2007 Minnesota Statutes

CHAPTER 183. BOILERS

183.001 [Repealed, 2007 c 140 art 13 s 3]

183.02 [Repealed, 2007 c 140 art 13 s 3]

183.022 [Renumbered 16B.741]

183.05 [Repealed, 1973 c 732 s 27]

183.06 [Repealed, 1973 c 732 s 27]

183.07 [Repealed, 1973 c 732 s 27]

183.08 [Repealed, 1973 c 732 s 27]

183.09 [Repealed, 1973 c 732 s 27]

183.10 [Repealed, 1973 c 732 s 27]

183.11 [Repealed, 1973 c 732 s 27]

183.12 [Repealed, 1973 c 732 s 27]

183.13 [Repealed, 1973 c 732 s 27]

183.14 [Repealed, 1973 c 732 s 27]

183.15 [Repealed, 1973 c 732 s 27]

183.16 [Repealed, 1973 c 732 s 27]

183.17 [Repealed, 1973 c 732 s 27]

183.18 [Repealed, 1973 c 732 s 27]

183.19 [Repealed, 1973 c 732 s 27]

183.20 [Repealed, 1973 c 732 s 27]

183.21 [Repealed, 1973 c 732 s 27]

183.22 [Repealed, 1973 c 732 s 27; 1976 c 2 s 168]

183.23 [Repealed, 1973 c 732 s 27]

183.24 [Repealed, 1973 c 732 s 27]

183.25 [Repealed, 1973 c 732 s 27]

183.26 [Repealed, 1973 c 732 s 27]

183.27 [Repealed, 1973 c 732 s 27]

183.28 [Repealed, 1973 c 732 s 27]

183.29 [Repealed, 1973 c 732 s 27]

183.30 [Repealed, 1973 c 732 s 27]

183.31 [Repealed, 1973 c 732 s 27]

183.32 [Repealed, 1973 c 732 s 27]

183.33 [Repealed, 1973 c 732 s 27]

183.34 [Repealed, 1973 c 732 s 27]

183.35 [Repealed, 1955 c 561 s 6]

183.351 [Renumbered 16B.74]

183.352 [Renumbered 16B.742]

183.353 [Renumbered 16B.743]

183.354 [Renumbered 16B.744]

183.355 [Renumbered 16B.745]

183.356 [Renumbered 16B.746]

183.357 [Renumbered 16B.747]

183.358 [Renumbered 16B.748]

183.36 [Repealed, 1955 c 561 s 6]

183.37 [Repealed, 1955 c 561 s 6]

183.375    Subdivision 1.[Repealed, 2007 c 140 art 13 s 3]
    Subd. 2.[Repealed, 2007 c 140 art 13 s 3]
    Subd. 3.[Repealed, 2007 c 140 art 13 s 3]
    Subd. 4.[Repealed, 2007 c 140 art 13 s 3]
    Subd. 5.[Repealed, 2007 c 135 art 2 s 40; 2007 c 140 art 13 s 3]
    Subd. 6.[Repealed, 2007 c 140 art 13 s 3]

183.38 BOILER INSPECTOR; INSPECTIONS; EXAMINATIONS; LICENSES.
    Subdivision 1. All boilers inspected. The commissioner shall inspect all boilers and
pressure vessels in use not expressly excepted from such inspection by law. Upon inspection the
commissioner shall issue a certificate of inspection therefor or a certificate condemning the boiler
or pressure vessel and shall seal it. Forms for these licenses and certificates shall be prepared and
furnished by the commissioner. The commissioner shall examine all applicants for engineer's
licenses. The commissioner shall issue such license to an applicant as the examination shall show
the applicant is entitled to receive.
    Subd. 2. Inspector's examination. For the purpose of examining applicants for a National
Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors commission, the commissioner shall fix and
determine a time and place for the examinations, and give notice to all applicants of the time and
place. The commissioner shall grant and sign such license certificates as applicants are entitled to
receive upon examination. Applicants may be examined and issued certificates of competency
as inspectors of boilers and pressure vessels.
History: (5474) RL s 2168; 1919 c 240 s 1; 1927 c 378; 1957 c 503 s 3; 1982 c 379 s 2;
1992 c 464 art 1 s 26; 2007 c 140 art 9 s 1

183.39 PERSONS ELIGIBLE.
    Subdivision 1. Inspector requirements. Each boiler inspector shall be licensed in this state
as a chief grade A engineer, and must hold a national board commission as a boiler inspector
within 12 months of being employed as a boiler inspector by the department. An inspector shall
not be interested in the manufacture or sale of boilers or steam machinery or in any patented
article required or generally used in the construction of engines or boilers or their appurtenances.
    Subd. 2.[Repealed, 1982 c 379 s 27]
History: (5475) RL s 2169; 1957 c 503 s 4; 1974 c 161 s 11; 1982 c 379 s 3; 2007 c 140 art
9 s 2

183.40 [Repealed, 1957 c 503 s 24]

183.41 [Repealed, 2007 c 140 art 13 s 3]

