Founded in 1880 in response to the many catastrophic steam boiler pressure vessel failures at that time, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers promotes safety, education and standardization for engineering around the world.

With hundreds of thousands of members in 158 countries, the non-profit ASME organization is an engineering society that establishes production standards, engages in research and development and provides training and education to engineers and technicians.

ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code

By far ASME’s largest contribution to engineering standards is the Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC). Providing rules and guidelines for the design, fabrication, installation, inspection, care, and use of boilers – and pressure vessels in general – this large volume of standards specifies the materials, welding and brazing procedures, qualifications, nondestructive testing, and in-service inspection and maintenance of boilers.

In most countries around the globe, ASME standards have formed the basis of the government-legislated rules that must be followed by any person, business or other organization that manufactures, sells, installs and maintains boilers for residential and commercial purposes.

Though not a subject relevant to residential and commercial boilers, it is interesting to note that nuclear power plants and tankers used for transporting and storing hazardous goods are also areas that ASME has developed universally-accepted codes for.

ASME and British Columbia

The Province of British Columbia is no exception when it comes to accepting and implementing ASME codes and procedures. Pressure vessels of any kind, including boilers and refrigeration units, are governed by the British Columbia Safety Authority, which follows ASME protocols and requires anyone working on pressure vessels to be trained and certified to do so.

With public safety being the most important driver of safety standards related to pressure vessels, residents of British Columbia can count on the certified boiler experts at businesses such as Efficient Furnace Vancouver to install and maintain boilers and their associated components to the highest standards.

It is vitally important that anyone wishing to have work done on boilers engage the services of BC Safety Authority certified technicians. Having a boiler serviced by anyone who is not trained and certified to do so can lead to needless risk.

By: Andrew Lake