Chapter 4104 | Boilers

Section 4104.01 | Boiler definitions.

• Effective: September 10, 2012
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 487 - 129th General Assembly

As used in sections 4104.01 to 4104.20 and section 4104.99 of the Revised Code:

(A) "Board of building standards" or "board" means the board established by section 3781.07 of the Revised Code.

(B) "Superintendent" means the superintendent of industrial compliance created by section 121.04 of the Revised Code.

(C) "Boiler" means a closed vessel in which water is heated, steam is generated, steam is superheated, or any combination thereof, under pressure or vacuum for use externally to itself by the direct application of heat from the combustion of fuels, or from electricity or nuclear energy. "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.

(D) "Power boiler" means a boiler in which steam or other vapor (to be used externally to itself) is generated at a pressure of more than fifteen psig.

(E) "High pressure, high temperature water boiler" means a water heating boiler operating at pressures exceeding one hundred sixty psig or temperatures exceeding two hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit.

(F) "Low pressure boiler" means a steam boiler operating at pressures not exceeding fifteen psig, or a hot water heating boiler operating at pressures not exceeding one hundred sixty psig or temperatures not exceeding two hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit.

(G) "Pressure vessel" means a container for the containment of pressure, either internal or external. This pressure may be obtained from an external source or by the application of heat from a direct or indirect source or any combination thereof.

(H) "Process boiler" means a boiler to which all of the following apply:

(1) The steam in the boiler is either generated or superheated, or both, under pressure or vacuum for use external to itself.

(2) The source of heat for the boiler is in part or in whole from a process other than the boiler itself.

(3) The boiler is part of a continuous processing unit, such as used in chemical manufacture or petroleum refining, other than a steam-generated process unit.

(I) "Stationary steam engine" means an engine or turbine in which the mechanical force arising from the elasticity and expansion action of steam or from its property of rapid condensation or from a combination of the two is made available as a motive power.

Section 4104.02 | Board of building standards - powers and duties.

• Effective: January 30, 2014
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 12 - 130th General Assembly

(A) The board of building standards shall:

(1) Formulate rules for the construction, installation, repair, conservation of energy, and operation of boilers and the construction and repair of pressure vessels and for ascertaining the safe working pressures to be carried on such boilers and pressure vessels and the qualification of inspectors of boilers and pressure vessels;

(2) Prescribe tests, if it is considered necessary, to ascertain the qualities of materials used in the construction of boilers and pressure vessels;

(3) Adopt rules regulating the construction and sizes of safety valves for boilers and pressure vessels of different sizes and pressures, for the construction, use, and location of fusible plugs, appliances for indicating the pressure of steam and level of water in the boiler or pressure vessels, and such other appliances as the board considers necessary to safety in operating boilers;

(4) Adopt rules that prescribe the conditions and requirements for design, certification, reporting, installation, operation, and periodic testing and maintenance of controls and safety devices on an automatically operated boiler directly fired with gas, oil, gas-oil, or electricity or a stationary steam engine that would allow an owner to operate a low pressure steam boiler, power boiler, or a stationary steam engine without the presence of a licensed low pressure boiler operator, a licensed high pressure boiler operator, or a licensed steam engineer as required in section 4104.05 of the Revised Code.

(B) The definitions and rules adopted by the board for the construction, installation, repair, conservation of energy, and operation of boilers and the construction and repair of pressure vessels and for ascertaining the safe working pressures to be used on such boilers and pressure vessels shall be based upon and follow generally accepted engineering standards, formulae, and practices established and pertaining to boilers and pressure vessel construction, operation, and safety, and the board may, for this purpose, adopt existing published standards as well as amendments thereto subsequently published by the same authority.

(C) When a person desires to manufacture a special type of boiler or pressure vessel, the design of which is not covered by the rules of the board, the person shall submit drawings and specifications of such boiler or pressure vessel to the board for investigation, after which the board may permit its installation.

(D) The provisions of sections 119.03 and 119.11 of the Revised Code in particular, and the applicable provisions of Chapter 119. of the Revised Code in general, shall govern the proceedings of the board of building standards in adopting, amending, or rescinding rules pursuant to this section.

Section 4104.03 | Rights of municipal corporations.

• Effective: October 15, 1965
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 636 - 106th General Assembly

Sections 4104.01 to 4104.20, inclusive, of the Revised Code do not affect the rights of municipal corporations under section 715.44 of the Revised Code insofar as such section provides for the regulation of the installation and inspection of boilers and boiler plants for the purpose of the prevention of the emission of smoke.

Section 4104.04 | Exemptions - safety devices.

• Effective: June 26, 2003
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 95 - 125th General Assembly

(A) Sections 4104.01 to 4104.20 and section 4104.99 of the Revised Code do not apply to the following boilers and pressure vessels:

(1) Boilers, pressure vessels, and stationary steam engines under federal control or subject to inspection under federal laws;

(2) Air tanks located on vehicles operating under the rules of other state authorities and used for carrying passengers, or freight;

(3) Air tanks installed on the right of way of railroads and used directly in the operation of trains;

(4) Pressure vessels that are under the regulation and control of the state fire marshal under Chapter 3737. of the Revised Code.