183.411 STEAM FARM TRACTION ENGINES; SHOW BOILERS AND ENGINES.
    Subdivision 1. Definition. For the purpose of this chapter, the terms "show boiler" and
"hobby boiler" are synonymous and mean a boiler that is used only for display and demonstration
purposes. In recognition of the historical significance of show boilers in maintaining a working
reminder of Minnesota's agricultural, transportation, and lumber industries, show boilers and
engines are considered to be historical artifacts.
    Subd. 1a.[Repealed, 1994 c 402 s 2]
    Subd. 2. Inspection. When used for display and demonstration purposes, steam farm traction
engines, portable and stationary show engines and portable and stationary show boilers shall be
inspected every two years according to law.
    (a) Show boilers or engines not certified in Minnesota shall be inspected thoroughly by a
boiler inspector certified to inspect boilers in Minnesota, using inspection standards in paragraph
(b), before being certified for use in Minnesota.
    (b) Standards for inspection of show boilers shall be those established by the National Board
Inspection Code ANSI/NB23 and by the rules adopted by the department and as follows:
    (1) the boiler shall be subjected to the appropriate method of nondestructive examination, at
the owner's expense, as deemed necessary by the boiler inspector to determine soundness and
safety of the boiler;
    (2) the boiler shall be tested by ultrasonic examination for metal thickness (for purposes
of calculating the maximum allowable working pressure the thinnest reading shall be used and
a safety factor of six shall be used in calculating maximum allowable working pressure on all
non-ASME-code hobby and show boilers); and
    (3) repairs and alterations made to show boilers must be made pursuant to section 183.466.
    (c) Further each such object shall successfully complete an inspection of:
    (1) the fusible plug;
    (2) the safety valve, which must be of ASME approved design and set at the maximum
allowable working pressure and sealed in an appropriate manner not allowing tampering with the
valve setting without destroying the seal; and
    (3) the boiler power piping.
    Any longitudinal cracks found in riveted longitudinal seams requires that the vessel be
sealed and not approved for use in Minnesota. If the boiler or show engine is jacketed, the jacket
must be removed prior to inspection.
    Subd. 2a. Inspection fees. The fee for inspecting traction engines, show boilers, and show
engines shall be the hourly rate pursuant to section 183.545, subdivision 3a.
    Subd. 3. Licenses. A license to operate steam farm traction engines, portable and stationary
show engines and portable and stationary show boilers shall be issued to an applicant who:
(1) is 18 years of age or older;
(2) has a licensed second class or higher class engineer or steam traction (hobby) engineer
sign the affidavit attesting to the applicant's competence in operating said devices;
(3) passes a written test for competence in operating said devices;
(4) has at least 25 hours of actual operating experience on said devices; and
(5) pays the required fee.
A license shall be valid for the lifetime of the licensee. A onetime fee pursuant to section
183.545, subdivision 4, shall be charged for the license.
    Subd. 4. Exemption. Any licensed steam engineer may operate steam farm traction engines,
portable and stationary show engines and portable and stationary show boilers, subject to the
apparatus and horsepower restrictions set forth in the license, without obtaining a license under
subdivision 3.
    Subd. 5. Licensed operator; presence required. An operator licensed under this section
must be present when a traction engine, portable or stationary show engine, or portable or
stationary show boiler is in operation and a member of the public is present.
History: 1980 c 601 s 1; 1981 c 38 s 1; 1983 c 301 s 156; 1986 c 444; 1987 c 70 s 2,3; 1988
c 719 art 19 s 2-4; 1991 c 331 s 1; 1994 c 402 s 1; 1996 c 305 art 3 s 25,26; 1997 c 38 s 1-3;
1Sp2005 c 1 art 4 s 43,44; 2007 c 140 art 9 s 3

183.42 INSPECTION AND REGISTRATION.
    Subdivision 1. Inspection. Every owner, lessee, or other person having charge of boilers
or pressure vessels subject to inspection under this chapter shall cause them to be inspected by
the department. Except as provided in sections 183.411 and 183.45, boilers subject to inspection
under this chapter must be inspected at least annually and pressure vessels inspected at least every
two years. The commissioner shall assess a $250 penalty per applicable boiler or pressure vessel
for failure to have the inspection required by this section and may seal the boiler or pressure
vessel for refusal to allow an inspection as required by this section.
    Subd. 2. Registration. Every owner, lessee, or other person having charge of boilers or
pressure vessels subject to inspection under this chapter, except hobby boilers under section
183.411, shall register said objects with the department. The registration shall be renewed
annually and is applicable to each object separately. The fee for registration of a boiler or pressure
vessel shall be pursuant to section 183.545, subdivision 10. The department may issue a billing
statement for each boiler and pressure vessel on record with the division, and may determine a
monthly schedule of billings to be followed for owners, lessees, or other persons having charge of
a boiler or pressure vessel subject to inspection under this chapter.
    Subd. 3. Certificate of registration. The department shall issue a certificate of registration
that lists the registered boilers and pressure vessels at the location, expiration date of the certificate
of registration, last inspection date of each registered boiler and pressure vessel, and maximum
allowable working pressure for each registered boiler and pressure vessel. The commissioner may
make an electronic certificate of registration available to be printed by the owner, lessee, or other
person having charge of the registered boiler or pressure vessel.
History: (5478) RL s 2172; 1957 c 503 s 6; 1982 c 379 s 5; 1987 c 70 s 4; 1989 c 71 s 1;
1Sp2005 c 1 art 4 s 45; 2007 c 140 art 9 s 4

