Chapter 4101:4-4 | Specifications

Rule 4101:4-4-01 | Design of boilers and pressure vessels.

• Effective: July 1, 2007
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) All new boilers and pressure vessels proposed for use in the state of Ohio, except those exempt by division (A) of section 4104.04 of the Revised Code, shall be designed in accordance with the applicable approved referenced standard(s) adopted in "Table 4101:4-3-01" of rule 4101:4-3-01 of the Administrative Code and other requirements as prescribed in rules 4101:4-4-01 to 4101:4-4-04 of the Administrative Code.

(B) A boiler having the standard stamping of another state that has adopted rules of construction equivalent to those of Ohio may be accepted by the superintendent provided that the person desiring to install the boiler shall make application to the superintendent for the installation and shall include the manufacturers' data report covering the construction of the boiler.

(C) All electric boilers shall be wired and the shell grounded, in accordance with "NFPA 70, the National Electric Code" referenced in rule 4101:1-35-01 of the Administrative Code.

Last updated March 20, 2024 at 12:59 PM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4104.02(A)
Amplifies: 4104.04
Five Year Review Date: 4/25/2024

Rule 4101:4-4-02 | Maximum allowable working pressure of new boilers and pressure vessels.

• Effective: July 1, 2007
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) The maximum allowable working pressure for boilers and pressure vessels built in accordance with the applicable section of the "ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code" as referenced in rule 4101:4-3-01 of the Administrative Code shall be as determined in the applicable approved referenced standard to which it is constructed and stamped. In no case shall the maximum allowable pressure exceed the pressure indicated by the manufacturer's identification stamped or cast upon the boiler or pressure vessel. Upon inspection of a boiler, if conditions are found which justify a reduction of the maximum allowable working pressure, the factor of safety shall be appropriately increased.

(B) The maximum allowable steam working pressure for cast iron boilers, except for hot water boilers, shall be fifteen psig.

Last updated March 20, 2024 at 12:59 PM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4104.02(A)
Amplifies: 4104.02(A)
Five Year Review Date: 4/25/2024
Prior Effective Dates: 11/15/1973

Rule 4101:4-4-03 | Safety devices and controls.

• Effective: January 1, 2015
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) All boilers and pressure vessels shall be provided with the necessary safety appliances and controls that will prevent pressure and temperature from rising above the design limits. The required safety devices and controls shall be as required in the applicable section of the "ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code" as referenced in rule 4101:4-3-01 of the Administrative Code.

(B) The operation of a boiler or pressure vessel without the required safety devices or controls is prohibited, except where alternate device(s) are provided for use on a temporary basis.

(C) Any owner or operator who in any manner loads the safety valve or valves to a greater pressure than that allowed by the certificate of operation shall be subject to the penalty provided in section 4104.99 of the Revised Code.

(D) The minimum safety or relief valve relieving capacity for electric boilers shall be 3.5 pounds of steam per hour for each kilowatt input.

(E) The discharge of safety valves and other outlets shall be installed so as not to endanger any person.

(F) Replacement of existing safety devices and controls shall comply with the requirements for new safety devices and controls as prescribed in the applicable section of the "ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code" as referenced in rule 4101:4-3-01 of the Administrative Code.

(G) When an owner wishes to install safety devices and controls which will enable a new or an existing boiler to be operated without continuous, manned attendance by a licensed operator, the requirements of paragraph (B)(4) or (B)(5) of rule 4101:4-10-01 of the Administrative Code shall be met.

Last updated March 20, 2024 at 12:59 PM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4104.02(A)
Amplifies: 4104.14, 4104.99
Five Year Review Date: 4/25/2024

Rule 4101:4-4-04 | Steam boiler blowoff systems.

• Effective: March 1, 2013
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) The blowoff from boilers may be discharged directly to any place such as a lake, swamp, stream, sump, or open pit provided there is no hazard to life or property. Where a safe place of discharge is not available, a blowoff tank shall be used. The tank shall be designed to separate the flash steam from the water and shall be flashed to a lower pressure system or vented to the atmosphere. The vent shall be large enough to prevent a steam pressure greater than five psig in the blowoff tank. The water from the blowoff tank may be discharged into a building drain or building sewer provided the water temperature does not exceed one hundred forty degrees Fahrenheit.

(B) When a blowoff tank is elevated above the lowest point of a boiler, provisions shall be made for draining water from the boiler.

(C) The shell thickness of a blowoff tank shall be not less than one-fourth inch and shall be constructed for a pressure of not less than twenty five per cent of the allowed pressure of the boilers connected to it for boilers up to and including four hundred psig. For boiler pressure greater than four hundred psig, use "Table 4-4-04(C)" for the blowoff tank allowable pressure. Construction of the blowoff tank shall comply with section VIII, division 1, of the "ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code" as referenced in rule 4101:4-3-01 of the Administrative Code and as modified in this rule.

Maximum allowable working pressure of boiler (psig)	Blowoff tank allowable pressure (psig)
3000	400
2250	325
1500	275
1000	200
750	165
500	125

(D) Blowoff piping between the boiler blowoff valve and the blowoff tank or other safe place of discharge, where the pressure is approximately atmospheric and when there are no intervening valves, shall be constructed in accordance with "Table 4-4-04(D)". All boiler blowoff pipe fittings shall be steel.

Boiler pressure (psig)	Piping pressure (psig)
1501 to 2000	900
901 to 1500	600
601 to 900	400
250 to 600	250
Below 250	150

(E) In lieu of the design requirements of paragraphs (C) and (D) of this rule, the "National Board" publication entitled "NB-27, A Guide for Blowoff Vessels" as referenced in rule 4101:4-3-01 of the Administrative Code may be used for the design, construction, and arrangement of boiler blowoff equipment.

Last updated March 20, 2024 at 12:59 PM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4104.02(A)
Amplifies: 4104.02(A)
Five Year Review Date: 4/25/2024

Rule 4101:4-4-05 | Clearances.

• Effective: July 1, 2007
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

When boilers are replaced or new boilers installed in either existing or new buildings, a minimum clear space of three feet shall be provided on the control and service sides of the boiler. All other sides shall comply with the boiler manufacturer's installation instructions for clearances to combustible materials. All boilers shall be so located that adequate space will be provided for the proper operation of the boiler and its appurtenances, for the inspection of all surfaces, tubes, water walls, economizer piping, valves, and other equipment, and for their necessary maintenance and repair.

Last updated March 20, 2024 at 12:59 PM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4104.02(A)
Amplifies: 4104.02(A)
Five Year Review Date: 4/25/2024
Prior Effective Dates: 9/1/1994