(B) The following boilers and pressure vessels are exempt from the requirements of sections 4104.10, 4104.101, 4104.11, 4104.12, and 4104.13 of the Revised Code, but shall be equipped with such appliances, to insure safety of operation, as are prescribed by the board:

(1) Portable boilers or pressure vessels when located on farms and used solely for agricultural purposes;

(2) Steam or vapor boilers carrying a pressure of not more than fifteen psig, which are located in private residences or in apartment houses of less than six family units;

(3) Hot water boilers operated at pressures not exceeding one hundred sixty psig, or temperatures not exceeding two hundred fifty degrees fahrenheit, which are located in private residences or in apartment houses of less than six family units;

(4) Pressure vessels containing only water under pressure for domestic supply purposes, including those containing air, the compression of which serves only as a cushion or airlift pumping system, when located in private residences or in apartment houses of less than six family units;

(5) Portable boilers used in pumping, heating, steaming, and drilling, in the open field, for water, gas, and oil;

(6) Portable boilers used in the construction of and repair to public roads, railroads, and bridges;

(7) Historical steam boilers of riveted construction, preserved, restored, or maintained for hobby or demonstration use.

Section 4104.05 | Operation of boilers and stationery steam engines.

• Effective: January 30, 2014
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 12 - 130th General Assembly

(A) Unless otherwise provided by the rules adopted by the board of building standards pursuant to division (A)(4) of section 4104.02 of the Revised Code, no person shall operate a low pressure steam boiler that has more than three hundred sixty square feet of heating surface, unless one of the following applies to that person:

(1) The person is licensed as a steam engineer, high pressure boiler operator, or low pressure boiler operator in accordance with section 4104.19 of the Revised Code.

(2) The person is working under the direct supervision of a steam engineer, high pressure boiler operator, or low pressure boiler operator.

(B) Unless otherwise provided by the rules adopted by the board pursuant to division (A)(4) of section 4104.02 of the Revised Code, no person shall operate a power boiler that has more than three hundred sixty square feet of heating surface, unless one of the following applies to that person:

(1) The person is licensed as a steam engineer or high pressure boiler operator in accordance with section 4104.19 of the Revised Code.

(2) The person is working under the direct supervision of a steam engineer or high pressure boiler operator.

(C) Unless otherwise provided by the rules adopted by the board pursuant to division (A)(4) of section 4104.02 of the Revised Code, no person shall operate a stationary steam engine at more than thirty horsepower unless one of the following applies to that person:

(1) The person is licensed as a steam engineer in accordance with section 4104.19 of the Revised Code.

(2) The person is working under the direct supervision of a steam engineer.

Section 4104.06 | Inspectors - rules - right of entry.

• Effective: September 10, 2012
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 487 - 129th General Assembly

(A) The inspection of boilers and their appurtenances and pressure vessels shall be made by the inspectors mentioned in sections 4104.07 to 4104.20 of the Revised Code. The superintendent of industrial compliance shall administer and enforce such sections and rules adopted by the board of building standards pursuant to section 4104.02 of the Revised Code.

(B) The superintendent shall adopt, amend, and repeal rules exclusively for the issuance, renewal, suspension, and revocation of certificates of competency and certificates of operation, for conducting hearings in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code related to these actions, and for the inspection of boilers and their appurtenances, and pressure vessels.

(C) Notwithstanding division (B) of this section, the superintendent shall not adopt rules relating to construction, maintenance, or repair of boilers and their appurtenances, or repair of pressure vessels.

(D) The superintendent and each general inspector may enter any premises and any building or room at all reasonable hours to perform an examination or inspection.

Section 4104.07 | Inspector of boilers and unfired pressure vessels - application for examination - certification.

• Effective: December 29, 2023
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 131 - 134th General Assembly

(A) Except as provided in division (E) of this section, an application for examination as an inspector of boilers and pressure vessels shall be in writing, accompanied by a fee of one hundred fifty dollars, upon a blank to be furnished by the superintendent of industrial compliance. Any moneys collected under this section shall be paid into the state treasury to the credit of the industrial compliance operating fund created in section 121.084 of the Revised Code.

(B) The superintendent shall determine if an applicant meets all the requirements for examination in accordance with rules adopted by the board of building standards under section 4104.02 of the Revised Code. An application shall be rejected which contains any willful falsification, or untruthful statements.

(C) An applicant shall be examined by the superintendent, by a written examination, prescribed by the board, dealing with the construction, installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of boilers and pressure vessels and their appurtenances, and the applicant shall be accepted or rejected on the merits of the applicant's application and examination.

(D) Upon a favorable report by the superintendent of the result of an examination, the superintendent shall immediately issue to the successful applicant a certificate of competency to that effect.

(E) The superintendent shall issue a certificate of competency in accordance with Chapter 4796. of the Revised Code to an applicant if either of the following applies:

(1) The applicant holds a license or certificate in another state.

(2) The applicant has satisfactory work experience, a government certification, or a private certification as described in that chapter as an inspector of boilers and pressure vessels in a state that does not issue that license or certificate.

Last updated December 29, 2023 at 6:49 AM

Section 4104.08 | Director of commerce may appoint general and special inspectors.

• Effective: September 10, 2012
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 487 - 129th General Assembly

(A) The director of commerce may appoint from the holders of certificates of competency provided for in section 4104.07 of the Revised Code, general inspectors of boilers and pressure vessels.

(B) Any company authorized to insure boilers and pressure vessels against explosion in this state may designate from holders of certificates of competency issued by the superintendent of industrial compliance, or holders of certificates of competency or commissions issued by other states or nations whose examinations for certificates or commissions have been approved by the board of building standards, persons to inspect and stamp boilers and pressure vessels covered by the company's policies, and the superintendent shall issue to such persons commissions authorizing them to act as special inspectors. Special inspectors shall be compensated by the company designating them.

(C) The director shall establish an annual fee to be charged by the superintendent for each certificate of competency or commission the superintendent issues.

(D) The superintendent shall issue to each general or special inspector a commission to the effect that the holder thereof is authorized to inspect boilers and pressure vessels in this state.

(E) No person shall be authorized to act as a general inspector or a special inspector who is directly or indirectly interested in the manufacture or sale of boilers or pressure vessels.