183.43 [Repealed, 1957 c 503 s 24]

183.44 [Repealed, 2007 c 140 art 13 s 3]

183.45 INSPECTION.
    Subdivision 1. Inspection requirements. All boilers and steam generators must be inspected
by the department before they are used and all boilers must be inspected at least once each year
thereafter except as provided under subdivision 2 or section 183.411. Inspectors may subject all
boilers to hydrostatic pressure or hammer test, and shall ascertain by a thorough internal and
external examination that they are well made and of good and suitable material; that the openings
for the passage of water and steam, respectively, and all pipes and tubes exposed to heat, are
of proper dimensions and free from obstructions; that the flues are circular in form; that the
arrangements for delivering the feed water are such that the boilers cannot be injured thereby;
and that such boilers and their connections may be safely used without danger to life or property.
Inspectors shall ascertain that the safety valves are of suitable dimensions, sufficient in number,
and properly arranged, and that the safety valves are so adjusted as to allow no greater pressure
in the boilers than the amount prescribed by the inspector's certificate; that there is a sufficient
number of gauge cocks, properly inserted, to indicate the amount of water, and suitable gauges
that will correctly record the pressure; and that the fusible metals are properly inserted where
required so as to fuse by the heat of the furnace whenever the water in the boiler falls below its
prescribed limit; and that provisions are made for an ample supply of water to feed the boilers at
all times; and that means for blowing out are provided, so as to thoroughly remove the mud and
sediment from all parts when under pressure.
    Subd. 2. Qualifying boiler. (a) "Qualifying boiler" means a boiler of 200,000 pounds per
hour or more capacity which has an internal continuous water treatment program approved by the
department and which the commissioner has determined to be in compliance with paragraph (c).
    (b) A qualifying boiler must be inspected at least once every 24 months internally and
externally while not under pressure and at least once every 18 months externally while under
pressure. If the inspector considers it necessary to conduct a hydrostatic test to determine the
safety of a boiler, the test must be conducted under the direction of the owner, contractor, or user
of the equipment under the supervision of an inspector.
    (c) The owner of a qualifying boiler must keep accurate records showing the date and
actual time the boiler is out of service, the reason or reasons therefor, and the chemical physical
laboratory analysis of samples of the boiler water taken at regular intervals of not more than
48 hours of operation which adequately show the condition of the water, and any elements or
characteristics of the water capable of producing corrosion or other deterioration of the boiler
or its parts.
    (d) If an inspector determines there are substantial deficiencies in equipment or in boiler
water treatment operating procedures, inspections of a qualifying boiler may be required once
every 12 months until the commissioner finds that the substantial deficiencies have been corrected.
History: (5481) RL s 2175; 1957 c 503 s 8; 1982 c 379 s 7; 1989 c 71 s 2; 2007 c 140 art 9 s 5

183.46 TESTS.
    In subjecting both high and low pressure boilers and pressure vessels to the hydrostatic test,
and to determine the safe allowable working pressure, the inspector shall use the latest approved
formula of the ASME Code or National Board Inspection Code, as applicable.
History: (5482) RL s 2176; 1957 c 503 s 9; 1982 c 379 s 8; 2007 c 140 art 9 s 6

183.465 STANDARDS OF INSPECTION.
    The engineering standards of boilers and pressure vessels for use in this state shall be that
established by the current edition of and amendments to the ASME Code or the National Board
Inspection Code, as applicable, for construction, operation and care of, in-service inspection and
testing, and controls and safety devices, and by the rules adopted by the department.
History: 1957 c 503 s 10; Ex1967 c 1 s 6; 1969 c 1149 s 1; 1973 c 238 s 1; 1982 c 379 s 9;
2007 c 140 art 9 s 7

183.466 STANDARDS OF REPAIRS.
    The rules for repair of boilers and pressure vessels for use in this state shall be those
established by the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors inspection code and
the rules adopted by the department.
History: 1982 c 379 s 10; 1988 c 719 art 19 s 5; 2007 c 140 art 9 s 8

183.47 [Repealed, 1957 c 503 s 24]

183.48 SPECIAL EXAMINATION.
    If an inspector examines a boiler or pressure vessel and determines that the boiler or pressure
vessel is unsafe, the inspector shall notify the owner or operator of any defect in that boiler or
pressure vessel. Such boiler or pressure vessel shall not thereafter be used until the defect is
corrected. Boilers found to be operated by unlicensed or improperly licensed persons shall not
be used until the operators are properly licensed. If circumstances warrant continued operation,
approval may be given for continuing operation for a specific period of time, not to exceed 30
days, at the discretion of the boiler inspector.
History: (5484) RL s 2178; 1957 c 503 s 11; 1982 c 379 s 11; 2007 c 140 art 9 s 9

