The complexity of these systems varies greatly based on their application but they all must comply with exacting technical requirements and national standards in order to be operated safely. The inspection of these objects is handled by insurance companies registered in Virginia to issue boiler and pressure vessel policies, by private contract fee inspectors, and by owners and users of objects who qualify to obtain Virginia inspection commissions from the agency.
Following the receipt and review of a satisfactory inspection report, the agency issues the corresponding inspection certificate.
We do not conduct routine inspections. To have your object inspected, please contact your insurance company or a company that is authorized to inspect boiler and pressure vessels in Virginia.
Pursuant to Virginia Code § 40.1-51.6, the Safety and Health Codes Board is authorized to promulgate regulations to guide the interpretation and application of the Boiler and Pressure Vessel Safety Act. The following regulations pertaining to the operation of Boilers and Pressure Vessels are currently in effect:
FAQs
What are the requirements regarding having a boiler and/or pressure vessel inspected?
The Code of Virginia specifies that all boilers and pressure vessels in the Commonwealth must be ASME constructed, registered with the National Board, along with the Virginia Department of Labor & Industry unless specifically exempted in the Code. Click here to see exemptions.
How often must a boiler and/or pressure vessel be inspected?
High pressure boilers are to be inspected internally annually, and externally while running annually, usually 6 months after the internal inspection.
Heating Boilers are to be inspected externally every 2 years, with an internal inspection at the discretion of the inspector.
Pressure vessels are to be inspected every 2 years.
What is considered to be a high-pressure boiler?
A steam boiler over 15 PSI or a hot water boiler over 160 PSI.
Who can inspect my boilers?
You should contact either a qualified inspector from your insurance carrier if you are insured, OR a qualified Contract Fee Inspector. A list of inspectors can be found here.
We are installing new equipment, who should I contact?
You should contact either a qualified inspector from your insurance carrier if you are insured, OR a qualified Contract Fee Inspector. All new regulated equipment must have the Manufactures Data Sheet (MDR) sent to the Chief Inspector here. This report can be obtained through either the manufacturer or the NBBI.
All new gas fired hot water heaters and boilers require an I-1 Report of Boiler installation (NB-365) to be completed and signed by the installer and given to the new owner/user. This report will be given to the inspector at the time of state registration. The form can be obtained from the NBBI.
Is a license required to operate a boiler in Virginia?
There is no state requirement by the Commonwealth to have a license to operate a boiler. However, the Code of Virginia allows any city or county in Virginia the option of requiring certain persons to obtain a certificate from the locality. At the present time, no locality in the Commonwealth requires such certification.
Is it the responsibility of the insurance company to know when my certificate expires?
No, it is the responsibility of the owner to make sure the certificate is up to date.
Prior to issuing a delinquent notice, does DOLI have to notify me that my certificate will be expiring soon?
No, DOLI is not required to issue a notice to the owner regarding the expiration of the certificate prior to the issuance of a delinquent notice. We do mail out reminders 30 days before the expiration out of courtesy.
How can I obtain a listing of all registered equipment in Virginia?
A listing of all registered equipment in Virginia can be obtained by requesting the information in writing under the FOIA and paying a fee.
Can you provide us with a printout of what your records show registered for my company?
Your inspection company gets a free copy annually.
I just received my certificate of inspection and the owner/user’s information is incorrect. Can you please update them and issue corrected certificates?
Certificates were issued based on the information reported by the inspection company. If there are any errors, please contact your inspector with the correct information, they will make the changes and alert the state if there is a need for a corrected certificate to be issued.
How can I get a duplicate of my certificate?
Please provide the VA number marked in the vessel and a duplicate certificate will be provided. If the certificate is older than 180 days, a re-print charge of $10 may be applied prior to issuance.
How can I get an extension of a certificate for operating a boiler past its expiration date?
All owners/users have a 60-day grace period to renew a certificate. To get a further extension (maximum of three months) you must specify the VA number for the boiler needing the extension, the expiration date, the requested extension date; a check for $20 for each additional month; and arrange for an inspector to provide an external inspection report indicating agreement to the additional time.
Are Virginia Boiler & Pressure Vessel rules and regulations available online?
Yes, they can be found here.
Contact Us
Address
Boiler & Pressure Vessel Safety Division
6606 West Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23230
Phone Number
Fax: (804) 371-7634
Email Address
You may pay for your inspection certificate online using a credit card.
Please note that we DO NOT accept credit card payments over the phone.
Instead, you must click the button below to access the Elavon credit card payment portal.
You will be asked to provide the following information:
- Invoice number
- VA object number
- User name
The Invoice number can be found on the upper left-hand side of the invoice. Please ensure you enter this number exactly as it appears on the invoice.
The VA Object Number can also be found on the invoice we sent you. It consists of six digits preceded by the letters “VA”, such as VA123456.
Your invoice may have more than one VA Object Number. However, you only need to provide one VA Object Number to process payment. Please ensure you enter the letters “VA” plus the corresponding six digits.
The USER name is the entity or person to whom the invoice was sent. The USER name appears on the address field, below the word “USER”.
You will receive confirmation via email directly from Elavon that your transaction was successful. This may take a few minutes.