Boilers, Pressure Vessels, and Refrigeration
Annual State of Safety 2024
State of Safety: Boilers, Pressure Vessels, and Refrigeration
We oversee the design, construction, installation, and operation of boiler, pressure and refrigeration plants as well as pressure vessels, pressure piping systems, fittings and refrigeration equipment throughout BC.
In 2024, the boilers, pressure vessels, and refrigeration technology received 61 reports of incidents, many of which were ranked as “minor” or “insignificant.” However, we continued to see incidents related to ammonia release ranked as among our Top 5 Safety Risks in 2024. The ranking of our Top 5 Safety Risks is based on the likelihood of an incident taking place, as well as the severity of consequences such as injury or damage following an incident.
61
incidents reported to us in 2024
14
injuries reported to us in 2024
5,914
assessments completed in 2024
Ammonia Leak at Athletic Club as Refrigeration System was Decommissioned
An ammonia leak occurred at an athletic club during the decommissioning of an ammonia refrigeration condenser, when a pressurized ammonia line was cut, releasing 100 pounds of ammonia into the air. The facility enacted emergency protocols, cordoned off the immediate area, and alerted neighboring businesses. This incident serves as a reminder that ammonia systems must be fully evacuated of ammonia and oil before disassembly, as outlined in the recent directive on disassembly requirements.
Incidents
Sixty-one incidents were reported to us in 2024, an increase of 49% over the previous year. Of these 61 incidents, one was ranked as “severe,” two were ranked as “major,” 10 were ranked as “moderate,” 18 were ranked as “minor,” and 26 were ranked as “insignificant.” Four incidents were ranked as “under assessment” as they were still under investigation at the time the data was analyzed.
Boiler, Pressure Vessels, and Refrigeration Incidents by Year (2020-2024)
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Injuries
Fourteen injuries were reported in the boilers, pressure vessels, and refrigeration technology in 2024, compared to two injuries reported in 2023. Of these injuries, twelve were ranked as “minor” and two were ranked as “insignificant.”
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.
Boiler, Pressure Vessels, and Refrigeration Injuries by Year (2020-2024)
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Permits
In 2024, we issued 1,388 installation permits, an increase of 5% compared to 2023. The year also saw 66,819 active operating permits in the boiler, pressure vessels, and refrigeration technology. This represented a 3% decrease in operating permits compared to 2023.
Boilers, Pressure Vessels, and Refrigeration Installation Permits by Year (2020-2024)
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Boilers, Pressure Vessels, and Refrigeration Operating Permits by Year (2020-2024)
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Assessments
Our safety officers completed a total of 5,914 assessments of boiler, pressure vessel, and refrigeration equipment in 2024. Of this total, 4,274 were in-person, physical inspections and 1,640 were remote inspections.
The results of in-person assessments included: 3,176 "passed" and 1,098 "failed." The results of remote assessments included: 1,451 "passed" and 189 "failed."
Learn more about how we define these assessment outcomes.
BPVR Compliance of Duty Holder's Work in 2024 (Physical Assessment)
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BPVR Compliance of Duty Holder's Work in 2024 (Remote Assessment)
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