Title 815 | Chapter 015 | Regulation 026REG
PROPOSED
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PUBLIC PROTECTION CABINET
Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction
(Amendment)
815 KAR 15:026.Existing boilers and pressure vessels; testing, repairs, inspection, and safety factors.
Section 1.
Frequency of Inspection of Existing Vessels.(1)
Boiler inspections. Boilers shall be inspected pursuant to KRS 236.110 upon notification by a boiler inspector or special boiler inspector.(2)
Pressure vessel inspections. Pressure vessels shall be reinspected in accordance with this subsection and subsection (3) of this section.(a)
Pressure vessels exceeding 200 psi MAWP shall be inspected every four (4)(b)
Hot water storage tanks, sterilizers, and autoclaves shall be inspected every four (4) years.(c)
Pressure vessels for human occupancy and hyperbaric chambers shall be inspected every four (4)(d)
Jacketed cooking kettles shall be inspected every two (2) years.(e)
Deareators shall be inspected externally and internally every six (6) years(f)
All pressure vessels shall be re-inspected at the time of repair, alteration, or relocation.(g)
Liquid carbon dioxide vessels shall be inspected every three (3) years.(h)
Pressure vessels that have a MAWP of 200 psi or less shall be inspected every ten (10) years.(3)
Inspection times. Except as established in 815 KAR 15:027, inspections made by boiler inspectors shall be conducted during normal business hours of the department between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.(4)
All existing boiler and existing pressure vessels shall be inspected in accordance with NBIC Part 2, 2025 edition, as adopted and incorporated by reference in 815 KAR 15:025.Section 2.
Preparation for Inspections and Tests.(1)
The owner or user shall prepare the boiler or pressure vessel for inspection if requested by the boiler inspector, special boiler inspector, or owner-user inspector.(2)
Inspections shall be conducted within seven (7) days of the date of notification by the boiler inspector, special boiler inspector, or owner-user inspector or at a date agreed upon between the user and the inspector.(3)
The owner or user shall prepare a boiler or pressure vessel for inspection by ensuring that:(a)
Water shall be drawn off and the boiler thoroughly washed;(b)
The manhole and handhole plates, washout plugs, tubular type sight glass, water column float and the plugs in water column connections, and water level probes and the plugs in water column connections shall be removed and the furnace and combustion chambers thoroughly cooled and cleaned;(c)
The grate of an internally fired boiler, and turbulators if present, shall be removed;(d)
Brickwork and other refractory shall be removed as required by the boiler inspector or special boiler inspector to determine the condition of the boiler, header, furnace, supports, or other parts; and(e)
Leakage of steam or hot water into the boiler shall be cut off by disconnecting or blocking off the pipe or valve at the most convenient point.(f)
All valves, including main steam, bleed, feedwater, blowoff, water column, and others shall be operable as witnessed by the inspector. Valves shall be exercised to the full open and full closed positions. Missing valve handles shall be replaced.(4)
If the boiler or pressure vessel is jacketed, enough of the jacketing shall be removed upon the request of the boiler inspector, special boiler inspector, or owner-user inspector so that the safety of the boiler or pressure vessel can be determined. If the covering cannot be removed at that time, the boiler inspector, special boiler inspector, or owner-user inspector shall order the boiler or pressure vessel out of service until the covering can be removed and a proper examination made. Jacketing and insulation shall be maintained in operable condition.(5)
If a boiler has not been prepared for an inspection in accordance with the requirements of this section or the owner or user fails to comply with the requirements for the hydrostatic or other leak test established in this administrative regulation, the boiler inspector or special boiler inspector may decline to make the inspection or test and the inspection certificate shall be withheld until the owner or user complies with the requirements.(6)
Hydrostatic pressure tests. If a hydrostatic test is applied to an existing installation, the pressure shall be as established in paragraphs (a) through (c)(a)
For determining tightness, the pressure shall be no less than 90%(b)
1.
For determining safety or the strength of a vessel and associated piping2.
The pressure shall be under proper control to prevent the required test pressure from exceeding testing requirements listed in the original code of construction.(c)
The temperature of the water used for the hydrostatic test shall not be less than ambient temperature and shall not be less than seventy (70) degrees Fahrenheit for boilers or thirty (30) degrees Fahrenheit above the minimum design metal temperature for pressure vessels, nor high enough to allow the metal temperature to exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit.(d)
Chimneys, smokestacks, and flues shall be inspected by a licensed boiler contractor or a company that provides such services at every other inspection cycle. A letter stating that the chimney, smokestack, or flue is in safe and suitable condition for the service intended shall be presented to the inspector and retained by the department.(e)
Emergency shutdown switches shall be tested to ascertain that all boilers can shut down.(f)
Carbon monoxide detectors shall be maintained to ensure that they are in operable condition.(d)
Section 3.
Maximum Working Pressure. Notice of accident or unsafe conditions(1)
Maximum pressure and temperature.(a)
Code boilers. The MAWP and temperature for standard pressure vessels and boilers shall be determined in accordance with the original code of construction.(b)
Noncode high pressure boilers. The MAWP of a noncode high pressure boiler shall be calculated in accordance with Section I of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code.(c)
Noncode welded heating boilers.1.
