water, steam or flue gas leaks, and no signs of scorching or soot.
- Relief valve discharge pipe clear and not leaking.
- Water treatment levels within the treatment provider's targets.
- Boiler room clear of storage, combustibles and chemicals, with combustion air openings unblocked.
- Carbon monoxide detection working where required.
- Alarms and trouble signals investigated, not reset and ignored.
Water treatment
Poor water treatment is one of the most common causes of boiler damage. Scale reduces heat transfer and can overheat metal. Oxygen and incorrect chemistry cause corrosion. Even closed hydronic heating loops need their water checked periodically. Keep treatment reports with the boiler records and act on what they show.
Records to keep
- Registration and certificate of inspection from the provincial authority.
- Inspection reports and the actions taken on each deficiency.
- Operator logs and routine test records.
- Burner service and combustion analysis reports.
- Water treatment reports.
- Repair records, including who did the work and any permits.
Good records make the mandated inspection go faster and show that the equipment has been looked after. They also help when planning replacement, which is covered in our guide to reserve fund studies and capital planning.
How ehZee can help
We do not perform provincially mandated boiler inspections. Through our mechanical system inspections, we assess boiler plant condition independently, help you prepare for the mandated inspection, review your records and follow up on deficiencies by coordinating the licensed contractors who correct them.
Common questions
Does our small heating boiler need to be registered?
It depends on its size, pressure and use, and on your province's rules. Some small low-pressure boilers are exempt from registration but still need licensed gas service. Check with your provincial authority.
What happens if an inspector finds a deficiency?
The inspector will usually record it and set a time to correct it. Serious hazards may require the boiler to be shut down. Have the work done by qualified contractors and keep proof of the correction.
Who can repair a boiler?
Repairs to the pressure-retaining parts of a boiler must be done by contractors authorized under the provincial program, and gas work by licensed gas technicians. Building staff should not attempt these repairs.