Consultation on Boilers and Pressure Equipment Regulation Changes

The province is seeking input on new regulations that will modernize the rules for operating boilers and pressure equipment.

The Department of Labour and Workforce Development encourages comments and suggestions from industry representatives and other interested groups, during a series of consultations beginning today, July 22, and ending Sept. 19.

"These consultations will help us make changes to current regulations to ensure the continued safe operation of equipment in Nova Scotia's workplaces," said Mark Parent, Minister of Labour and Workforce Development. "We look forward to working with those who work in the industry and other interested parties."

The review of regulations for boilers and pressure equipment, which are used to heat large buildings and operate refrigeration systems, is part of Phase One of changes to the province's technical safety legislation. It is also in keeping with the province's Better Regulation Initiative.

The new Technical Safety Act will replace the Steam Boiler and Pressure Vessel Act in early 2009, and revised regulations will be required.

Mr. Parent said the boiler and pressure equipment regulations will further clarify roles and responsibilities for the construction, manufacturing, installation, operation, repair and maintenance of steam boilers and pressure vessels.

The new regulations will also provide increased flexibility as a result of eliminating unnecessary and outdated requirements. They will also the adopt national standards familiar to industry and introduce third-party inspections of certain low pressure boilers, subject to audit by the department.

A consultation paper outlining key legislative changes will be circulated to industry representatives and posted on the department's website, www.gov.ns.ca/lwd/publicsafety/BoilerPressureVesselReview.asp .