Revised Boiler Testing Procedures Resolved

Section 9(h), Article II of Republic Act No. 8495 authorizes the Board to prescribe and/or adopt technical standards for the practice of the mechanical engineering profession.
The resolution adopts hydrostatic testing and inspection procedures as part of the Code of Professional Standards governing mechanical engineering practice.

The resolution adopts revised boiler hydrostatic testing and inspection procedures to incorporate latest developments and accepted practices in mechanical engineering.
The resolution grounds the revision on advancements in metallurgical, fabrication, design, and manufacturing technologies that support a new generation of boilers.
The resolution aims to ensure the safety and integrity of boilers and the operating system through appropriate testing and inspection procedures.

In new installations, boiler hydrostatic testing must be conducted before operation at 1.5 times Design pressure.
After initial testing, hydrostatic testing must be conducted every 5 years thereafter.
For the every 5 years testing rule, the test pressure must be not exceeding 1.5 times and not lower than 1.2 times the Maximum Allowable Working Pressure.
Hydrostatic testing may be conducted during shutdown for maintenance purposes.
For shutdown maintenance testing, the test pressure must be not greater than the set pressure of the safety valve having the lowest setting.

The hydrostatic testing and inspection procedures form part of the Code of Professional Standards for the practice of the mechanical engineering profession.
The resolution bases the adopted procedures on hydrostatic testing and inspection practices consistent with the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel and Natural Board Inspection Code.
The resolution recognizes references made to boiler inspection codes of other industrialized countries such as England, France, and Germany.

The Board adopts and promulgates the revised procedures to operate as technical standards for mechanical engineering practice.
The resolution provides mandatory testing standards that apply to new installations, periodic testing, and shutdown maintenance testing.
Copies of the resolution must be furnished to PSMEI as President, the Secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and other concerned sectors.

The resolution takes effect after fifteen (15) days from the completion of its full publication in the Official Gazette or any newspaper of general circulation, whichever comes earlier.
The resolution states it is implemented through adoption and promulgation of the revised hydrostatic testing and inspection procedures.
The adopted procedures are treated as technical standards that the Board can prescribe and/or adopt under Section 9(h), Article II of Republic Act No. 8495.