183.49 [Repealed, 1957 c 503 s 24]

183.50 INSPECTION OF BOILERS AND PRESSURE VESSELS.
The owner or manager of a boiler or pressure vessel shall allow inspectors full access thereto.
Every engineer operating a boiler shall assist the inspector in the examination, and point out any
known defects in the boilers, steam engines or turbines in the engineer's charge.
History: (5486) RL s 2180; 1919 c 240 s 3; 1939 c 399; 1947 c 563 s 1; 1957 c 503 s 12;
1957 c 876 s 1; 1982 c 379 s 12; 1986 c 444

183.501 LICENSE REQUIREMENT.
    (a) No individual shall be entrusted with the operation of or operate any boiler, steam engine,
or turbine who has not received a license of grade covering that boiler, steam engine or turbine.
The license shall be renewed annually, except as provided in section 183.411.
    (b) For purposes of this chapter, "operation" shall not include monitoring of an automatic
boiler, either through on premises inspection of the boiler or by remote electronic surveillance,
provided that no operations are performed upon the boiler other than emergency shut down
in alarm situations.
    (c) No individual under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol shall be entrusted with the
operation of or shall operate any boiler, steam engine, or turbine, or shall be entrusted with the
monitoring of or shall monitor an automatic boiler.
History: 1982 c 379 s 13; 2007 c 140 art 9 s 10

183.502 SCHOOL ENGINEER OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS.
Any custodial engineer employed by a school whose duties include the operation of a boiler
shall be licensed pursuant to section 183.51, to operate the particular class of boiler used in
the school.
History: 1982 c 379 s 14

183.505 APPLICATIONS FOR LICENSES.
    The commissioner shall prepare blank applications on which applications for licenses shall
be made. These blanks shall elicit such information as is needed to determine whether an applicant
meets the qualifications required for the license.
History: (5494) 1919 c 240 s 9; 1957 c 503 s 19; 2007 c 140 art 9 s 11