Section 4104.09 | Revoking certificate of competency or commission.

• Effective: October 9, 2021
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 263 - 133rd General Assembly

The certificate of competency issued under section 4104.07 of the Revised Code or the commission provided for in section 4104.08 of the Revised Code may be revoked by the superintendent of industrial compliance for the incompetence of the holder thereof, or for willful falsification of any matter or statement contained in the holder's application or in a report of any inspection in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code. If a certificate or commission is lost or destroyed, a new certificate or commission shall be issued in its place without another examination.

Last updated October 9, 2021 at 4:54 AM

Section 4104.10 | Inspection of unfired pressure vessels.

• Effective: September 10, 2012
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 487 - 129th General Assembly

All unfired pressure vessels, except unfired pressure vessels exempt under section 4104.04 of the Revised Code, shall be thoroughly inspected during fabrication and upon completion and shall not be operated until a copy of the manufacturers' data report, properly executed and signed by the inspector is filed in the office of the superintendent of industrial compliance. All unfired pressure vessels shall conform in every detail with applicable rules adopted by the board of building standards pursuant to section 4104.02 of the Revised Code.

Section 4104.101 | Registration and permits from division of industrial compliance.

• Effective: December 29, 2023
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 131 - 134th General Assembly

(A) No person shall install or make major repairs or modifications to any boiler without first registering to do so with the division of industrial compliance.

(B) No person shall make any installation or major repair or modification of any boiler without first obtaining a permit to do so from the division. The permit application form shall provide the name and address of the owner, location of the boiler, and type of repair or modification that will be made. The application permit fee shall be one hundred dollars.

(C) The superintendent of industrial compliance shall require annual registration of all contractors who install, make major repairs to, or modify any boiler. The board of building standards shall establish a reasonable fee to cover the cost of processing registrations.

(D) Notwithstanding any provision of this section to the contrary, the superintendent shall register a contractor to install, make major repairs to, or modify boilers in accordance with Chapter 4796. of the Revised Code if either of the following applies:

(1) The contractor is licensed or registered in another state to install, make major repairs to, or modify boilers.

(2) The contractor has satisfactory work experience, a government certification, or a private certification as described in that chapter to install, make major repairs to, or modify boilers in a state that does not issue that license or registration.

Last updated December 29, 2023 at 6:49 AM

Section 4104.11 | Inspecting boilers.

• Effective: October 29, 1995
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 162 - 121st General Assembly

(A) All power boilers and high pressure, high temperature water boilers and their appurtenances shall be thoroughly inspected internally and externally and under operating conditions at intervals of not more than one year, unless approved for biennial inspection under section 4104.13 of the Revised Code, and shall not be operated at pressures in excess of the safe working pressure stated in the certificate of operation mentioned in sections 4104.12, 4104.13, and 4104.15 of the Revised Code.

(B) All low pressure boilers and their appurtenances shall be thoroughly inspected externally under operating conditions at intervals of not more than one year, and, except for cast-iron boilers, shall also be inspected internally at intervals of not more than three years, and shall not be operated at pressures in excess of the safe working pressure stated in the certificate of operation mentioned in sections 4104.12 and 4104.15 of the Revised Code.

(C) All process boilers and their appurtenances shall be thoroughly inspected internally and externally and under operating conditions at intervals of not more than three years unless approved for quinquennial inspection under section 4104.13 of the Revised Code, and shall not be operated at pressures in excess of the safe working pressure stated in the certificate of operation mentioned in sections 4104.12, 4104.13, and 4104.15 of the Revised Code.

Section 4104.12 | Inspecting boiler installation.

• Effective: September 10, 2012
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 487 - 129th General Assembly

All boilers, except boilers mentioned in section 4104.04 of the Revised Code, shall be inspected when installed and shall not be operated until an appropriate certificate of operation has been issued by the superintendent of industrial compliance. The certificate of operation required by this section shall not be issued for any boiler which has not been thoroughly inspected during construction and upon completion, by either a general or special inspector, and which does not conform in every detail with the rules adopted by the board of building standards and unless, upon completion, such boiler is distinctly stamped under such rules by such inspector.

Section 4104.13 | Interval inspection of boilers.

• Effective: October 29, 1995
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 162 - 121st General Assembly

Power boilers and high pressure, high temperature water boilers having internal continuous water treatment under the general supervision of a registered professional engineer having experience in the treatment of boiler water where said water treatment is for the purpose of controlling and limiting serious corrosion, and other deteriorating factors shall be thoroughly inspected internally and externally and under operating conditions at intervals of not more than two years and shall not be operated at pressures in excess of the safe working pressure stated in the certificate of operation mentioned in sections 4104.12 and 4104.15 of the Revised Code.

Process boilers having internal continuous water treatment under the general supervision of a registered professional engineer having experience in the treatment of boiler water where the water treatment is for the purpose of controlling and limiting serious corrosion and other deteriorating factors shall be thoroughly inspected internally and externally and under operating conditions at intervals of not more than five years and shall not be operated at pressures in excess of the safe working pressure stated in the certificate of operation mentioned in sections 4104.12 and 4104.15 of the Revised Code.

The owner or user of such boilers shall keep an accurate record which will show that samples of the boiler water have been taken at regular intervals not greater than forty-eight hours of operation, and the record shall show that the water conditions in the boilers meet the said controlling and limiting factors mentioned in this section, all in accordance with rules formulated by the board of building standards pursuant to section 4104.02 of the Revised Code. The owner or user of such boilers shall also keep a record of the date and actual time the boilers are out of service and the reason therefor, and all records mentioned in this section are to be made available by the owner or user of such boilers to the boiler inspector for his examination.

Section 4104.14 | Preparing boiler for inspection.

