This section defines key boiler-related terms and identifies who counts as an authorized inspection agency, the department, and related boiler categories and certificates.
554.1021 Definitions.—As used in this chapter, the term:(1) “A.S.M.E.” means the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. (2) “Authorized inspection agency” means:(a) Any county, municipality, town, or other governmental subdivision that has adopted into law the Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code of the A.S.M.E. and the National Board Inspection Code for the construction, installation, inspection, maintenance, and repair of boilers to regulate boilers in public assembly locations, and whose boiler inspectors hold valid certificates of competency in accordance with s. 554.104; (b) An insurer authorized by a subsisting certificate of authority, issued by the Office of Insurance Regulation, to transact boiler and machinery insurance in this state, and whose boiler inspectors hold valid certificates of competency in accordance with s. 554.104; or (c) An inspecting agency accredited in accordance with the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspector’s program entitled “Accreditation of Authorized Inspection Agencies (AIA) Performing Inservice or Repair/Alteration Inspection Activities,” document number NB-369, and whose boiler inspectors hold valid certificates of competency in accordance with s. 554.104. The department shall by rule require an inspection agency authorized pursuant to this paragraph to maintain financial security adequate to indemnify the owner of the boiler if such agency’s negligence or failure to inspect an uninsured boiler results in a loss. Such inspection agency may inspect uninsured boilers or, at the direction of an insurance company, may inspect a boiler insured by that insurance company. (3) “Boiler” means a closed vessel in which water or other liquid is heated, steam or vapor is generated, steam is superheated, or any combination of these functions is accomplished, under pressure or vacuum, for use external to itself, by the direct application of energy from the combustion of fuels or from electricity or solar energy. The term “boiler” includes fired units for heating or vaporizing liquids other than water where these units are separate from processing systems and are complete within themselves. The varieties of boilers are as follows:(a) “Heating boiler” means a steam or vapor boiler operating at pressures not exceeding 15 psig, or a hot water boiler operating at pressures not exceeding 160 psig or temperatures not exceeding 250 °F. (b) “High pressure, high temperature water boiler” means a water boiler operating at pressures exceeding 160 psig or temperatures exceeding 250 °F. (c) “Hot water supply boiler” means a boiler or a lined storage water heater supplying heated water for use external to itself operating at a pressure not exceeding 160 psig or temperature not exceeding 250 °F. (d) “Inservice boiler” means a boiler placed in use after test firing and required inspections have been satisfactorily completed. (e) “Operating boiler” means a boiler connected and ready for use. (f) “Power boiler” means a boiler in which steam or other vapor is generated at a pressure of more than 15 psig. (g) “Secondhand boiler” means a boiler that has changed ownership and location subsequent to its original installation and use. (h) “Secured boiler” means a boiler that has been:1. Physically disconnected from the system, including disconnection from fuel, water, steam, electricity, and stack; or 2. Locked out and tagged out in accordance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s standard relating to the control of hazardous energy and lockout or tagout in 29 C.F.R. s. 1910.147, as adopted by rule of the department. (4) “Boiler insurance company” means a company authorized by a subsisting certificate of authority, issued by the Office of Insurance Regulation, to transact boiler and machinery insurance in this state. (5) “Certificate inspection” means an inspection whose report is used by the chief boiler inspector to determine whether or not a certificate of operation may be issued. (6) “Certificate of competency” means a document issued to a person who has satisfied the minimum competency requirements for boiler inspectors under this chapter. (7) “Certificate of operation” means a document issued to the owner of a boiler which authorizes the owner to operate the boiler, subject to any restrictions endorsed thereon. (8) “Department” means the Department of Financial Services. (9) “Public assembly locations” includes schools, day care centers, community centers, churches, theaters, hospitals, nursing and convalescent homes, stadiums, amusement parks, and other locations open to the general public.