183.51 EXAMINATIONS; CLASSIFICATIONS; QUALIFICATIONS.
    Subdivision 1. Engineers, classes. Engineers shall be divided into four classes:
    (1) Chief engineers; Grade A, Grade B, and Grade C.
(2) First class engineers; Grade A, Grade B, and Grade C.
(3) Second class engineers; Grade A, Grade B, and Grade C.
(4) Special engineers.
    Subd. 2. Applications. Any individual who desires an engineer's license shall submit an
application on a written or electronic form prescribed by the commissioner, at least 15 days before
the requested exam date. The application permits the applicant to take the examination on one
occasion within one year from the date the commissioner receives the application.
    Subd. 2a. Examinations. Each applicant for a license must pass an examination developed
and administered by the commissioner. The examinations shall be of sufficient scope to establish
the competency of the applicant to operate a boiler of the applicable license class and grade.
    Subd. 3. High and low pressure boilers. For the purposes of this section and section 183.50,
high pressure boilers shall mean boilers operating at a steam or other vapor pressure in excess
of 15 p.s.i.g., or a water or other liquid boiler in which the pressure exceeds 160 p.s.i.g. or a
temperature of 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
    Low pressure boilers shall mean boilers operating at a steam or other vapor pressure of 15
p.s.i.g. or less, or a water or other liquid boiler in which the pressure does not exceed 160 p.s.i.g.
or a temperature of 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
    Subd. 4. Chief engineer, Grade A. An individual seeking licensure as a chief engineer,
Grade A, shall be at least 18 years of age and have experience which verifies that the individual
is competent to take charge of and be responsible for the safe operation and maintenance of all
classes of boilers, steam engines, and turbines and their appurtenances; and, before receiving
a license, the applicant shall take and subscribe an oath attesting to at least five years actual
experience in operating such boilers, including at least two years experience in operating such
engines or turbines.
    Subd. 5. Chief engineer, Grade B. An individual seeking licensure as a chief engineer,
Grade B, shall be at least 18 years of age and have habits and experience which justify the belief
that the individual is competent to take charge of and be responsible for the safe operation and
maintenance of all classes of boilers and their appurtenances; and, before receiving a license,
the applicant shall take and subscribe an oath attesting to at least five years actual experience
in operating those boilers.
    Subd. 6. Chief engineer, Grade C. An individual seeking licensure as a chief engineer,
Grade C, shall be at least 18 years of age and have habits and experience which justify the belief
that the individual is competent to take charge of and be responsible for the safe operation and
maintenance of all classes of low pressure boilers and their appurtenances, and before receiving
a license, the applicant shall take and subscribe an oath attesting to at least five years of actual
experience in operating such boilers.
    Subd. 7. First-class engineer, Grade A. An individual seeking licensure as a first-class
engineer, Grade A, shall be at least 18 years of age and have experience which verifies that
the individual is competent to take charge of and be responsible for the safe operation and
maintenance of all classes of boilers, engines, and turbines and their appurtenances of not more
than 300 horsepower or to operate as a shift engineer in a plant of unlimited horsepower. Before
receiving a license, the applicant shall take and subscribe an oath attesting to at least three years
actual experience in operating such boilers, including at least two years experience in operating
such engines or turbines.
    Subd. 8. First-class engineer, Grade B. An individual seeking licensure as a first-class
engineer, Grade B, shall be at least 18 years of age and have habits and experience which justify
the belief that the individual is competent to take charge of and be responsible for the safe
operation and maintenance of all classes of boilers of not more than 300 horsepower or to operate
as a shift engineer in a plant of unlimited horsepower. Before receiving a license the applicant
shall take and subscribe an oath attesting to at least three years actual experience in operating
such boilers.
    Subd. 9. First-class engineer, Grade C. An individual seeking licensure as a first-class
engineer, Grade C, shall be at least 18 years of age and have habits and experience which justify
the belief that the individual is competent to take charge of and be responsible for the safe
operation and maintenance of all classes of low pressure boilers and their appurtenances of not
more than 300 horsepower or to operate as a shift engineer in a low pressure plant of unlimited
horsepower. Before receiving a license, the applicant shall take and subscribe an oath attesting to
at least three years actual experience in operating such boilers.
    Subd. 10. Second-class engineer, Grade A. An individual seeking licensure as a
second-class engineer, Grade A, shall be at least 18 years of age and have experience which
verifies that the individual is competent to take charge of and be responsible for the safe operation
and maintenance of all classes of boilers, engines, and turbines and their appurtenances of not
more than 100 horsepower or to operate as a shift engineer in a plant of not more than 300
horsepower, or to assist the shift engineer, under direct supervision, in a plant of unlimited
horsepower. Before receiving a license the applicant shall take and subscribe an oath attesting
to at least one year of actual experience in operating such boilers, including at least one year of
experience in operating such engines or turbines.
    Subd. 11. Second-class engineer, Grade B. An individual seeking licensure as a
second-class engineer, Grade B, shall be at least 18 years of age and have habits and experience
which justify the belief that the individual is competent to take charge of and be responsible for
the safe operation and maintenance of all classes of boilers of not more than 100 horsepower or
to operate as a shift engineer in a plant of not more than 300 horsepower or to assist the shift
engineer, under direct supervision, in a plant of unlimited horsepower. Before receiving a license
the applicant shall take and subscribe an oath attesting to at least one year of actual experience
in operating such boilers.
    Subd. 12. Second-class engineer, Grade C. An individual seeking licensure as a
second-class engineer, Grade C, shall be at least 18 years of age and have habits and experience
which justify the belief that the individual is competent to take charge of and be responsible for
the safe operation and maintenance of all classes of low pressure boilers and their appurtenances
of not more than 100 horsepower or to operate as a shift engineer in a low pressure plant of not
more than 300 horsepower, or to assist the shift engineer, under direct supervision, in a low
pressure plant of unlimited horsepower. Before receiving a license, the applicant shall take and
subscribe an oath attesting to at least one year of actual experience in operating such boilers.
    Subd. 13. Special engineer. An individual seeking licensure as a special engineer shall be at
least 18 years of age and have habits and experience which justify the belief that the individual
is competent to take charge of and be responsible for the safe operation and maintenance of all
classes of boilers and their appurtenances of not more than 30 horsepower or to operate as a shift
engineer in a plant of not more than 100 horsepower, or to serve as an apprentice in any plant
under the direct supervision of the properly licensed engineer.
    Subd. 14. Current boiler operators. Any individual operating a boiler other than a steam
boiler on or before April 15, 1982, shall be qualified for application for the applicable class
license upon presentation of an affidavit furnished by an inspector and sworn to by the individual's
employer or a chief engineer. The applicant must have at least the number of years of actual
experience specified for the class of license requested and pass the appropriate examination.
    Subd. 15. Rating horsepower. For the purpose of rating boiler horsepower for engineer
license classifications only: ten square feet of heating surface shall be considered equivalent to
one boiler horsepower for conventional boilers and five square feet of heating surface equivalent
to one boiler horsepower for steam coil type generators.
History: (5487) RL s 2181; 1919 c 113 s 1; 1919 c 240 s 4; 1947 c 563 s 2; 1957 c 503 s 13;
1957 c 876 s 2; 1965 c 49 s 1; 1973 c 725 s 28-35; 1974 c 406 s 41; 1982 c 379 s 15; 1986 c 444;
1988 c 719 art 19 s 6-8; 1Sp2005 c 1 art 4 s 47,48; 2007 c 140 art 9 s 12

183.52 [Repealed, 2007 c 140 art 13 s 3]

183.53 VERIFICATION OF CERTIFICATE.
In making an inspection of boilers, machinery, or vessels, inspectors may act jointly or
separately. In all cases inspectors shall verify the certificate of inspection.
History: (5489) RL s 2183; 1957 c 503 s 15; 1982 c 379 s 17