• Effective: August 28, 2002
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 428 - 124th General Assembly

The owner or user of a boiler required by sections 4104.01 to 4104.20 of the Revised Code to be inspected shall, after due notice, prepare the boiler for internal and external inspection at the appointed time, by drawing the water from the boiler and removing the manhole and handhole plates and thoroughly cleaning the boiler and its setting. The inspector, when making inspections under operating conditions, shall observe the pressure carried and the general condition of each boiler, and ascertain if the safety valve and the appliances for indicating the pressure and level of water in the boiler are in proper working order. No person shall remove or tamper with any safety appliances prescribed by the board of building standards, and no person shall in any manner load the safety valve to a greater pressure than that allowed by the certificate of operation. If in the judgment of the inspector it is advisable to apply a hydrostatic pressure test to the boiler, the owner or user shall prepare the boiler for such test, and apply the test which shall be witnessed by the inspector.

Section 4104.15 | Certificates of inspection and operation.

• Effective: September 29, 2017
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 49 - 132nd General Assembly

(A) All certificates of inspection for boilers, issued prior to October 15, 1965, are valid and effective for the period set forth in such certificates unless sooner withdrawn by the superintendent of industrial compliance. The owner or user of any such boiler shall obtain an appropriate certificate of operation for such boiler, and shall not operate such boiler, or permit it to be operated unless a certificate of operation has been obtained in accordance with section 4104.17 of the Revised Code.

(B) If a boiler owner or user is in compliance with sections 4104.13, 4104.17, and 4104.18 of the Revised Code, the superintendent, upon application, shall issue the boiler owner or user a certificate of operation or renew the boiler owner's or user's certificate of operation. The certificate of operation shall:

(1) State the maximum pressure at which the boiler may be operated, as ascertained by the rules of the board of building standards, the name of the owner or user, the location, size, and number of each boiler, and the date of issuance;

(2) Be so placed as to be easily read in the engine room or boiler room of the plant where the boiler is located, except that the certificate of operation for a portable boiler shall be kept on the premises and shall be accessible at all times.

(C) If an inspector at any inspection finds that the boiler or pressure vessel is not in safe working condition, or is not provided with the fittings necessary to safety, or if the fittings are improperly arranged, the inspector shall immediately notify the owner or user and person in charge of the boiler and shall report the same to the superintendent who may revoke, suspend, or deny the certificate of operation and not renew the same until the boiler or pressure vessel and its fittings are put in condition to insure safety of operation, and the owner or user shall not operate the boiler or pressure vessel, or permit it to be operated until such certificate has been granted or restored.

(D) If the superintendent or a general boiler inspector finds that a pressure vessel or boiler or a part thereof poses an explosion hazard that reasonably can be regarded as posing an imminent danger of death or serious physical harm to persons, the superintendent or the general boiler inspector shall seal the pressure vessel or boiler and order, in writing, the operator or owner of the pressure vessel or boiler to immediately cease the pressure vessel's or boiler's operation. The order shall be effective until the nonconformities are eliminated, corrected, or otherwise remedied, or for a period of seventy-two hours from the time of issuance, whichever occurs first. During the seventy-two-hour period, the superintendent may request that the prosecuting attorney or city attorney of Franklin county or of the county in which the pressure vessel or boiler is located obtain an injunction restraining the operator or owner of the pressure vessel or boiler from continuing its operation after the seventy-two-hour period expires until the nonconformities are eliminated, corrected, or otherwise remedied.

(E) Each boiler which has been inspected shall be assigned a number by the superintendent, which number shall be stamped on a nonferrous metal tag affixed to the boiler or its fittings by seal or otherwise. No person except an inspector shall deface or remove any such number or tag.

(F) If the owner or user of any pressure vessel or boiler disagrees with the inspector as to the necessity for shutting down a pressure vessel or boiler or for making repairs or alterations in it, or taking any other measures for safety that are requested by an inspector, the owner or user may appeal from the decision of the inspector to the superintendent, who may, after such other inspection by a general inspector or special inspector as the superintendent deems necessary, decide the issue.

(G) Neither sections 4104.01 to 4104.20 of the Revised Code, nor an inspection or report by any inspector, shall relieve the owner or user of a pressure vessel or boiler of the duty of using due care in the inspection, operation, and repair of the pressure vessel or boiler or of any liability for damages for failure to inspect, repair, or operate the pressure vessel or boiler safely.

Section 4104.16 | Notifying superintendent of the division of industrial compliance of safety defect or of relocation.

• Effective: September 10, 2012
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 487 - 129th General Assembly

The owner or user of any boiler required by sections 4104.01 to 4104.20 of the Revised Code, to be inspected, shall immediately notify the superintendent of industrial compliance in case a defect affecting the safety of the boiler is discovered.

The owner or user of any stationary boiler required by such sections to be inspected, who moves the same, shall report to the superintendent the new location of the boiler. Such boiler shall be inspected before it is again operated.

Section 4104.17 | Certificates of operation - issuance and renewal.

• Effective: September 10, 2012
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 487 - 129th General Assembly

Certificates of operation issued for boilers subject to inspection under Chapter 4104. of the Revised Code shall be issued and renewed in accordance with and at dates prescribed by rules and regulations adopted by the superintendent of industrial compliance.

Section 4104.18 | Fees.