The MAWP of a noncode steel or wrought iron heating boiler of welded construction shall not exceed fifteen (15) psi.2.
For other than steam service, the MAWP shall be calculated in accordance with Section IV of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code as established by KRS 236.040(2).(d)
Noncode cast iron heating boilers. The MAWP of a noncode boiler, composed principally of cast iron shall not exceed fifteen (15) psi for steam service or thirty (30) psi for hot water service.(2)
Notice of accident or malfunction.(a)
If an accident or malfunction renders a boiler or pressure vessel inoperative, the owner, user, or insurer shall immediately notify the Boiler Inspection Section and submit a detailed report of the accident or malfunction.(b)
1.
For any accident, including an explosion, resulting in property damage, injury to a person, or loss of life, the owner, user, or insurer shall give notice immediately by phone or electronic mail to the Boiler Inspection Section.2.
The boiler, pressure vessel, or any of the parts shall not be removed or disturbed before an inspection has been made by a boiler inspector or special boiler inspector, except for the purpose of saving human life.(3)
Unsafe boilers and pressure vessels. A boiler or pressure vessel inspected by a boiler inspector or a special boiler inspector and found unsafe for further use shall be removed from service, until the boiler or pressure vessel has been sufficiently repaired and inspected by a boiler inspector or a special boiler inspector.(4)
Removal of safety appliances.(a)
A person shall not attempt to remove or work on a safety appliance while a boiler or pressure vessel is in operation unless under the direction of a boiler inspector or special boiler inspector, or permitted by these administrative regulations.(b)
If a safety appliance is repaired during an outage of a boiler or pressure vessel, the appliance shall be reinstalled and in proper working order before the vessel is returned to service.(5)
Maintenance. The boiler, pressure vessel, and pressure piping shall be maintained in accordance with the minimum requirements of the edition of the ASME Code that was in effect at the time the boiler, pressure vessel, and pressure piping was constructed and installed.Section 4.
Used Vessels.(1)
Used Vessel Inspections. Before a used boiler or pressure vessel is placed into service, it shall be inspected by a boiler inspector, and the inspection may include an internal and external visual inspection, a hydrostatic test, or other non-destructive examination.(2)
Reinstalled boilers or pressure vessels.(a)
If a boiler or pressure vessel is moved and reinstalled, the fittings and appliances shall comply with 815 KAR 15:025(b)
All pressure vessels for human occupancy shall comply with 815 KAR 15:025(3)
Appeal of an inspection decision.(a)
If the owner or user does not concur with the boiler inspector's decision regarding the condition of the boiler or pressure vessel, the owner or user may appeal to the commissioner who shall request a joint inspection by the chief boiler inspector and the boiler inspector.(b)
The chief boiler inspector and the boiler inspector shall render a report to the commissioner, who shall render the final decision, based upon the data contained in all the inspectors' reports.Section 5.
Repairs and Alterations.(1)
The permit as required by KRS 236.240 shall be signed and returned to the department upon completion of the repair or alteration. The National Board R-1 or R-2 form shall be attached to the completed repair permit.(2)
Repair or alteration to a boiler, pressure vessel, and the appurtenances shall conform to the requirements of the National Board Inspection Code Part 3, 2025 edition as incorporated by reference in 815 KAR 15:025(3)(2)
Repairs or alterations to pressure relieving devices shall be made by a firm possessing the National Board Certificate of Authorization for Use of the Valve Repair VR(4)(3)
An owner-user inspector may inspect repairs and alterations to pressure vessels that the owner-user inspector's company owns or operates.Section 6.
Inspection by Special Boiler Inspectors.(1)
A special boiler inspector shall submit an inspection report to the Boiler Inspection Section on the applicable National Board Inspection Code Report of Inspection standard form or its electronic equivalent.(2)
An insurance company shall notify the Boiler Inspection Section of a new or a cancelled policy for a boiler or pressure vessel within thirty (30) days of the effective date of the policy.(3)
If a special boiler inspector finds, upon inspection of a boiler or pressure vessel a condition causing the special boiler inspector's company to refuse or suspend insurance of the boiler or pressure vessel, the company shall immediately notify the Boiler Inspection Section and submit a report of the defect.Section 7.
Inspection by Owner-User Inspectors.(1)
An owner-user inspector shall submit an inspection report to the Boiler Inspection Section on the applicable National Board Inspection Code Report of Inspection standard form, or its electronic equivalent.(2)
An owner-user company shall immediately notify the Boiler Inspection Section of a defective pressure vessel and submit a report of the defect using the applicable National Board Inspection Code Report of Inspection standard form or its electronic equivalent.(3)
If there is a disagreement as to the acceptance of any condition of a pressure vessel or repair by the owner-user inspector and owner-user company, the department shall make the final determination in accordance with the standards established in this administrative regulation.Section 8.
(1)
(a)
(b)
(2)
(a)
(b)
(3)
Section 9.