183.54 BOILER INSPECTOR TO DELIVER CERTIFICATES; PAYMENT OF
INSPECTION FEES.
    Subdivision 1. Inspection certificate. After examination and tests of the boiler or pressure
vessel being inspected, the boiler inspector shall document the condition of the boiler or pressure
vessel as required by the commissioner. The inspector shall issue an inspection certificate, as
prescribed by the commissioner, to the owner or operator for the inspected boilers and pressure
vessels found to be safe and suitable for use. The inspector shall immediately notify the owner
or operator of any deficiencies found on the boilers and pressure vessels during the inspection
on a form prescribed by the commissioner.
    Subd. 2.[Repealed, 2007 c 140 art 13 s 3]
    Subd. 3. Failure to pay fee. If the owner or lessee of any boiler or pressure vessel, which
boiler or pressure vessel has been duly inspected, refuses to pay the required fee within 30 days
from the date of the invoice, the department may seal the boiler or pressure vessel until the
fee is paid.
History: (5490) RL s 2184; 1919 c 240 s 5; 1933 c 257; 1943 c 340 s 1; 1947 c 563 s 3;
1957 c 503 s 16; 1982 c 379 s 18; 1986 c 444; 2007 c 140 art 9 s 13,14

183.545 FEES FOR INSPECTION.
    Subdivision 1. Fee amount; vessels operated on inland waters. The fees for the inspection
of the hull, boiler, machinery, and equipment of vessels operated on inland waters and that carry
passengers for hire are as follows:
(1) annual operating permit and safety inspections shall be $200; and
(2) other inspections, including dry-dock inspections, boat stability tests, and plan reviews,
are billed at the hourly rate set in subdivision 3a.
    Subd. 2. Fee amounts; master's. The license and application fee for a master's license is
$50, or $20 if the applicant possesses a valid, unlimited, current United States Coast Guard
master's license. The annual renewal of a master's license is $20. The annual renewal if paid later
than 30 days after expiration is $35. The fee for replacement of a current, valid license is $20.
    Subd. 3. Boiler and pressure vessel inspection fees. The fees for the annual inspection of
boilers and biennial inspection of pressure vessels are as follows:
(1) boiler inaccessible for internal inspection, $55;
(2) boiler accessible for internal inspection, $55;
(3) boiler internal inspection over 2,000 square feet heating surface shall be billed at the
hourly rate set in subdivision 3a;
(4) boiler accessible for internal inspection requiring one-half day or more of inspection time
shall be billed at the hourly rate set in subdivision 3a;
(5) pressure vessel for internal inspection via manhole, $35; and
(6) pressure vessel inaccessible for internal inspection, $35.
    Subd. 3a. Hourly rate. The hourly rate for an inspection not set elsewhere in this chapter
is $80 per hour. Inspection time includes all time related to the inspection. Travel time, billed
at the hourly rate, and travel expenses shall be billed for shop inspections, triennial audits,
boat stability tests, hydrostatic tests of a boiler or pressure vessel, or any other inspection or
consultation requiring a special trip.
    Subd. 4. Boiler engineer license fees. For the following licenses, the nonrefundable license
and application fee is:
(1) chief engineer's license, $50;
(2) first class engineer's license, $50;
(3) second class engineer's license, $50;
(4) special engineer's license, $20; and
(5) traction or hobby boiler engineer's license, $50.
An engineer's license may be renewed upon application and payment of an annual renewal
fee of $20. The annual renewal, if paid later than 30 days after expiration, is $35. The fee for
replacement of a current, valid license is $20.
    Subd. 5.[Repealed, 1987 c 70 s 7]
    Subd. 6. National board inspectors. The fee for an examination of an applicant for a
National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessels Inspectors commission is $100.
    Subd. 7. Nuclear endorsement. The fee for each examination of an applicant for a National
Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessels commissioned inspectors nuclear endorsement is $100.
    Subd. 8. Certificate of competency. The fee for issuance of the original state of Minnesota
certificate of competency for inspectors is $50. This fee is waived for inspectors who paid the
examination fee. The fee for an annual renewal of the state of Minnesota certificate of competency
is $35, and is due January 1 of each year. The fee for replacement of a current, valid license is $35.
    Subd. 9.[Repealed, 2007 c 135 art 2 s 40; 2007 c 140 art 13 s 3]
    Subd. 10. Boiler and pressure vessel registration fee. The annual registration fee for
boilers and pressure vessels in use and required to be inspected per section 183.42 shall be $10
per boiler and pressure vessel.
    Subd. 11. Late fee. The commissioner may assess a late fee of up to $100 for each invoice
issued under subdivision 1, 3, or 3a that is not paid in full by the due date stated on the invoice.
History: 1957 c 503 s 17; 1959 c 586 s 1; 1969 c 1148 s 30-32; 1974 c 427 s 1,2; 1978 c 485
s 1-4; 1982 c 379 s 19; 1983 c 301 s 157; 1Sp1985 c 13 s 296; 1987 c 70 s 5; 1989 c 335 art 4 s
106; 1996 c 305 art 3 s 27; 1Sp2005 c 1 art 4 s 49; 2007 c 140 art 9 s 15

183.55 [Repealed, 1957 c 503 s 24]

