Boiler & Pressure Vessels Program

The Boiler Pressure Vessel Service provides administrative assistance, education, training, and awareness within the State of Oklahoma to ensure public safety. The Oklahoma Department of Labor has jurisdiction over high-pressure boilers, low-pressure steam and hot water boilers, other pressure vessels, and licensing requirements for firms engaged in the repair, service, and installation of these systems.

Our Commitment

We strive to provide professional, reliable, and efficient services for those governed and affected by the Boiler & Pressure Vessel industry, in compliance with state statutes, to promote a safer Oklahoma.

Service

Our program ensures the safe installation, operation, service, and repair of boilers, pressure vessels, hot water supplies, and Carbon Dioxide (CO2) storage vessels, as well as weld test facilities. We are responsible for registering and inspecting over 14,300 active boilers/pressure vessels and over 30,000 hot water heaters in the state, and we conduct safety inspections on steam engines and other implements.

Inspections

• Boilers: All boilers must be inspected by either the state or an authorized insurance company at least once a year, with high-pressure boilers inspected twice a year. Some pressure vessels are inspected every three years.

• Hot Water Heaters: The Oklahoma Department of Labor has jurisdiction to inspect nearly 20,000 hot water heaters, with approximately 9,000 inspected annually.

Inspectors

Click here to locate your county's inspector!

All inspectors are required to be commissioned by the National Board of Boilers and Pressure Vessels. Currently, there are approximately 15,000 boilers and pressure vessels in use in Oklahoma, with around 475 firms licensed to install, service, and repair them.

Regulations

Boiler inspection regulations were first established in 1921 and later updated in 1982. The updated regulations also include inspection requirements for domestic hot water heaters in city, county, or state facilities. This change was prompted by a tragic incident in 1982 when a hot water heater exploded at Star Elementary School in Oklahoma City, resulting in the deaths of six children and one teacher.

Annual Summit and Training

The staff conducts an annual summit to inform the industry of safety requirements, rule/law changes, and other timely announcements. Inspectors undergo rigorous training courses covering various national codes and guidelines to protect public safety within the boiler industry.

Contact Us

For more information, contact us at (405) 521-6100 or email odolboilers@labor.ok.gov.