(1)
(2)
RAY A. PERRY, Secretary
JONATHAN M. FULLER, Commissioner
APPROVED BY AGENCY: April 9, 2026
FILED WITH LRC: April 10, 2026 at 12:00 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARING AND COMMENT PERIOD: A public hearing on this administrative regulation shall be held on June 23, 2026, at 9 a.m. eastern time, at 500 Mero Street, First Floor, Room 127CW, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601. Individuals interested in being heard at this hearing shall notify this agency in writing by five workdays prior to the hearing, of their intent to attend. If no notification of intent to attend the hearing was received by that date, the hearing may be cancelled. A transcript of the public hearing will not be made unless a written request for a transcript is made. If you do not wish to be heard at the public hearing, you may submit written comments on the proposed administrative regulation. Written comments shall be accepted through June 30, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. eastern time Send written notification of intent to be heard at the public hearing or written comments on the proposed administrative regulation to the contact person.
CONTACT PERSON: Jonathon M. Fuller, Commissioner, Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction, 500 Mero Street, 1st Floor, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601, Phone: (502) 782-0617, Fax: (502) 573-1057, Email: max.fuller@ky.gov
REGULATORY IMPACT ANALYSIS AND TIERING STATEMENT
Contact Person:
Jonathon M. Fuller
Subject Headings:
(1) Provide a brief summary of:
(a) What this administrative regulation does:
This administrative regulation establishes the requirements for safe maintenance of boilers and pressure vessels.
(b) The necessity of this administrative regulation:
This administrative regulation is necessary to establish the requirements for existing boilers and pressure vessels and the inspection process that ensures the safety of the boilers and pressure vessels.
(c) How this administrative regulation conforms to the content of the authorizing statutes:
KRS 236.030 requires the commissioner to promulgate administrative regulations that establish standards for the safe construction, installation, inspection, and repair of boilers, pressure vessels, and associated pressure piping. KRS 236.040 requires all boiler and pressure vessels to conform to the rules and regulations formulated by the commissioner, and establishes the standards for pressure piping and pressure vessels for human occupancy. KRS 236.110 establishes the inspection requirements for boilers, pressure vessels, and pressure piping.
(d) How this administrative regulation currently assists or will assist in the effective administration of the statutes:
This administrative regulation establishes the standards for boilers and pressure vessels, the requirements for the maintenance of existing boilers and existing pressure vessels, and the administrative regulation establishes when and how existing boilers and existing pressure vessels must be inspected.
(2) If this is an amendment to an existing administrative regulation, provide a brief summary of:
(a) How the amendment will change this existing administrative regulation:
This amendment changes inspection frequencies as follows: Pressure vessels exceeding 200 psi MAWP shall be inspected every four years, rather than every five years as per the current inspection schedule. Pressure vessels for human occupancy and hyperbaric chambers shall be inspected every four years, rather than every two years as per the current inspection schedule. Deareators shall be inspected every six years, rather than every ten years as per the current inspection schedule. Liquid carbon dioxide vessels shall be inspected every three years, rather than every five years as per the current inspection schedule. Pressure vessels with a MAWP of 200 psi or less shall be inspected every ten years, rather than just once as per the current inspection schedule. This amendment also adds a requirement for a chimney inspection and implemented inspection requirements for certain classes of pressure vessels, which had not been inspected after installation. Grammatical and technical edits were also made.
(b) The necessity of the amendment to this administrative regulation:
The amendment was necessary to change inspection frequencies. Specifically, certain inspection frequencies are increased, in order to ensure public safety. The chimney inspection requirement is another change meant to increase public safety. Kentucky has recently incurred several carbon monoxide fatalities, which necessitated a greater focus on carbon monoxide detection and prevention.
(c) How the amendment conforms to the content of the authorizing statutes:
This amendment establishes the standards of existing boilers and existing pressure vessels and establishes the inspection requirements for boilers and pressure vessels.
(d) How the amendment will assist in the effective administration of the statutes:
This amendment updates the standards for boilers and pressure vessels and reorganizes and edits the administrative regulation.
(3) Does this administrative regulation or amendment implement legislation from the previous five years?
No.
(4) List the type and number of individuals, businesses, organizations, or state and local governments affected by this administrative regulation:
All individuals engaged in the boiler and pressure vessel industry, building owners, and Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction personnel.
(5) Provide an analysis of how the entities identified in question (4) will be impacted by either the implementation of this administrative regulation, if new, or by the change, if it is an amendment, including:
(a) List the actions that each of the regulated entities identified in question (4) will have to take to comply with this administrative regulation or amendment:
Power boiler operators must have a chimney inspection every two years. Operators of heating boilers must have a chimney inspection every four years. The purpose of this inspection is to attempt to prevent conditions that can lead to carbon monoxide build-up. There are recurring inspections for some classes of pressure vessels that previously were never inspected after installation. Therefore, the owners of these vessels shall submit to more inspections.
(b) In complying with this administrative regulation or amendment, how much will it cost each of the entities identified in question (4):
Chimney inspections cost approximately $300. Therefore, each of the entities identified in Question 3 may incur an approximately $300 charge per every two to four years, depending on whether they operate a power boiler or a heating boiler, respectively.