183.56 EXCEPTIONS.
    The provisions of sections 183.38 to 183.62, shall not apply to:
    (1) boilers in buildings occupied solely for residence purposes with accommodations for
not more than five families;
    (2) railroad locomotives operated by railroad companies for transportation purposes;
    (3) air tanks installed on the right-of-way of railroads and used directly in the operation
of trains;
    (4) boilers and pressure vessels under the direct jurisdiction of the United States;
    (5) unfired pressure vessels having an internal or external working pressure not exceeding 15
p.s.i.g. with no limit on size;
    (6) pressure vessels used for storage of compressed air not exceeding five cubic feet in
volume and equipped with an ASME code stamped safety valve set at a maximum of 100 p.s.i.g.;
    (7) pressure vessels having an inside diameter not exceeding six inches;
    (8) every vessel that contains water under pressure, including those containing air that
serves only as a cushion, whose design pressure does not exceed 300 p.s.i.g. and whose design
temperature does not exceed 210 degrees Fahrenheit;
    (9) boiler or pressure vessels located on farms used solely for agricultural or horticultural
purposes; for purposes of this section, boilers used for mint oil extraction are considered used
for agricultural or horticultural purposes, provided that the owner or lessee complies with the
inspection requirements contained in section 183.42;
    (10) tanks or cylinders used for storage or transfer of liquefied petroleum gases;
    (11) unfired pressure vessels in petroleum refineries;
    (12) an air tank or pressure vessel which is an integral part of a passenger motor bus, truck,
or trailer;
    (13) hot water heating and other hot liquid boilers not exceeding a heat input of 750,000
BTU per hour;
    (14) hot water supply boilers (water heaters) not exceeding a heat input of 500,000 BTU per
hour, a water temperature of 210 degrees Fahrenheit, a nominal water capacity of 120 gallons, or
a pressure of 160 p.s.i.g.;
    (15) a laundry and dry cleaning press not exceeding five cubic feet of steam volume;
    (16) pressure vessels operated full of water or other liquid not materially more hazardous
than water, if the vessel's contents' temperature does not exceed 140 degrees Fahrenheit or
a pressure of 200 p.s.i.g.;
    (17) steam powered turbines at paper-making facilities which are powered by steam
generated by municipal steam district facilities at a remote location; and
    (18) manually fired boilers for model locomotive, boat, tractor, stationary engine, or antique
motor vehicles constructed or maintained only as a hobby for exhibition, educational or historical
purposes and not for commercial use, if the boilers have an inside diameter of 12 inches or less, or
a grate area of two square feet or less, and are equipped with an ASME stamped safety valve of
adequate size, a water level indicator, and a pressure gauge.
    An engineer's license is not required for hot water supply boilers.
    An engineer's license is not required for boilers, steam cookers, steam kettles, steam
sterilizers or other steam generators not exceeding 100,000 BTU per hour input, 25 kilowatt,
2-1/2 horsepower and a pressure of 15 p.s.i.g.
    Electric boilers not exceeding a maximum working pressure of 50 p.s.i.g., maximum of 30
kilowatt input or three horsepower rating shall be inspected as pressure vessels and shall not
require an engineer license to operate.
History: (5492) RL s 2186; 1919 c 240 s 7; 1955 c 817 s 1; 1957 c 503 s 1; 1Sp1981
c 4 art 1 s 92; 1982 c 379 s 20; 1987 c 70 s 6; 1987 c 382 s 1; 1991 c 331 s 2; 1992 c 436
s 1; 2007 c 140 art 9 s 16

183.57 REPORT OF INSURER; EXEMPTION FROM INSPECTION.
    Subdivision 1. Report required. Any insurance company insuring boilers and pressure
vessels in this state shall file a report showing the most recent date of inspection, the name of the
individual making the inspection, the condition of the boiler or pressure vessel as disclosed by the
inspection, whether the boiler was operated by a properly licensed engineer, whether a policy of
insurance has been issued by the company with reference to the boiler or pressure vessel, and
other information as directed by the commissioner. Within 21 days after the inspection, the
insurance company shall file the report with the commissioner. The insurer shall provide a copy of
the report to the person owning or operating the inspected boiler or pressure vessel. Such report
shall be made annually for boilers and biennially for pressure vessels.
    Subd. 2. Exemption. Every boiler or pressure vessel as to which any insurance company
authorized to do business in this state has issued a policy of insurance, after the inspection thereof,
is exempt from inspection by the department made under sections 183.375 to 183.62, while the
same continues to be insured and provided it continues to be inspected in accordance with the
inspection schedule set forth in sections 183.42 and 183.45, and the person owning or operating
the same has an unexpired certificate of registration.
    Subd. 3.[Repealed, 1957 c 503 s 24]
    Subd. 4.[Repealed by amendment, 1Sp2005 c 1 art 4 s 50]
    Subd. 5. Notice of insurance coverage. The insurer shall notify the commissioner in writing
of its policy to insure and inspect boilers and pressure vessels at a location within 30 days of
receipt of notification from the insured that a boiler or pressure vessel is present at an insured
location. The insurer must also provide a duplicate of the notification to the insured.
    Subd. 6. Notice of discontinued coverage. The insurer shall notify the commissioner in
writing, within 30 days of the effective date, of the discontinuation of insurance coverage of
the boilers and pressure vessels at a location and the cause or reason for the discontinuation if
the insurer has received notice from the insured that a boiler or pressure vessel is present at an
insured location, as provided under subdivision 5. This notice shall show the effective date when
the discontinued policy takes effect.
    Subd. 7. Penalties. The commissioner shall assess upon the insurer a $50 penalty, per
applicable boiler and pressure vessel, for failing to submit an inspection report or notify the
commissioner of insurance coverage or discontinuation of insurance coverage as set forth in this
section. The commissioner shall assess upon the insurer a penalty of $100, per applicable boiler
and pressure vessel, for failing to conduct the required in-service inspection within 120 days after
the inspection was due in accordance with section 183.42. The penalties in this subdivision may
only be assessed for notice, reports, and inspections required during the period that the insurance
coverage was in effect and for which the insurer has received notice from the insured that a boiler
or pressure vessel is present at an insured location, as provided under subdivision 5.
History: (5493) 1919 c 240 s 8; 1957 c 503 s 18; 1959 c 148 s 1; 1969 c 1148 s 33; 1974 c
427 s 3; 1978 c 485 s 5; 1Sp1981 c 4 art 1 s 93; 1982 c 379 s 21,22; 1983 c 301 s 158; 1997 c 7
art 1 s 88; 1Sp2005 c 1 art 4 s 50; 2007 c 140 art 9 s 17-20

