Power Engineering Regulations PDF

Unit A-3 • Introduction to Power Engineering and its Governance in Canada Objective 3 Explain the purpose and intent of the Regulations governing Power Engineers and Pressure Welders. The Act permits the Regulations it references to be enforceable. The Acts deal with generalities. The Regulations...

Unit A-3 • Introduction to Power Engineering and its Governance in Canada Objective 3 Explain the purpose and intent of the Regulations governing Power Engineers and Pressure Welders. The Act permits the Regulations it references to be enforceable. The Acts deal with generalities. The Regulations provide instruction that is more specific. For example, in Alberta the Safety Codes Act does not deal with Power Engineer certification, responsibilities, or supervisory requirements. This information is found in the Power Engineer’s Regulations under the Safety Codes Act. Legislation from other jurisdictions is similar. Far more enforcement detail is found in the Regulations than the Acts. The Regulations content can be different between Jurisdictions. For example, in Alberta the requirements for Pressure Welders are found in the Pressure Welders Regulation. In Ontario and Manitoba, the requirements for Pressure Welders are found in their jurisdictional Boiler/Pressure Vessel/Pressure Plant Regulations. What follows is generalized content from the various regulations. Be aware that this is a general approach only. It is important to be familiar with the actual jurisdictional regulations. Boiler and Pressure Equipment Safety Regulation Definitions All Regulations list and define terms they use. Some of the definitions will include shift engineer, types of certificates, and plant descriptions. Exclusions and Exemptions The various types of equipment that are exempt from the provisions of the Act and or the Regulation(s) are listed. Adoption of Codes and Standards To standardize requirements across Canada, it is simpler for the Jurisdictions to adopt existing codes, such as the CSA, ASME, NFPA, and API codes. This eliminates duplication and makes the regulations more responsive to technological changes. These codes are developed and modified by committees, with representatives from each Jurisdiction. When codes and standards are adopted in the regulations, they are enforceable under the Act. Registration and Approval of Fittings, Pressure Vessel Designs and Weld Procedures Each jurisdiction retains the right to approve equipment design, before the equipment is used in the jurisdiction. This includes the design of boilers, pressure piping systems, pressure vessels, fittings, or weld procedures. The Chief Inspector, or designate (a government design engineer), must review and approve the manufacturer’s design drawings and calculations for the equipment or fittings. Once approved, the equipment or fittings are then registered in the jurisdiction, and permitted to be used in the jurisdiction. The regulation stipulates the approval and registration process. The Chief Inspector or designate must approve any changes to a registered design. This includes any repairs or alterations made to a pressure vessel, pressure piping system or boiler. 2-16 4th Class Edition 3 • Part A Jurisdictional Legislation for Power Engineers • Chapter 2 Boiler and Pressure Vessel Fees The regulations stipulate fees for the following. a) b) c) d) e) f) Register boiler, pressure vessel, pressure piping, or fitting designs. Register weld procedures. Conduct shop inspections of boilers or pressure vessels being manufactured. Conduct initial inspections of boilers, pressure vessels or pressure piping systems. Conduct regular inspections of in-service boilers and pressure vessels. To have existing equipment certified for operation. Construction Inspections This section deals with the requirements that relate to the construction of boilers or pressure vessels in the jurisdiction. These requirements include a) The submission of drawings, calculations, and specifications. b) Quality control programs in place during construction. c) The Manufacturers’ data reports. In-service Inspection This section deals with the frequency of inspection for boilers, pressure vessels, and pressure piping systems. Power Engineers’ Regulations The items that follow are an overview of typical Power Engineers regulations. Definitions Definitions for: • Chief engineer (Power, Steam, or Operating) • Shift engineer • Assistant engineer • Assistant shift engineer • Fireman • Building operator The pressure plant definition, and the method of determining capacity, is critical in Power Engineering regulations. Staffing is determined on this basis. Certificates of Competency The classes of Power Engineering certificates are listed in this part of the regulations. Their duties and responsibilities are outlined. To determine staffing requirements, given the particulars of any given plant, the regulation will specify the following. a) b) c) d) The class of plant. The class of Chief Engineer required. The class of Shift Engineer required. The class of Assistant Engineer required. 