Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health (ADOSH)
Boiler Safety Section
The Boiler Program
Note: The Boiler Program is equipment-oriented and not based upon employee exposure. As a result, cease-and-desist orders are issued without monetary penalties. Once violations are corrected, certificates of operation are issued, allowing the owner/operator to use the boiler.
Boiler Safety Section
Arnel Buquis, Chief Boiler Inspector - (602) 542-1648
Email: [email protected]
FAX – (602) 542-1614
Mailing address:
Boiler Safety Section
P.O. Box 19070
Phoenix, AZ 85005-9070
Pursuant to A.R.S. § 23-485, Boiler Inspections May Be Performed by Third-party Inspection Agencies Listed Below
All certificate Inspections, and mandatory in-service inspections to be performed after July 1, 2017 shall be performed by third party inspection agencies as shown under “List of Authorized companies for Boiler Inspections” below.
- List of Authorized companies for Boiler Inspections
- Owner Listing of Uninsured Boilers, Water Heaters, and Pressure Vessels
- Overdue Inspections List
Duties and Responsibilities of the Boiler Safety Section
- Recommend standards, regulations, and amendments to the Arizona Boiler Rules found in the Administrative Code Title 20 Chapter 5 Article 4.
- Enforce the Arizona Boiler Rules and the Arizona Boiler Act – ARS Title 23 Chapter 2 Article 11 enacted in 1977.
Objects Subject to the Arizona Boiler Rules
- All newly installed, reinstalled, and existing boilers, direct-fired steam-jacketed kettles, and lined hot-water heaters operated in Arizona, except the following:
- Boilers and lined hot-water heaters regulated by the U.S. government.
- Boilers and lined hot-water heaters located in private residences or apartment complexes of not more than six units.
- Boilers and lined hot-water heaters operated on Indian reservations.
- A lined hot water heater that does not exceed any of the following:
- Heat input of 200,000 British thermal units per hour;
- Water temperature of 210°F; and
- Nominal water-containing capacity of 120 gallons.
Inspections Required
- Power boilers (over 15 psi steam or vapor pressure):
- An annual internal certificate inspection and an external inspection while under operating conditions.
- High temperature (water) boilers (exceeding 160 psi and/or 250°F):
- A certificate inspection every year.
- Direct-fired steam-jacketed kettles:
- A certificate inspection every two years.
- Heating or process boilers, not exceeding 15 psi (steam or vapor):
- A certificate inspection every two years.
- Hot-water boilers operating at pressures not exceeding 160 psi or a temperature not exceeding 250°F:
- An initial certificate inspection (may be external) with no further inspections required.
- Lined hot-water heaters that exceed any of the following limitations:
- Heat input of 200,000 BTU per hour.
- Water temperature of 210°F.
- Nominal water-containing capacity of 120 gallons.
- An initial certificate inspection (may be external) with no further inspections required.
- Weld repairs, alterations, replacement of any power piping (pipe, valves, and fittings) operated above 15 psi steam, and/or major component replacement.
All inspected boiler objects are issued individual identification numbers starting with the letters "AZ". Inspection Certificates are issued to individual boiler objects upon compliance with the Arizona Boiler Rules.
Special Inspector Commission
- Special Inspector Renewal Application 2024 (2024)
- Special Inspector New Application
- Instructions For Filling Out Renewal Application
Miscellaneous
- An owner, user, or operator shall immediately notify the Division of an explosion, severe overheating, or personal injury involving a boiler or lined hot water storage heater (R20-5-410).
- Repairs shall comply with the requirements of the National Board Inspection Code( (R20-5-406-B).
- A qualified attendant is required for operation of power boilers (R20-5-417-D).
- ADOSH Boiler Safety Section FAQs
Information Pertaining to Boiler Safety and Regulations
Direct Website for the Arizona Boiler Act (Title 23, Chapter 2, Article 11)
Downloadable Document Containing Small Business Bill of Rights (Boilers) (PDF Format) Small Business Bill of Rights - Boilers.
Website for the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors
Related Links to References for ASME, National Board, and National Fuel and Gas Codes - Links to Code Reference Webpages
Recent News & Events
Contact Info
Brian Hudson, Director
Phoenix Office:
800 W. Washington St.
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone: (602) 542-5795
Toll Free: (855) 268-5251
Fax: (602) 542-1614
Tucson Office:
2675 East Broadway,
Tucson, AZ 85716
Phone: (520) 628-5478
Toll Free: (855) 268-5251
FAX: (520) 322-8008