VHA DIRECTIVE 2003-050
September 11, 2003
(12) Provisions that the emergency electrical generator serving the boiler plant is included as
part of the medical center's emergency power supply system testing and maintenance program.
(13) A water treatment program that includes daily tests, records of the tests, and the use of
chemicals and includes a periodic review by a technical representative of the chemical supplier,
by an independent water treatment consultant, or a properly trained operator.
(14) A utilities systems security program ensuring limited access to the boiler plant and on
site fuel facilities, including fuel storage and piping systems.
(15) A system for regular checking on the boiler plant operator during each shift to ensure
that the ability to perform assigned duties has not been impaired due to an accident or other
event. NOTE: One qualified boiler plant operator per shift is sufficient to attend gas-fired or
oil-fired high-pressure boilers under normal circumstances.
(16) A requirement that boiler operators have annual physical examinations to ensure
physical fitness to perform assigned duties (see VA Handbook 5019, Pt. II).
(17) An organizational structure that promotes continuous quality improvement in safe
boiler operations.
(18) A procedure for steam system shut down to allow maintenance to be performed.
(19) Requirements that repairs to boilers and pressure vessels comply with the American
Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. No welded repairs
are permitted except by certified welders using Code-approved procedures.
(20) An equipment replacement program based on the following useful life expectancies.
Retention of equipment beyond the useful life expectancy must be based on an engineering
evaluation of the reliability, efficiency, and cost effectiveness of continued operation.
Equipment
Useful Life Expectancy (in years)
(a) Fire tube boilers and burners
30
(b) Water tube boilers and burners
40
(c) Feedwater deaerator
30
(d) Economizers
15
(e) Burner management controls
20
(f) Combustion controls
20
(g) Instrumentation
20
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