• Effective: September 29, 2017
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 49 - 132nd General Assembly

(A) The owner or user of a boiler required under section 4104.12 of the Revised Code to be inspected upon installation, and the owner or user of a boiler for which a certificate of inspection has been issued that is replaced with an appropriate certificate of operation, shall pay to the superintendent of industrial compliance an initial certificate of operation fee in the following amount, as applicable:

(1) Fifty dollars for boilers subject to annual inspections under section 4104.11 of the Revised Code;

(2) One hundred dollars for boilers subject to biennial inspection under section 4104.13 of the Revised Code;

(3) One hundred fifty dollars for boilers subject to triennial inspection under section 4104.11 of the Revised Code;

(4) Two hundred fifty dollars for boilers subject to quinquennial inspection under section 4104.13 of the Revised Code.

(B) The owner or user of a boiler required under section 4104.12 of the Revised Code to be inspected upon installation, and the owner or user of a boiler for which a certificate of inspection has been issued that is replaced with an appropriate certificate of operation, shall pay to the superintendent of industrial compliance an annual certificate of operation renewal fee in the following amount, as applicable:

(1) Fifty dollars for boilers subject to annual inspections under section 4101.11 of the Revised Code;

(2) One hundred dollars for boilers subject to biennial inspections under section 4104.13 of the Revised Code;

(3) One hundred fifty dollars for boilers subject to triennial inspections under section 4104.11 of the Revised Code;

(4) Two hundred fifty dollars for boilers subject to quinquennial inspections under section 4104.13 of the Revised Code.

(C) The fee for complete inspection during construction by a general inspector on boilers and pressure vessels manufactured within the state shall be thirty-five dollars per hour. Boiler and pressure vessel manufacturers other than those located in the state may secure inspection by a general inspector on work during construction, upon application to the superintendent, and upon payment of a fee of thirty-five dollars per hour, plus the necessary traveling and hotel expenses incurred by the inspector.

(D) The application fee for applicants for steam engineer, high pressure boiler operator, or low pressure boiler operator licenses is seventy-five dollars. The fee for each original or renewal steam engineer, high pressure boiler operator, or low pressure boiler operator license is fifty dollars.

(E) The superintendent of industrial compliance, by rule adopted in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, may increase the fees required by this section and may establish fees to pay the costs of the division to fulfill its duties established by this chapter. The fees shall bear some reasonable relationship to the cost of administering and enforcing the provisions of this chapter. Any moneys collected under this section shall be paid into the state treasury to the credit of the industrial compliance operating fund created in section 121.084 of the Revised Code.

(F) Any person who fails to pay an invoiced renewal fee or an invoiced inspection fee required for any inspection conducted by the division of industrial compliance pursuant to this chapter within forty-five days of the invoice date shall pay a late payment fee equal to twenty-five per cent of the invoiced fee.

(G) In addition to the fees assessed in divisions (A), (B), and (C) of this section, the board of building standards shall assess the owner or user a fee of three dollars and twenty-five cents for each certificate of operation or renewal thereof issued under divisions (A) and (B) of this section and for each inspection conducted under division (C) of this section. The board shall adopt rules, in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, specifying the manner by which the superintendent shall collect and remit to the board the fees assessed under this division and requiring that remittance of the fees be made at least quarterly.

Section 4104.19 | Operator's license.

• Effective: December 29, 2023
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 131 - 134th General Assembly

(A) Except as provided in division (H) of this section, any person seeking a license to operate as a steam engineer, high pressure boiler operator, or low pressure boiler operator shall file a written application with the superintendent of industrial compliance on a form prescribed by the superintendent with the appropriate application fee as set forth in section 4104.18 of the Revised Code. The application shall contain information satisfactory to the superintendent to demonstrate that the applicant meets the requirements of division (B) of this section. The application shall be filed with the superintendent not more than sixty days and not less than thirty days before the license examination is offered.

(B) To qualify to take the examination required to obtain a steam engineer, high pressure boiler operator, or low pressure boiler operator license, a person shall meet both of the following requirements:

(1) Be at least eighteen years of age;

(2) Have one year of experience in the operation of steam engines, high pressure boilers, or low pressure boilers as applicable to the type of license being sought, or a combination of experience and education for the type of license sought as determined to be acceptable by the superintendent.

(C) No applicant shall qualify to take an examination or to renew a license if the applicant has violated this chapter or if the applicant has obtained or renewed a license issued under this chapter by fraud, misrepresentation, or deception.

(D) The superintendent shall issue a license to each applicant who receives a passing score on the examination, as determined by the superintendent, for the license for which the applicant applied.

(E) The superintendent may select and contract with one or more persons to do all of the following relative to the examinations for a license to operate as a steam engineer, high pressure boiler operator, or low pressure boiler operator:

(1) Prepare, administer, score, and maintain the confidentiality of the examination;

(2) Maintain responsibility for all expenses required to fulfill division (E)(1) of this section;

(3) Charge each applicant a fee for administering the examination, in an amount authorized by the superintendent;

(4) Design the examination for each type of license to determine an applicant's competence to operate the equipment for which the applicant is seeking licensure.

(F) Each license issued under this chapter expires one year after the date of issue. Each person holding a valid, unexpired license may renew the license, without reexamination, by applying to the superintendent not more than ninety days before the expiration of the license, and submitting with the application the renewal fee established in section 4104.18 of the Revised Code. Upon receipt of the renewal information and fee, the superintendent shall issue the licensee a certificate of renewal.

(G) The superintendent, in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, may suspend or revoke any license, or may refuse to issue a license under this chapter upon finding that a licensee or an applicant for a license has violated or is violating the requirements of this chapter. The superintendent shall not refuse to issue a license to an applicant because of a disqualifying offense unless the refusal is in accordance with section 9.79 of the Revised Code.

(H) The superintendent shall issue a license in accordance with Chapter 4796. of the Revised Code to an applicant if either of the following applies:

(1) The applicant holds a license in another state.

(2) The applicant has satisfactory work experience, a government certification, or a private certification as described in that chapter as a steam engineer, high pressure boiler operator, or low pressure boiler operator in a state that does not issue that license.