4th Class Edition 3 • Part A 2-17 Unit A-3 • Introduction to Power Engineering and its Governance in Canada The regulations mandate staffing and supervision requirements. The majority of the operating power plants must be under 24-hour continuous supervision of a Shift Engineer. However, there are a few exceptions for the supervision requirements. For details, consult the regulations specific to the local jurisdiction. Most plants require Chief Engineers who have the same or higher class as the plant classification. Shift Engineers are required to have a class of certificate of not less than one class lower than the plant classification. The responsibilities of the Chief Engineer, Shift Engineer, and Assistant Shift Engineer are defined in this section. The regulations state that Power Engineers working in the plant must display their certificates in an operating area of the plant (often in the control room). The application procedure and issuance of temporary certificates of competency may be addressed here, as well as the duration of such a certificate. Qualifications and Examinations To obtain a certificate of competency, a person must pass an exam set by the jurisdiction issuing the certificate. To qualify to take this exam, the candidate must meet certain requirements, with regard to previous work experience and education. The candidate must already hold a certificate of competency one class lower than that for which he or she is applying. Other information in this section deals with: a) Pass mark for exams. b) Credits which may be granted in lieu of operating experience. c) Credits which may be granted to a holder of a Power Engineering Diploma issued by an educational institute. d) Credits for other technical courses. This section also deals with the issuing of equivalent certificates of competency to persons from other jurisdictions. Conduct during Examinations The regulations identify which code books and calculators may be used during an exam. Candidates who do not observe these restrictions may be penalized, as noted in the regulations. Application for Examinations This section details the procedure for submitting exam applications. As well, the regulations specify the documentation an exam candidate must provide with the application (e.g. proof of operating time and education). Examination and Certificate Fees The fees for writing the various certificates of competency exams are listed; as well as, fees for re-marking exam papers. Other fees listed include those for temporary and duplicate certificates. 2-18 4th Class Edition 3 • Part A Jurisdictional Legislation for Power Engineers • Chapter 2 Pressure Welders’ Regulations Definitions Regulations for Pressure Welders define terms such as performance qualification card, pressure welder, and pressure welding. Classification of Certificates The various certificates for pressure welders and weld inspectors are listed, as well as what each certificate holder is allowed to perform. Prohibition The regulations emphasize that it is illegal for an unqualified person to weld on a boiler, pressure vessel, or pressure piping system. It is illegal to permit an unqualified person to weld on a boiler, pressure vessel or pressure piping system. Performance Qualification Tests A welder performance qualification test requires the candidate to pass a practical exam, under the supervision of a certified weld inspector. The jurisdiction issuing the certificate sets the exam. To qualify to take this exam, the candidate must meet the requirements set out in the regulations. Certificate Expiry Dates Pressure welders must re-qualify within the time limits stated in the regulations. This involves re-taking a performance qualification practical test. Miscellaneous Pressure welders are required to identify their weldments with a unique symbol, stamped on the surface of the weld or adjacent to it. Fees The regulations stipulate fees for: • • • • Practical exams Duplicate certificates of competency Duplicate performance qualification cards Special exams 4th Class Edition 3 • Part A 2-19 Unit A-3 • Introduction to Power Engineering and its Governance in Canada Chapter Summary Canada’s exemplary safety record with boilers and pressure vessels is highly recognized worldwide. This is, in part, because Canada has legislation to govern the design, construction, operation, repairs, and disposal of pressure equipment and boilers. This helps to protect people and property. Each jurisdiction in Canada has enacted its own legislation. Each jurisdiction has government departments or special operating agencies to enforce these laws. The Act has the overall authority in each jurisdiction. It identifies the scope of the authority and the application of the legislation. Regulations are in place under the Act to identify and enforce specific requirements, and to ensure compliance with the Act. Codes and standards help to create uniformity of legislation, and to keep legislation up-to-date with technological changes. The provinces and territories each have their own laws. However, organizations such as the ACI, SOPEEC, and IPECC work to standardize jurisdictional requirements in Canada for boilers, pressure vessels, and Power Engineers. This helps to ensure the highest level of safety and protection of people and property. 2-20 4th Class Edition 3 • Part A