(c) As a result of compliance, what benefits will accrue to the entities identified in question (4):
Primarily, building occupants and those who maintain and operate boilers will benefit from increased safety, particularly as it relates to the health hazard of carbon monoxide exposure.
(6) Provide an estimate of how much it will cost the administrative body to implement this administrative regulation:
(a) Initially:
There are no anticipated initial costs to administer this regulatory amendment.
(b) On a continuing basis:
There are no anticipated continuing costs to administer this regulatory amendment.
(7) What is the source of the funding to be used for the implementation and enforcement of this administrative regulation or this amendment:
Any department costs of implementation will be met with existing department funds.
(8) Provide an assessment of whether an increase in fees or funding will be necessary to implement this administrative regulation, if new, or by the change if it is an amendment:
This amendment will not necessitate an increase in fees or require funding from the department for implementation.
(9) State whether or not this administrative regulation establishes any fees or directly or indirectly increases any fees:
There are no fees increased by this amendment.
(10) TIERING: Is tiering applied?
Tiering is not applied as all individuals in the boiler and pressure vessel industry and department personnel are affected by this amendment.
FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
(1) Identify each state statute, federal statute, or federal regulation that requires or authorizes the action taken by the administrative regulation:
This regulation is authorized and required by KRS 236.030, 236.040, 236.110, 236.120, and 236.240.
(2) State whether this administrative regulation is expressly authorized by an act of the General Assembly, and if so, identify the act:
This regulation is required by KRS 236.030, 236.040, and 236.110
(3)(a) Identify the promulgating agency and any other affected state units, parts, or divisions:
The Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction, Division of Plumbing, Boiler Inspection Section.
(b) Estimate the following for each affected state unit, part, or division identified in (3)(a):
1. Expenditures:
For the first year:
None
For subsequent years:
None
2. Revenues:
For the first year:
None
For subsequent years:
None
3. Cost Savings:
For the first year:
None
For subsequent years:
None
(4)(a) Identify affected local entities (for example: cities, counties, fire departments, school districts):
There are no anticipated local entities that will be affected by this regulatory amendment. (b) Estimate the following for each affected state unit, part, or division identified in (4)(a):
(b) Estimate the following for each affected local entity identified in (4)(a):
1. Expenditures:
For the first year:
None
For subsequent years:
None
2. Revenues:
For the first year:
None
For subsequent years:
None
3. Cost Savings:
For the first year:
None
For subsequent years:
None
(5)(a) Identify any affected regulated entities not listed in (3)(a) or (4)(a):
Individuals engaged in the boiler and pressure vessel industry, building owners.
(b) Estimate the following for each regulated entity identified in (5)(a):
1. Expenditures:
For the first year:
Owners of power boilers and heating boilers will incur the cost of a chimney inspection every two or four years, estimated at around $300 for an inspection. Owners of certain pressure vessels will incur the cost of more frequent recurring inspections (every four years instead of five for vessels over 200 psi MAWP; every six years instead of ten for deareators, every three years instead of five for liquid CO2 vessels, every ten years for pressure vessels 200 psi MAWP or less). These inspections cost $25.
For subsequent years:
Same as first year.
2. Revenues:
For the first year:
Boiler contractors may see increased revenues for performing chimney/flue inspections if they are contracted to do so.
For subsequent years:
Same as first year.
3. Cost Savings:
For the first year:
Owners/operators of pressure vessels for human occupancy will save on the cost of less frequent recurring inspections (every four years instead of two). The cost of insuring the buildings and units may decrease as inspection frequency increases for some units.
For subsequent years:
Same as first year.
(6) Provide a narrative to explain the following for each entity identified in (3)(a), (4)(a), and (5)(a)
(a) Fiscal impact of this administrative regulation:
For the owners of power boilers and heating boilers, the anticipated fiscal impact will be an approximately $300 charge every two years (power boiler) to four years (heating boiler). Owners of certain pressure vessels will incur the cost of more frequent recurring inspections (every four years instead of five for vessels over 200 psi MAWP; every six years instead of ten for deareators, every three years instead of five for liquid CO2 vessels, every ten years for pressure vessels 200 psi MAWP or less). These inspections cost $25.These costs may be offset by reductions in insurance premiums for the buildings/units.
(b) Methodology and resources used to reach this conclusion:
The department ascertained the average cost of a chimney inspection via surveying providers of same, the cost of pressure vessel recurring inspections is established by 815 KAR 15:027.
(7) Explain, as it relates to the entities identified in (3)(a), (4)(a), and (5)(a):
(a) Whether this administrative regulation will have a "major economic impact", as defined by KRS 13A.010(14):
This regulation will not have a major economic impact as defined by KRS 13A.010(14).
(b) The methodology and resources used to reach this conclusion:
The combined implementation and compliance costs of the administrative regulation are less than $500,000 over any two-year period.
PUBLIC PROTECTION CABINET
Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction
(Amendment)
815 KAR 15:026.Existing boilers and pressure vessels; testing, repairs, inspection, and safety factors.
Section 1.