Last updated December 29, 2023 at 6:48 AM

Section 4104.20 | Boiler operation.

• Effective: June 26, 2003
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 95 - 125th General Assembly

No owner or operator of any boiler shall operate the same in violation of sections 4104.11 to 4104.16, inclusive, and 4104.18 of the Revised Code, or of any rule or regulation adopted by the board of building standards, pursuant to section 4104.02 of the Revised Code, or without having a boiler inspected and a certificate of operation issued therefor as provided in such sections or hinder or prevent a general or special inspector of boilers from entering any premises in or on which a boiler is situated for the purpose of inspection. No owner or operator of any pressure vessel shall operate the same in violation of section 4104.10 of the Revised Code, or of any rule or regulation adopted by the board of building standards, pursuant to section 4104.02 of the Revised Code.

Section 4104.21 | Effect of child support default on license or certificate.

• Effective: September 10, 2012
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 487 - 129th General Assembly

On receipt of a notice pursuant to section 3123.43 of the Revised Code, the superintendent of industrial compliance shall comply with sections 3123.41 to 3123.50 of the Revised Code and any applicable rules adopted under section 3123.63 of the Revised Code with respect to a certificate or license issued pursuant to this chapter.

Section 4104.31 | Historical boiler definitions.

• Effective: October 24, 2002
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 344 - 124th General Assembly

As used in sections 4104.31 to 4104.37:

(A) "Boiler" has the same meaning as in section 4104.01 of the Revised Code.

(B) "Historical boiler" means a steam boiler of riveted construction that is preserved, restored, or maintained for hobby or demonstration.

Section 4104.32 | Operating historical boiler in place open to public.

• Effective: September 30, 2021
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 110 - 134th General Assembly

Except as provided pursuant to section 4104.37 of the Revised Code, no person shall operate a historical boiler in this state in a place that is open to the public unless both of the following requirements are satisfied:

(A) The person operating the boiler is licensed under section 4104.35 of the Revised Code.

(B) The owner of the boiler holds a current valid certificate of operation for the historical boiler pursuant to section 4104.36 of the Revised Code.

Last updated August 19, 2021 at 3:18 PM

Section 4104.33 | Historical boilers licensing board.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

There is hereby created the historical boilers licensing board consisting of seven members appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate. Terms of office shall be for five years, each term ending on the same day of the same month of the year as did the term that it succeeds. One member shall be an employee of the division of boiler inspection in the department of commerce; one member shall be an independent mechanical engineer who is not involved in selling or inspecting historical boilers; and one shall be an active member of an association that represents managers of fairs or festivals.

The remaining four members shall each own a historical boiler and also have at least ten years of experience in the operation of historical boilers, and each of these four members shall reside in a different region of the state.

Each member shall hold office from the date of the member's appointment until the end of the term for which the member was appointed. Members may be reappointed. Vacancies shall be filled by the director of commerce, and shall not require the advice and consent of the senate. Any member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration date of the term for which the member's predecessor was appointed shall hold office as a member for the remainder of that term. A member shall continue in office subsequent to the expiration date of the member's term until the successor takes office or until a period of sixty days has elapsed, whichever occurs first.

The members of the board, annually, shall elect, by majority vote, a chairperson from among their members. The board shall meet at least once annually and at other times at the call of the chairperson. Board members shall receive their actual and necessary expenses incurred in the discharge of their duties as board members. The superintendent of industrial compliance shall call the first meeting of the board, and the superintendent, or the superintendent's designee, shall act as an ex officio chairperson at the first meeting for the sole purpose of electing a chairperson.

The superintendent of industrial compliance shall furnish office space, staff, and supplies to the board as the superintendent determines are necessary for the board to carry out its official duties under sections 4104.33 to 4104.37 of the Revised Code.

Last updated October 3, 2023 at 12:35 PM

Section 4104.34 | Historical boilers licensing board - powers and duties.

• Effective: September 30, 2021
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 110 - 134th General Assembly

The historical boilers licensing board shall do all of the following:

(A) Adopt rules concerning all of the following:

(1) Criteria that inspectors of historical boilers shall utilize in determining the safe operation of historical boilers;

(2) Procedures for the inspection of historical boilers;

(3) The standards for riveted or welded repairs or alterations made to historical boilers;

(4) Standards and procedures for the revocation of a historical boiler operator's license, which shall include an opportunity for appeal and hearing in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code;

(5) Standards for requalifying for a license after revocation of a license;

(6) Standards and procedures for conducting hydrostatic tests, and requirements for reporting the results of those tests to the board, as required under division (F) of section 4104.36 of the Revised Code;

(7) Standards for the public display and operation of historical boilers in this state by historical boiler operators who reside outside of this state.

(B) Issue triennial certificates of operation for historical boilers that pass the inspection required under section 4104.36 of the Revised Code;

(C) Conduct hearings in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code for any person who appeals a decision made by an inspector regarding whether the person should be denied a certificate of operation for the person's historical boiler;

(D) Establish a fee for the inspection of historical boilers conducted pursuant to division (B) of section 4104.36 of the Revised Code in an amount sufficient to reimburse the department of commerce for the cost of conducting those inspections;

(E) Reimburse the department of commerce for the cost of inspections performed by the division of boiler inspection pursuant to section 4104.36 of the Revised Code;

(F) Issue licenses to operate historical boilers in public to persons who meet the requirements of section 4104.35 of the Revised Code;

(G) Grant approval of historical boiler operator's courses as the board determines appropriate;

(H) Grant approval of written or verbal examinations that are developed to test competence in operating historical boilers;

(I) For purposes of section 4104.37 of the Revised Code, determine the smallest size of historical boilers that are subject to sections 4104.32 to 4104.36 of the Revised Code;

(J) For purposes of inspection criteria adopted by the board pursuant to division (A)(1) of this section, establish the criteria based upon the manufacturing standards for safe operation that are established by the various manufacturers of historical boilers;

(K) Appoint safety committees to conduct the hydrostatic tests required under division (F) of section 4104.36 of the Revised Code;

(L) Establish requirements for the minimum amount of liability insurance that an owner of historical boilers shall carry on each historical boiler operated in public that the owner owns, if the board determines that a minimum amount should be established.