183.58 [Renumbered 183.505]

183.59 VIOLATIONS BY INSPECTORS.
    Every inspector who willfully certifies falsely regarding any boiler or its attachments, or
pressure vessel, or the hull and equipments of any steam vessel, or who grants a license to any
individual to act as engineer or master contrary to any provision of sections 183.375 to 183.62,
is guilty of a misdemeanor. In addition to this punishment the inspector shall be removed from
office forthwith.
History: 1957 c 503 s 20; 1979 c 102 s 13; 1Sp1981 c 4 art 1 s 94; 1982 c 379 s 23; 2007 c
140 art 9 s 21

183.60 VIOLATIONS IN CONSTRUCTION; REPAIR; SALE.
    Subdivision 1. Construction violation. No person shall construct a boiler, boiler piping, or
pressure vessel so as not to meet the minimum construction requirements of the ASME boiler and
pressure vessel code, and the rules of the department.
    Subd. 2. Repair violation. No person who repairs a boiler or pressure vessel by welding
or riveting so as not to meet the minimum requirements established by the current edition of
the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors inspection code and the rules of
the department.
    Subd. 3. Sale violation. No manufacturer, jobber, dealer, or other person shall sell or offer
for sale a boiler or pressure vessel that does not meet the minimum construction requirements of
the ASME boiler and pressure vessel code and the rules of the department.
History: 1957 c 503 s 21; 1982 c 379 s 24; 2007 c 140 art 9 s 22

183.61 VIOLATIONS BY THOSE RESPONSIBLE FOR OPERATION.
    Subdivision 1.[Repealed, 2007 c 140 art 13 s 3]
    Subd. 2. Inspection violation. No person shall cause to be operated or shall operate any
boiler or boat without having the same inspected at least once each year, or pressure vessel, steam
farm traction engine, portable or stationary show engine, or portable or stationary show boiler
without having it inspected biennially, or without having the proper engineer or master license.
    Subd. 3.[Repealed, 2007 c 140 art 13 s 3]
    Subd. 4. Failure to repair. After any boiler or pressure vessel has been examined and found
to be unsafe and after the owner or operator of the boiler or pressure vessel has been notified of
any defect in it, no person shall operate the boiler or pressure vessel or cause it to be operated
unless and until the defect has been corrected.
    Subd. 5.[Repealed, 2007 c 140 art 13 s 3]
    Subd. 6.[Repealed, 2007 c 140 art 13 s 3]
History: 1957 c 503 s 22; 1961 c 560 s 17; Ex1967 c 1 s 6; 1982 c 379 s 25; 1985 c 248 s
70; 2007 c 140 art 9 s 23,24

183.62 LIABILITY OF PERSONS OPERATING BOATS, BOILERS OR PRESSURE
VESSELS; PENALTY.
Every person who shall apply, or cause to be applied, to a boiler or pressure vessel a higher
pressure than is allowed by law, or by the inspector, officer, or person authorized to limit the same;
and every owner and lessee of a boiler or pressure vessel having knowledge of such application, or
of circumstances which would cause such an application, shall be guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
Every captain or other person having charge of the machinery of a boat used for the conveyance
of passengers in the waters of this state and every engineer or other person having charge of a
boiler, steam engine, or other apparatus for generating or employing steam, who shall willfully, or
from ignorance or gross neglect, create, or allow to be created any condition whereby human life
is endangered, and every owner and lessee of a boat, boiler, steam engine, or other apparatus for
generating or supplying steam who has knowledge of such a condition, or of circumstances which
would cause such a condition, shall be guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
History: (10265) RL s 5003; 1982 c 379 s 26