Frequency of Inspection of Existing Vessels.(1)
Boiler inspections. Boilers shall be inspected pursuant to KRS 236.110 upon notification by a boiler inspector or special boiler inspector.(2)
Pressure vessel inspections. Pressure vessels shall be reinspected in accordance with this subsection and subsection (3) of this section.(a)
Pressure vessels exceeding 200 psi MAWP shall be inspected every four (4) years.(b)
Hot water storage tanks, sterilizers, and autoclaves shall be inspected every four (4) years.(c)
Pressure vessels for human occupancy and hyperbaric chambers shall be inspected every four (4) years.(d)
Jacketed cooking kettles shall be inspected every two (2) years.(e)
Deareators shall be inspected externally and internally every six (6) years.(f)
All pressure vessels shall be re-inspected at the time of repair, alteration, or relocation.(g)
Liquid carbon dioxide vessels shall be inspected every three (3) years.(h)
Pressure vessels that have a MAWP of 200 psi or less shall be inspected every ten (10) years.(3)
Inspection times. Except as established in 815 KAR 15:027, inspections made by boiler inspectors shall be conducted during normal business hours of the department between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.(4)
All existing boiler and existing pressure vessels shall be inspected in accordance with NBIC Part 2, 2025 edition, as adopted and incorporated by reference in 815 KAR 15:025.Section 2.
Preparation for Inspections and Tests.(1)
The owner or user shall prepare the boiler or pressure vessel for inspection if requested by the boiler inspector, special boiler inspector, or owner-user inspector.(2)
Inspections shall be conducted within seven (7) days of the date of notification by the boiler inspector, special boiler inspector, or owner-user inspector or at a date agreed upon between the user and the inspector.(3)
The owner or user shall prepare a boiler or pressure vessel for inspection by ensuring that:(a)
Water shall be drawn off and the boiler thoroughly washed;(b)
The manhole and handhole plates, washout plugs, tubular type sight glass, water column float and the plugs in water column connections, and water level probes and the plugs in water column connections shall be removed and the furnace and combustion chambers thoroughly cooled and cleaned;(c)
The grate of an internally fired boiler, and turbulators if present, shall be removed;(d)
Brickwork and other refractory shall be removed as required by the boiler inspector or special boiler inspector to determine the condition of the boiler, header, furnace, supports, or other parts; and(e)
Leakage of steam or hot water into the boiler shall be cut off by disconnecting or blocking off the pipe or valve at the most convenient point.(f)
All valves, including main steam, bleed, feedwater, blowoff, water column, and others shall be operable as witnessed by the inspector. Valves shall be exercised to the full open and full closed positions. Missing valve handles shall be replaced.(4)
If the boiler or pressure vessel is jacketed, enough of the jacketing shall be removed upon the request of the boiler inspector, special boiler inspector, or owner-user inspector so that the safety of the boiler or pressure vessel can be determined. If the covering cannot be removed at that time, the boiler inspector, special boiler inspector, or owner-user inspector shall order the boiler or pressure vessel out of service until the covering can be removed and a proper examination made. Jacketing and insulation shall be maintained in operable condition.(5)
If a boiler has not been prepared for an inspection in accordance with the requirements of this section or the owner or user fails to comply with the requirements for the hydrostatic or other leak test established in this administrative regulation, the boiler inspector or special boiler inspector may decline to make the inspection or test and the inspection certificate shall be withheld until the owner or user complies with the requirements.(6)
Hydrostatic pressure tests. If a hydrostatic test is applied to an existing installation, the pressure shall be as established in paragraphs (a) through (c) of this subsection.(a)
For determining tightness, the pressure shall be no less than 90% of the lowest safety valve setting.(b)
1.
For determining safety or the strength of a vessel and associated piping, the test shall conform to the test pressures established in the original code of construction but not exceed one and one-half (1 1/2) times the MAWP for power boilers, except for a locomotive type boiler, in which case the pressure shall be one and one-fourth (1 1/4) times the MAWP. The test pressure for heating boilers shall not exceed one and one-third (1 1/3) times the MAWP.2.
The pressure shall be under proper control to prevent the required test pressure from exceeding testing requirements listed in the original code of construction.(c)
The temperature of the water used for the hydrostatic test shall not be less than ambient temperature and shall not be less than seventy (70) degrees Fahrenheit for boilers or thirty (30) degrees Fahrenheit above the minimum design metal temperature for pressure vessels, nor high enough to allow the metal temperature to exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit.(d)
Chimneys, smokestacks, and flues shall be inspected by a licensed boiler contractor or a company that provides such services at every other inspection cycle. A letter stating that the chimney, smokestack, or flue is in safe and suitable condition for the service intended shall be presented to the inspector and retained by the department.(e)
Emergency shutdown switches shall be tested to ascertain that all boilers can shut down.(f)
Carbon monoxide detectors shall be maintained to ensure that they are in operable condition.Section 3.
