Scope and Authority

(1) Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 146, § 2, the Board shall formulate or adopt rules formulated by a recognized engineering organization for the construction, installation, and inspection of steam Boilers and power reactor vessels and piping as used in atomic energy installations and for ascertaining the safe working pressure to be carried therein; prescribe tests, if it deems it necessary, to ascertain the qualities of materials used in the construction of Boilers, power reactor vessels, and piping; formulate rules regulating the construction and sizes of safety valves for Boilers of different sizes and pressures, appliances for indicating the pressure of steam and the level of water in the Boiler or power reactor vessel, and such other appliances as the Board may deem necessary to safety in operating steam Boilers or power reactor vessels; and make a standard form of Certificate. (2) Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 146, § 35, the Board shall prescribe regulations conforming to recognized standards of engineering practice for the size, shape, construction, gauges, operation, maximum pressure, safety devices, use of oil, and other appurtenances necessary for the safe operation of tanks or other receptacles used for the storing of compressed air. (3) Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 146, §§ 43 and 45A, the Board shall adopt rules for the size, design, location, and piping of safetyvalves on ammonia compressors, refrigeration and air conditioning systems. (4) Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 146, §§ 70 and 71, the Board shall adopt rules for the construction, installation, and inspection of all hot water Low Pressure/Heating Boilers. (5) All reconstruction shall conform to the original stamped code of construction for all Boilers and Pressure Vessels covered by 522 CMR. (6) The Board shall hold public hearings annually on the first Thursday in May and November, and at such other times as it may determine, on petitions for changes in the rules formulated by it. If, after any such hearing, it shall deem it advisable to make changes in said rules, it shall appoint a day for a further hearing, and shall give notice thereof and of the changes proposed by advertising in at least one newspaper in each of the cities of Boston, Worcester, Springfield, Fall River, Lowell, and Lynn, at least ten days before said hearing. If the Board on its own initiative contemplates changes in said rules, like notice and a hearing shall be given and held before the adoption thereof. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 146, § 4, changes in the rules which affect the construction of new Boilers shall take effect six months after their filing as provided in M.G.L. c. 146, § 2; provided, that the Board may, upon request, permit the application of such change in rules to Boilers manufactured or installed during said six months. When a person desires to manufacture a special type of Boiler the design of which is not covered by the rules formulated by the Board, he or she shall submit drawings and specifications of such Boiler to said Board, which, if it approves, shall permit the construction thereof. 522 CMR - 5 (Mass. Register #1539, 1/17/2025)