School District Boiler Inspections
Montana Law requires that all automatically fired boilers in schools must be inspected once each year. This is referenced in Montana Code Annotated 50-74-209.
School Districts who have the MSGIA property and liability coverage receive free boiler inspections as part of their coverage. Tim Fitzpatrick, the MSGIA claims manager, coordinates these inspections with the Business Standards Division of the Montana Department of Labor & Industry and our boiler inspector, Hartford Steam Boiler.
Preparing for inspections
Our goal is to complete a thorough state certified inspection without disrupting your operations. We know that you are busy. It is important that our inspectors use the time as efficiently as possible to make sure your equipment complies with state regulations. These steps will help you prepare for an inspection:
External Boiler Inspections
- Schedule the appointment when the boiler operator or maintenance personnel are available to perform any testing of controls and safety devices.
- Don’t forget to inform the operator of the date and time of the inspection-be sure they are onsite when the inspector arrives.
- Make sure the current certificate of inspection is posted.
- Keep clutter and debris out of the boiler room. This is always important for safety reasons and the boiler inspector needs to have access to the equipment.
Internal Boiler Inspections
Some boilers require periodic internal inspections to comply with Montana requirements. In addition to the tips listed above, the following actions should be taken by the school district to prepare for an inspection:
- Arrange to have the boiler cool. Remove manhole and handhole covers.
- Clean all boiler surfaces thoroughly, internally and externally.
- If the boiler has a low water fuel supply cut out, have the device dismantled for a complete examination of all parts.
- Disconnect the feed line connection at the boiler.
To Schedule an Inspection
The MSGIA is establishing its annual inspection schedules for MSGIA members. For the most part we are following your existing inspection schedules with few deviations. If you have questions regarding an inspection, please contact Tim Fitzpatrick, toll free, at 1-877-667-7392, ext. 4419.