Maximum Working Pressure. Notice of accident or unsafe conditions .(1)
Maximum pressure and temperature.(a)
Code boilers. The MAWP and temperature for standard pressure vessels and boilers shall be determined in accordance with the original code of construction.(b)
Noncode high pressure boilers. The MAWP of a noncode high pressure boiler shall be calculated in accordance with Section I of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code.(c)
Noncode welded heating boilers.1.
The MAWP of a noncode steel or wrought iron heating boiler of welded construction shall not exceed fifteen (15) psi.2.
For other than steam service, the MAWP shall be calculated in accordance with Section IV of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code as established by KRS 236.040(2).(d)
Noncode cast iron heating boilers. The MAWP of a noncode boiler, composed principally of cast iron shall not exceed fifteen (15) psi for steam service or thirty (30) psi for hot water service.(2)
Notice of accident or malfunction.(a)
If an accident or malfunction renders a boiler or pressure vessel inoperative, the owner, user, or insurer shall immediately notify the Boiler Inspection Section and submit a detailed report of the accident or malfunction.(b)
1.
For any accident, including an explosion, resulting in property damage, injury to a person, or loss of life, the owner, user, or insurer shall give notice immediately by phone or electronic mail to the Boiler Inspection Section.2.
The boiler, pressure vessel, or any of the parts shall not be removed or disturbed before an inspection has been made by a boiler inspector or special boiler inspector, except for the purpose of saving human life.(3)
Unsafe boilers and pressure vessels. A boiler or pressure vessel inspected by a boiler inspector or a special boiler inspector and found unsafe for further use shall be removed from service, until the boiler or pressure vessel has been sufficiently repaired and inspected by a boiler inspector or a special boiler inspector.(4)
Removal of safety appliances.(a)
A person shall not attempt to remove or work on a safety appliance while a boiler or pressure vessel is in operation unless under the direction of a boiler inspector or special boiler inspector, or permitted by these administrative regulations.(b)
If a safety appliance is repaired during an outage of a boiler or pressure vessel, the appliance shall be reinstalled and in proper working order before the vessel is returned to service.(5)
Maintenance. The boiler, pressure vessel, and pressure piping shall be maintained in accordance with the minimum requirements of the edition of the ASME Code that was in effect at the time the boiler, pressure vessel, and pressure piping was constructed and installed.Section 4.
Used Vessels.(1)
Used Vessel Inspections. Before a used boiler or pressure vessel is placed into service, it shall be inspected by a boiler inspector, and the inspection may include an internal and external visual inspection, a hydrostatic test, or other non-destructive examination.(2)
Reinstalled boilers or pressure vessels.(a)
If a boiler or pressure vessel is moved and reinstalled, the fittings and appliances shall comply with 815 KAR 15:025.(b)
All pressure vessels for human occupancy shall comply with 815 KAR 15:025.(3)
Appeal of an inspection decision.(a)
If the owner or user does not concur with the boiler inspector's decision regarding the condition of the boiler or pressure vessel, the owner or user may appeal to the commissioner who shall request a joint inspection by the chief boiler inspector and the boiler inspector.(b)
The chief boiler inspector and the boiler inspector shall render a report to the commissioner, who shall render the final decision, based upon the data contained in all the inspectors' reports.Section 5.
Repairs and Alterations.(1)
The permit as required by KRS 236.240 shall be signed and returned to the department upon completion of the repair or alteration. The National Board R-1 or R-2 form shall be attached to the completed repair permit.(2)
Repair or alteration to a boiler, pressure vessel, and the appurtenances shall conform to the requirements of the National Board Inspection Code Part 3, 2025 edition as incorporated by reference in 815 KAR 15:025 .(3)
Repairs or alterations to pressure relieving devices shall be made by a firm possessing the National Board Certificate of Authorization for Use of the Valve Repair VR Stamp and the valve shall be stamped with the VR stamp upon completion of the repair.(4)
An owner-user inspector may inspect repairs and alterations to pressure vessels that the owner-user inspector's company owns or operates.Section 6.
Inspection by Special Boiler Inspectors.(1)
A special boiler inspector shall submit an inspection report to the Boiler Inspection Section on the applicable National Board Inspection Code Report of Inspection standard form or its electronic equivalent.(2)
An insurance company shall notify the Boiler Inspection Section of a new or a cancelled policy for a boiler or pressure vessel within thirty (30) days of the effective date of the policy.(3)
If a special boiler inspector finds, upon inspection of a boiler or pressure vessel a condition causing the special boiler inspector's company to refuse or suspend insurance of the boiler or pressure vessel, the company shall immediately notify the Boiler Inspection Section and submit a report of the defect.Section 7.
