How Is A Boiler's Kilowatt (kW) Rating Determined?

The amount of heating surface determines the kilowatt rating of a boiler.

• Calculate the kilowatt rating by multiplying the heating surface in square metres (m²) by 10.

• 1 m² of heating surface = 10 kW. (10 m² = 100 kW, 100 m² = 1000 kW, etc.)

How Do I Find The Heating Surface Of My Boiler?

What Qualifications Must An Operator Hold?

The qualifications and/or certifications required to operate a hot water or steam heating boiler depend on the boiler's kilowatt (kW) rating.

• For smaller heating plants rated at 750 kW or less, Building Operator or Power Engineer Certification is not required.

  Important Note: Although operators of heating plants under 750 kW do not require certificates of competency, the owner is still responsible for proper maintenance and safe operation of the system in accordance with the Safety Codes Act and regulations. Heating plant operation must be carried out by a competent person with adequate skill, knowledge, and experience. Also, any person repairing, servicing or setting safety relief valves must be authorized by ABSA to do so.

• For heating plants rated over 750 kW but not over 3000 kW, a minimum of Building Operator B or Fifth Class Certification is required.

• For heating plants rated at more than 3000 kW, a minimum of Building Operator A or New Fourth Class Certification is required.

  Note: the Old 4th Class Certification is not acceptable for operation of heating plants. This certification, issued prior to 1998, was intended for power plants only.

What Pressure Equipment Is Exempt?

Certain pressure equipment is exempt from the requirements of the Safety Codes Act due to its size or design pressure. Exemptions are listed in the Boilers and Pressure Vessels Exemption Order.

If you are unsure whether your equipment requires inspection and certification, contact your nearest ABSA office. A Safety Codes Officer will be able to assist you.

Exempt boilers include:

• power boilers having a heating surface of 1 m² (10.76 sq.ft.) or less

• heating boilers having a heating surface of 2 m² (21.53sq.ft.) or less.
  (Heating boilers are designed to ASME Section IV. Power boilers are designed to ASME Section I.)

I Just Bought A Business With A Pressure Vessel. What Are My Obligations Under Alberta Law?

• In general terms, you, the owner, are responsible for proper preventive maintenance and safe operation of your pressure vessel. You must also ensure that operators are competent (and, when required, certified). Your equipment must undergo regular inspection and re-certification, and you are responsible for payment of the fees. If any accident occurs, or any situation arises that could jeopardize the integrity (safety) of the vessel, you must immediately report it to ABSA.

• The law specifies that it is the owner's responsibility to ensure that pressure relief valves and other controlling devices on boilers and pressure vessels are maintained in good working order.

• For a more detailed introduction to your responsibilities, go to Owner Responsibilities.

What Is A Boiler And Pressure Vessel Permit?

• A Certificate of Inspection is the inspection/certification permit that allows a boiler or pressure vessel to be placed into service in Alberta. The owner, installer, contractor, or vendor must obtain a Certificate of Inspection before placing a boiler or pressure vessel in service, unless it is exempt from this requirement by the legislation.

• Please follow the link for more information regarding the Boiler and Pressure Vessel Permit.

What Is An Alberta Identification "A" Number?

• An Alberta identification number (or "A-number") is a unique number that identifies each boiler or pressure vessel in use in Alberta. The number is assigned by a Safety Codes Officer upon completion of the shop inspection (if manufactured in Alberta) or upon completion of initial inspection (if imported into Alberta).

• An A-number begins with an "A" (in a circle) followed by up to seven numbers. It is usually stamped on the pressure equipment item, on or near the nameplate or code stamping.

• Pressure vessels and boilers manufactured in Alberta for export are not usually assigned an A-number.

What Is A Canadian Registration Number (CRN)?

To be eligible for use in Alberta, the design of a boiler or pressure vessel must be registered by ABSA. A Canadian Registration Number (CRN) is a number stamped on a boiler or pressure vessel, indicating that the design was registered.

What Is The Most Common Cause Of Boiler Accidents?

• In Alberta, boiler accidents most commonly occur when the burner continues to fire after the boiler water level drops below the minimum safe operating level. Unfortunately, investigations often reveal that automatic fuel cutoffs were not functioning or were disabled by improperly trained operations or maintenance personnel.

I Just Purchased A Business With A Pressure Vessel, And I Received An Invoice From ABSA. Why?

The owner of a boiler or pressure vessel is ultimately responsible for payment of all fees relative to that vessel. If you owned the vessel when the service was provided (including the Annual Registration, done for all vessel owners on April 1st each year), you would be responsible for paying the fees for that vessel.

What Is A Manufacturer's Data Report?

• A "manufacturer's data report" is a document in an accepted form by which a manufacturer certifies that a boiler, pressure vessel, or fired-heater pressure coil has been manufactured in accordance with a particular section of the ASME Code. The document supplies a technical description of the vessel, is signed by a representative of the manufacturer, and provides for a countersignature by an inspector or authorized inspector, where required