FAQ'S
Please see the following for frequently asked questions and responses from Inspection and Technical Services (ITS):
What type of equipment is included in this FAQ
- This guide discusses topics of interest regarding all boilers, pressure vessels and refrigeration plants that fall within the scope of the Manitoba Steam and Pressure Plants Act & Regulation.
What is a Manitoba Object Number/MB Unit No.?
- This unique identifier is assigned to each boiler, pressure vessel or refrigeration plant installed in Manitoba. The object number will begin with a B, P or R followed by a hyphen and up to 5 digits. Example, a boiler could be B-12345, a pressure vessel P-111 or refrigeration plant R-222.
What is a Canadian Registration Number (CRN)?
- A registration number, allotted by a provincial regulatory authority, that allows a boiler, pressure vessel, or fitting to be used in the province. A CRN # will be stamped on the vessel and to verify the vessel is registered in Manitoba, you will see a ‘4’ and/or letter ‘C’, after the decimal. Example: F4567.4C or F4567.546.
- Please visit the Design Registration for Pressure Equipment page for additional information.
What is an Inspection Certificate?
- A valid inspection certificate is required to operate all boilers, pressure vessels and refrigeration plants; indicating a passing inspection has taken place. A passing inspection could include orders to remedy and these orders will be issued with a compliance date.
Who requires a Certificate of Inspection?
- Individuals and businesses who own boilers, pressure vessels and refrigeration plants regulated under the Manitoba Steam and Pressure Plants Act & Regulation.
How do I get an Inspection Certificate?
- Upon completion of a passing inspection and receipt of payment, an inspection certificate will be issued by mail.
What do I do with the Inspection Certificate?
- The inspection certificate must be displayed on or near the boiler, pressure vessel or refrigeration plant.
Why do I need a valid Inspection Certificate?
- A valid inspection certificate is required as per the Manitoba Steam and Pressure Plants Act & Regulation.
How do I know when my Inspection Certificate expires?
- The expiry date will be printed on the Inspection Certificate. Additionally, your invoice will indicate the number of years granted for your inspection interval.
How do I schedule an initial inspection for a newly installed boiler/pressure vessel/refrigeration plant?
- Email bpv.intake@gov.mb.ca to arrange an inspection.
What is a Graded inspection?
- A graded inspection is a thorough assessment of pressure equipment in order to determine its condition and if the equipment can be safely operated for the interval assigned.
What is a Grade 1 inspection?
- A grade 1 inspection is intended to identify any deficiencies in the design, construction, or installation that may be revealed during an initial inspection. In addition, the owner/owner representative shall demonstrate that they are using proper diligence in order to ensure the safe operation of their unit.
How and when do I schedule a Grade 1 inspection?
- If the inspection certificate is nearing the expiration date, please contact ITS at bpv.intake@gov.mb.ca to schedule an inspection. Please contact ITS 6 weeks prior to the expiration date.
What is a Grade 2 inspection?
- A grade 2 inspection is intended to verify the owner/owner representative is continuing to provide for the safe operation of their unit.
How do I update my billing name and/or address?
- Contact ITS in writing to BPVIntake@gov.mb.ca. The owner is responsible to notify ITS, as per the Manitoba Steam and Pressure Plants Act & Regulation.
What happens when I purchase a business with existing pressure equipment?
- Contact ITS in writing to BPVIntake@gov.mb.ca. The owner is responsible to notify ITS, as per the Manitoba Steam and Pressure Plants Act & Regulation.
- Upon the discretion of Inspection and Technical Services, a new inspection may be required.
What happens if there is a name change to a business that is currently assigned a Grade 2 interval?
- Contact ITS in writing to BPVIntake@gov.mb.ca. The owner is responsible to notify ITS, as per the Manitoba Steam and Pressure Plants Act & Regulation.
- A Grade 2 interval is non-transferrable, an inspection may be required upon ownership change, and a Grade 1 interval will be assigned.
What are my responsibilities during my graded interval?
- An inspection is a singular moment in time and does not predict the future state of the equipment. Owners and users are required to maintain their pressure equipment as directed and required in various adopted codes and standards.
Why did my inspection fee increase?
- Changes to the Manitoba Steam and Pressure Plants Act & Regulation were implemented on July 1, 2019. The primary amendments were regarding the fee structure and the inspection intervals.
Can I receive invoices and/or inspection certificates electronically?
- Unfortunately, no. Our system does not have the capability to issue documents electronically. All invoices and/or inspection certificates will be mailed to the addresses provided.
I think my plant is already approved as Guarded Status, how do I know?
- Guarded Status Plants are issued an official letter granting permission to operate without constant supervision.
My plant was previously recognized as Guarded Status but I have no letter, what do I do?
- You can request ITS to search our records. A fee for search of documentation may apply as per clause 31 of the Steam and Pressure Plants Regulation. If no documentation is found to support the Guarded Status, a new application in accordance with the Guarded Status Guides are required.
What if the plant is sold, does the Guarded Status transfer to the new owners?
- No. A new application will need to be made in accordance with the Guarded Status Guides available on the Bulletins, Guides & Forms page. A new letter may be issued.
What if equipment is added to or removed from the plant, do I need to notify anyone?
- Yes. A new application will need to be made in accordance with the Guarded Status Guides. A new letter may be issued.