Inspection by Owner-User Inspectors.(1)
An owner-user inspector shall submit an inspection report to the Boiler Inspection Section on the applicable National Board Inspection Code Report of Inspection standard form, or its electronic equivalent.(2)
An owner-user company shall immediately notify the Boiler Inspection Section of a defective pressure vessel and submit a report of the defect using the applicable National Board Inspection Code Report of Inspection standard form or its electronic equivalent.(3)
If there is a disagreement as to the acceptance of any condition of a pressure vessel or repair by the owner-user inspector and owner-user company, the department shall make the final determination in accordance with the standards established in this administrative regulation.RAY A. PERRY, Secretary
JONATHAN M. FULLER, Commissioner
APPROVED BY AGENCY: April 9, 2026
FILED WITH LRC: April 10, 2026 at 12:00 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARING AND COMMENT PERIOD: A public hearing on this administrative regulation shall be held on June 23, 2026, at 9 a.m. eastern time, at 500 Mero Street, First Floor, Room 127CW, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601. Individuals interested in being heard at this hearing shall notify this agency in writing by five workdays prior to the hearing, of their intent to attend. If no notification of intent to attend the hearing was received by that date, the hearing may be cancelled. A transcript of the public hearing will not be made unless a written request for a transcript is made. If you do not wish to be heard at the public hearing, you may submit written comments on the proposed administrative regulation. Written comments shall be accepted through June 30, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. eastern time Send written notification of intent to be heard at the public hearing or written comments on the proposed administrative regulation to the contact person.
CONTACT PERSON: Jonathon M. Fuller, Commissioner, Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction, 500 Mero Street, 1st Floor, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601, Phone: (502) 782-0617, Fax: (502) 573-1057, Email: max.fuller@ky.gov
REGULATORY IMPACT ANALYSIS AND TIERING STATEMENT
Contact Person:
Jonathon M. Fuller
Subject Headings:
(1) Provide a brief summary of:
(a) What this administrative regulation does:
This administrative regulation establishes the requirements for safe maintenance of boilers and pressure vessels.
(b) The necessity of this administrative regulation:
This administrative regulation is necessary to establish the requirements for existing boilers and pressure vessels and the inspection process that ensures the safety of the boilers and pressure vessels.
(c) How this administrative regulation conforms to the content of the authorizing statutes:
KRS 236.030 requires the commissioner to promulgate administrative regulations that establish standards for the safe construction, installation, inspection, and repair of boilers, pressure vessels, and associated pressure piping. KRS 236.040 requires all boiler and pressure vessels to conform to the rules and regulations formulated by the commissioner, and establishes the standards for pressure piping and pressure vessels for human occupancy. KRS 236.110 establishes the inspection requirements for boilers, pressure vessels, and pressure piping.
(d) How this administrative regulation currently assists or will assist in the effective administration of the statutes:
This administrative regulation establishes the standards for boilers and pressure vessels, the requirements for the maintenance of existing boilers and existing pressure vessels, and the administrative regulation establishes when and how existing boilers and existing pressure vessels must be inspected.
(2) If this is an amendment to an existing administrative regulation, provide a brief summary of:
(a) How the amendment will change this existing administrative regulation:
This amendment changes inspection frequencies as follows: Pressure vessels exceeding 200 psi MAWP shall be inspected every four years, rather than every five years as per the current inspection schedule. Pressure vessels for human occupancy and hyperbaric chambers shall be inspected every four years, rather than every two years as per the current inspection schedule. Deareators shall be inspected every six years, rather than every ten years as per the current inspection schedule. Liquid carbon dioxide vessels shall be inspected every three years, rather than every five years as per the current inspection schedule. Pressure vessels with a MAWP of 200 psi or less shall be inspected every ten years, rather than just once as per the current inspection schedule. This amendment also adds a requirement for a chimney inspection and implemented inspection requirements for certain classes of pressure vessels, which had not been inspected after installation. Grammatical and technical edits were also made.
(b) The necessity of the amendment to this administrative regulation:
The amendment was necessary to change inspection frequencies. Specifically, certain inspection frequencies are increased, in order to ensure public safety. The chimney inspection requirement is another change meant to increase public safety. Kentucky has recently incurred several carbon monoxide fatalities, which necessitated a greater focus on carbon monoxide detection and prevention.
(c) How the amendment conforms to the content of the authorizing statutes:
This amendment establishes the standards of existing boilers and existing pressure vessels and establishes the inspection requirements for boilers and pressure vessels.
(d) How the amendment will assist in the effective administration of the statutes:
This amendment updates the standards for boilers and pressure vessels and reorganizes and edits the administrative regulation.
(3) Does this administrative regulation or amendment implement legislation from the previous five years?
No.
(4) List the type and number of individuals, businesses, organizations, or state and local governments affected by this administrative regulation:
All individuals engaged in the boiler and pressure vessel industry, building owners, and Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction personnel.
(5) Provide an analysis of how the entities identified in question (4) will be impacted by either the implementation of this administrative regulation, if new, or by the change, if it is an amendment, including:
(a) List the actions that each of the regulated entities identified in question (4) will have to take to comply with this administrative regulation or amendment:
Power boiler operators must have a chimney inspection every two years. Operators of heating boilers must have a chimney inspection every four years. The purpose of this inspection is to attempt to prevent conditions that can lead to carbon monoxide build-up. There are recurring inspections for some classes of pressure vessels that previously were never inspected after installation. Therefore, the owners of these vessels shall submit to more inspections.
