
Technology
Boiler, Pressure Vessels and Refrigeration
Overview
Technical Safety BC oversees the design, construction, installation and operation of boilers, pressure vessels and refrigeration plants throughout British Columbia in accordance with the Safety Standards Act and the Power Engineers, Boiler, Pressure Vessel and Refrigeration Safety Regulation.
Key Statistics
38
incidents reported to us.
1
injury reported to us.
6,372
physical assessments (inspections) completed.
Incidents
In 2018 the number of incidents related to Boiler, Pressure Vessel, and Refrigeration incidents increased.
There were two incidents related as major. One was caused by a tube rupture in a high-pressure steam boiler and one involved a fire in a boiler room at a residential apartment.
The category under assessment refers to incidents reported to Technical Safety BC, but which were still under investigation at year-end.
Injuries
The number of injuries reported to us decreased over previous years. There was one moderate injury reported in 2018.
It's important to note that we receive injury reports and descriptions from operators or first responders at the time of, or immediately following, the incident. Injuries may develop after the initial reports were made to us and the long-term effects of a resultant injury may not be recorded as part of our investigation.
Permits
In 2018, there were 8,345 installation permits and 59,606 active operating permits in the Boiler, Pressure Vessel and Refrigeration technology.
Inspections
Technical Safety BC safety officers completed 6,372 physical assessments (inspections) of Boiler, Pressure Vessel, and Refrigeration equipment in 2018. Those assessments are rated as follows:
Note: Unlike some other technologies we regulate, BPVR does not have a Conditional Pass category.