Last updated August 19, 2021 at 3:19 PM

Section 4104.35 | License to operate historical boiler in public.

• Effective: September 30, 2021
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 110 - 134th General Assembly

(A) Any person may apply to the historical boiler licensing board to become licensed to operate historical boilers in public. The board shall issue a license to any person who satisfies the following criteria:

(1) Is sixteen years of age or older;

(2) Has completed a historical boiler operator's course that is approved by the board;

(3) Passes a written or verbal examination that is approved by the board and that tests for competence in operating historical boilers;

(4) Has at least one hundred hours of actual operating experience or training in the operation of historical boilers.

(B) A person who satisfies the criteria described in division (A) of this section shall pay a one-time fee of fifty dollars for the issuance of a license under this section.

(C) A license issued under this section is valid for the lifetime of the operator unless the license is revoked by the board pursuant to division (E) of this section.

(D) Persons who are under the age of sixteen may be trained in the operation of historical boilers by serving as apprentices to operators who are licensed under this section, in order to obtain the training required under division (A)(4) of this section for licensure.

(E) The board shall revoke a license issued under this section in accordance with rules the board adopts under division (A)(4) of section 4104.34 of the Revised Code. A person whose license is revoked may requalify for licensure if the person satisfies the criteria the board establishes in rules it adopts pursuant to division (A)(5) of section 4104.34 of the Revised Code.

Last updated September 9, 2021 at 2:23 PM

Section 4104.36 | Certificate of operation and inspection of historical boiler.

• Effective: September 30, 2021
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 110 - 134th General Assembly

(A) The owner of a historical boiler that is operated in public shall maintain a current valid certificate of operation for the historical boiler in accordance with the requirements of this section.

(B) At least once every three years, inspectors designated by the chief of the division of boiler inspection in the department of commerce shall inspect thoroughly, internally and externally, and under operating conditions, all historical boilers that are operated in public and their appurtenances. Inspectors shall examine the smoke box, barrel, wrapped sheet, dome, water column and water glass, firebox, external plumbing, fusible plug, pressure relief valve, and pressure gauge.

(C) After conducting the inspection required under division (B) of this section, the inspector shall evaluate whether the historical boiler is in safe operating condition according to rules adopted by the historical boiler licensing board pursuant to division (A)(1) of section 4104.34 of the Revised Code. If the inspector finds that the historical boiler is in safe operating condition, the inspector shall recommend that the board issue a certificate of operation for the historical boiler. If the board concurs with the recommendation of the inspector, the board shall issue a certificate of operation for the historical boiler inspected by that inspector. A certificate of operation is valid for a period of three years after the date of issuance.

(D) If an inspector does not recommend the issuance of a certificate of operation for the historical boiler or if the board decides not to issue a certificate of operation, the owner of the historical boiler may file an appeal with the board, and the board shall conduct a hearing in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.

(E) The owner of a historical boiler that is operated in public shall display the certificate of operation in a prominent place on the historical boiler during its operation.

(F) At least once every three years, a safety committee appointed by the board pursuant to division (K) of section 4104.34 of the Revised Code shall conduct a hydrostatic test at one and one-quarter of the maximum allowable working pressure on all publicly operated historical boilers that are assigned by the board for testing by that safety committee. The safety committee shall submit the results of each hydrostatic test to the board in accordance with rules adopted by the board pursuant to division (A)(6) of section 4104.34 of the Revised Code.

Last updated August 24, 2021 at 2:07 PM

Section 4104.37 | Exemption for small boilers.

• Effective: September 30, 2021
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 110 - 134th General Assembly

Sections 4104.32 to 4104.36 of the Revised Code do not apply to historical boilers that are smaller than the size determined by the historical boilers licensing board pursuant to division (I) of section 4104.34 of the Revised Code.

Last updated August 24, 2021 at 2:07 PM

Section 4104.41 | Power or process piping definitions.

• Effective: November 5, 2004
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 183 - 125th General Assembly

As used in sections 4104.41 to 4104.45 of the Revised Code:

(A) "Building services piping" means piping systems and their component parts that are part of a building system and that promote the safe, sanitary, and energy efficient occupancy of a building. "Building services piping" includes, but is not limited to, cold and hot potable water distribution for plumbing fixtures; sanitary lines leading from plumbing fixtures; nonflammable medical gas systems; medical oxygen systems; medical vacuum systems; fire protection piping systems and compressed air in dry systems; refrigeration, chilled water, condenser, cooling tower water, brine, and water/antifreeze systems; steam, steam condensate, and hot water piping systems; heating and cooling piping systems; and fuel oil piping and fuel gas piping for heating, cooling, and cooking applications.

(B) "Power piping" means piping systems and their component parts, that are not building services piping systems, and that may be installed within electric power generating stations, industrial and institutional plants, utility geothermal heating systems, and central and district heating and cooling systems. "Power piping" includes, but is not limited to, piping used in the distribution of plant and process steam at boiler pressures greater than fifteen pounds per square inch gauge, high temperature water piping from high pressure and high temperature boilers, power boiler steam condensate piping, high pressure and high temperature water condensate piping, and compressed air and hydraulic piping upstream of the first stop valve off a system distribution header.