(b) In complying with this administrative regulation or amendment, how much will it cost each of the entities identified in question (4):
Chimney inspections cost approximately $300. Therefore, each of the entities identified in Question 3 may incur an approximately $300 charge per every two to four years, depending on whether they operate a power boiler or a heating boiler, respectively.
(c) As a result of compliance, what benefits will accrue to the entities identified in question (4):
Primarily, building occupants and those who maintain and operate boilers will benefit from increased safety, particularly as it relates to the health hazard of carbon monoxide exposure.
(6) Provide an estimate of how much it will cost the administrative body to implement this administrative regulation:
(a) Initially:
There are no anticipated initial costs to administer this regulatory amendment.
(b) On a continuing basis:
There are no anticipated continuing costs to administer this regulatory amendment.
(7) What is the source of the funding to be used for the implementation and enforcement of this administrative regulation or this amendment:
Any department costs of implementation will be met with existing department funds.
(8) Provide an assessment of whether an increase in fees or funding will be necessary to implement this administrative regulation, if new, or by the change if it is an amendment:
This amendment will not necessitate an increase in fees or require funding from the department for implementation.
(9) State whether or not this administrative regulation establishes any fees or directly or indirectly increases any fees:
There are no fees increased by this amendment.
(10) TIERING: Is tiering applied?
Tiering is not applied as all individuals in the boiler and pressure vessel industry and department personnel are affected by this amendment.
FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
(1) Identify each state statute, federal statute, or federal regulation that requires or authorizes the action taken by the administrative regulation:
This regulation is authorized and required by KRS 236.030, 236.040, 236.110, 236.120, and 236.240.
(2) State whether this administrative regulation is expressly authorized by an act of the General Assembly, and if so, identify the act:
This regulation is required by KRS 236.030, 236.040, and 236.110
(3)(a) Identify the promulgating agency and any other affected state units, parts, or divisions:
The Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction, Division of Plumbing, Boiler Inspection Section.
(b) Estimate the following for each affected state unit, part, or division identified in (3)(a):
1. Expenditures:
For the first year:
None
For subsequent years:
None
2. Revenues:
For the first year:
None
For subsequent years:
None
3. Cost Savings:
For the first year:
None
For subsequent years:
None
(4)(a) Identify affected local entities (for example: cities, counties, fire departments, school districts):
There are no anticipated local entities that will be affected by this regulatory amendment. (b) Estimate the following for each affected state unit, part, or division identified in (4)(a):
(b) Estimate the following for each affected local entity identified in (4)(a):
1. Expenditures:
For the first year:
None
For subsequent years:
None
2. Revenues:
For the first year:
None
For subsequent years:
None
3. Cost Savings:
For the first year:
None
For subsequent years:
None
(5)(a) Identify any affected regulated entities not listed in (3)(a) or (4)(a):
Individuals engaged in the boiler and pressure vessel industry, building owners.
(b) Estimate the following for each regulated entity identified in (5)(a):
1. Expenditures:
For the first year:
Owners of power boilers and heating boilers will incur the cost of a chimney inspection every two or four years, estimated at around $300 for an inspection. Owners of certain pressure vessels will incur the cost of more frequent recurring inspections (every four years instead of five for vessels over 200 psi MAWP; every six years instead of ten for deareators, every three years instead of five for liquid CO2 vessels, every ten years for pressure vessels 200 psi MAWP or less). These inspections cost $25.
For subsequent years:
Same as first year.
2. Revenues:
For the first year:
Boiler contractors may see increased revenues for performing chimney/flue inspections if they are contracted to do so.
For subsequent years:
Same as first year.
3. Cost Savings:
For the first year:
Owners/operators of pressure vessels for human occupancy will save on the cost of less frequent recurring inspections (every four years instead of two). The cost of insuring the buildings and units may decrease as inspection frequency increases for some units.
For subsequent years:
Same as first year.
(6) Provide a narrative to explain the following for each entity identified in (3)(a), (4)(a), and (5)(a)
(a) Fiscal impact of this administrative regulation:
For the owners of power boilers and heating boilers, the anticipated fiscal impact will be an approximately $300 charge every two years (power boiler) to four years (heating boiler). Owners of certain pressure vessels will incur the cost of more frequent recurring inspections (every four years instead of five for vessels over 200 psi MAWP; every six years instead of ten for deareators, every three years instead of five for liquid CO2 vessels, every ten years for pressure vessels 200 psi MAWP or less). These inspections cost $25.These costs may be offset by reductions in insurance premiums for the buildings/units.
(b) Methodology and resources used to reach this conclusion:
The department ascertained the average cost of a chimney inspection via surveying providers of same, the cost of pressure vessel recurring inspections is established by 815 KAR 15:027.
(7) Explain, as it relates to the entities identified in (3)(a), (4)(a), and (5)(a):
(a) Whether this administrative regulation will have a "major economic impact", as defined by KRS 13A.010(14):
This regulation will not have a major economic impact as defined by KRS 13A.010(14).
(b) The methodology and resources used to reach this conclusion:
The combined implementation and compliance costs of the administrative regulation are less than $500,000 over any two-year period.