(C) "Process piping" means piping systems and their component parts, that are not building services or power piping systems, and that may be installed in petroleum refineries, chemical, pharmaceutical, textile, paper, semiconductor, and cryogenic plants, and related processing plants and terminals.

Section 4104.42 | Owner to ensure compliance with pressure piping standards.

• Effective: September 10, 2012
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 487 - 129th General Assembly

(A) The owner of any power piping or process piping system shall ensure that all of the following are performed in compliance with applicable sections of the B31 standards contained in the code for pressure piping, published by the American society of mechanical engineers:

(1) The design, fabrication, assembly, installation, testing, examination, and inspection of power and process piping systems;

(2) Qualification of personnel and qualification of welding and brazing procedures;

(3) The implementation of an inspection program.

(B) The owner of a power piping or process piping system shall do both of the following:

(1) Maintain for five years complete records documenting the design, examination, and testing of the piping system that include all of the following:

(a) The specific edition of the code for pressure piping used in the design;

(b) The design assumptions;

(c) The calculations, piping material specifications, and construction documents for the piping;

(d) The records of piping alterations;

(e) The piping examination and inspection records.

(2) Disclose the types and quantities of flammable, combustible, or hazardous materials proposed to be used in the facility to the building and fire code enforcement authorities who have inspection authority to enable those authorities to determine compliance with the rules the board of building standards adopts pursuant to section 3781.10 of the Revised Code and the rules the state fire marshal adopts pursuant to section 3737.82 of the Revised Code.

(C) No person or state agency shall require that the records described in division (B)(1) of this section be submitted to the division of industrial compliance in the department of commerce or to a certified building department for approval.

(D) Nothing in this section limits the application of Chapters 4703. and 4733. of the Revised Code.

Section 4104.43 | Board of building standards to adopt requirements for building services piping.

• Effective: September 10, 2012
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 487 - 129th General Assembly

(A)(1) The board of building standards shall adopt rules establishing requirements for the design, installation, inspection of and design review procedure for building services piping.

(2) The board of building standards shall adopt rules establishing requirements for the design, installation, inspection of and design review procedure for nonflammable medical gas, medical oxygen, and medical vacuum piping systems.

(B) A municipal, township, or county building department certified under division (E) of section 3781.10 of the Revised Code shall enforce the rules the board adopts pursuant to division (A)(2) of this section if that building department requests and obtains special certification to enforce those rules.

(C) In a health district where no municipal, township, or county building department is specially certified under division (B) of this section, an employee of the health district shall enforce the rules adopted pursuant to division (A)(2) of this section if both of the following conditions are satisfied:

(1) The health district employee requests and obtains special certification by the board to enforce those rules.

(2) The health district notifies the superintendent of the division of industrial compliance in the department of commerce that the health district's specially certified employee shall enforce those rules.

(D) In a jurisdiction where enforcement authority as described in divisions (B) and (C) of this section does not exist, the superintendent of industrial compliance shall enforce the rules the board adopts pursuant to division (A)(2) of this section.

Section 4104.44 | Welding and brazing to conform to industry standards.

• Effective: September 10, 2012
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 487 - 129th General Assembly

All welding and brazing of metallic piping systems shall be performed in accordance with section IX of the boiler and pressure vessel code, published by the American society of mechanical engineers. The owner shall maintain, at the job site, the certified performance qualification records of all welders and brazers employed at the facility. The owner shall submit copies of all certified welding and brazing procedure specifications, procedure qualification records, and performance qualification records for building services piping for review to the superintendent of industrial compliance in the department of commerce in accordance with rules the superintendent adopts. The submission shall be accompanied by the fee the superintendent establishes.

Section 4104.45 | Inspectors or testing witnesses to be certified.

• Effective: November 5, 2004
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 183 - 125th General Assembly

A person who inspects the installation of or witnesses the testing of any nonflammable medical gas and vacuum piping system shall be certified to do so pursuant to division (E) of section 3781.10 of the Revised Code.

Section 4104.46 | Design, installation, and testing of nonflammable medical gas and vacuum piping systems.

• Effective: September 26, 2003
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 95 - 125th General Assembly

(A) The design, installation, and testing of nonflammable medical gas and vacuum piping systems within the scope of the national fire protection association standard, section 1-1 of "NFPA 99C, Gas and Vacuum Systems," is governed by that national fire protection association standard.

(B) Installers, inspectors, verifiers, construction contracting maintenance personnel, and instructors for the design, installation, and testing of nonflammable medical gas and vacuum piping systems shall obtain certification by the American society of sanitary engineers in accordance with the American society of sanitary engineering series 6000 requirements.

Section 4104.48 | Prohibitions.

• Effective: September 10, 2012
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 487 - 129th General Assembly

(A) No person shall violate sections 4104.41 to 4104.48 of the Revised Code, fail to perform any duty lawfully enjoined in connection with those sections, or fail to comply with any order issued by the superintendent of industrial compliance or any judgment or decree issued by any court in connection with the enforcement of sections 4104.41 to 4104.48 of the Revised Code.

(B) Every day during which a person violates sections 4104.41 to 4104.48 of the Revised Code, fails to perform any duty lawfully enjoined in connection with those sections, or fails to comply with any order issued by the superintendent or any judgment or decree issued by any court in connection with the enforcement of sections 4104.41 to 4104.48 of the Revised Code constitutes a separate offense.

Section 4104.99 | Penalty.

• Effective: August 28, 2002
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 428 - 124th General Assembly

(A) Whoever violates division (A) or (B) of section 4104.101 or section 4104.20 of the Revised Code is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.

(B) Whoever violates section 4104.05 of the Revised Code is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.