{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/40.1-51.5.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/40.1-51.5.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/40.1-51.5.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/40.1-51.5.html"}],"law_id":72664,"edition_id":1,"section_id":72664,"structure_id":14122,"section_number":"40.1-51.5","catch_line":"Short title; definitions","history":"1972, c. 237; 1974, c. 195; 1986, c. 211; 1993, c. 543; 1996, c. 294.","full_text":"As used in this chapter, which may be cited as the Boiler and Pressure Vessel Safety Act, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth in this section unless the context requires a different meaning:\n\na\n\n“Boiler” means a closed vessel in which water is heated, steam is generated, steam is superheated, or any combination thereof, under pressure or vacuum for use externally to itself by the direct application of heat from the combustion of fuels, or from electricity or nuclear energy. The term “boiler” shall include fired units for heating or vaporizing liquids other than water where these units are separate from processing systems and are complete within themselves.1\n\n“Power boiler” means a boiler in which steam or other vapor is generated at a pressure of more than fifteen pounds per square inch gauge pressure.2\n\n“High pressure, high temperature water boiler” means a water boiler operating at pressures exceeding 160 pounds per square inch gauge pressure or temperatures exceeding 250 degrees Fahrenheit.3\n\n“Heating boiler” means a steam or vapor boiler operating at pressures not exceeding 15 pounds per square inch gauge pressure, or a hot water boiler operating at pressures not exceeding 160 pounds per square inch gauge pressure or temperature not exceeding 250 degrees Fahrenheit.\n\t\t\t\tmeans a vessel in which the pressure is obtained from an external source or by the application of heat from an indirect source or from a direct source, other than those vessels defined in subdivision (a) of this section.c\n\n“Certificate inspection” means an inspection, the report of which is used by the Chief Inspector to decide whether or not a certificate as provided by § 40.1-51.10 may be issued. This certificate inspection shall be an internal inspection when construction permits; otherwise, it shall be as complete an inspection as possible.d\n\n“Board” means the Safety and Health Codes Board.e\n\n“Owner-user inspection agency” means any person, firm, partnership or corporation registered with the Chief Inspector and approved by the Board as being legally responsible for inspecting pressure vessels which they operate in Virginia.f\n\n“Examining Board” means persons appointed by the Chief Inspector to monitor examinations of inspectors.g\n\n“Water heater” means a vessel used to supply (i) potable hot water or (ii) both space heat and potable water in combination which is directly heated by the combustion of fuels, by electricity or any other source and withdrawn for use external to the system at pressures not to exceed 160 pounds per square inch, or temperatures of 210 degrees Fahrenheit.h\n\n“Contract fee inspector” means any certified boiler inspector contracted to inspect boilers or pressure vessels on an independent basis by the owner or operator of the boiler or pressure vessel.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":261562,"text":"As used in this chapter, which may be cited as the Boiler and Pressure Vessel Safety Act, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth in this section unless the context requires a different meaning:","type":"section","prefixes":[""],"prefix":"","entire_prefix":"","prefix_anchor":"","level":1,"next_prefix":"a"},"1":{"id":261563,"text":"“Boiler” means a closed vessel in which water is heated, steam is generated, steam is superheated, or any combination thereof, under pressure or vacuum for use externally to itself by the direct application of heat from the combustion of fuels, or from electricity or nuclear energy. The term “boiler” shall include fired units for heating or vaporizing liquids other than water where these units are separate from processing systems and are complete within themselves.","type":"section","prefixes":["a"],"prefix":"a","entire_prefix":"a","prefix_anchor":"a","level":1,"prior_prefix":"","next_prefix":"a1"},"2":{"id":261564,"text":"“Power boiler” means a boiler in which steam or other vapor is generated at a pressure of more than fifteen pounds per square inch gauge pressure.","type":"section","prefixes":["a","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"a1","prefix_anchor":"a1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"a","next_prefix":"a2"},"3":{"id":261565,"text":"“High pressure, high temperature water boiler” means a water boiler operating at pressures exceeding 160 pounds per square inch gauge pressure or temperatures exceeding 250 degrees Fahrenheit.","type":"section","prefixes":["a","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"a2","prefix_anchor":"a2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"a1","next_prefix":"a3"},"4":{"id":261566,"text":"“Heating boiler” means a steam or vapor boiler operating at pressures not exceeding 15 pounds per square inch gauge pressure, or a hot water boiler operating at pressures not exceeding 160 pounds per square inch gauge pressure or temperature not exceeding 250 degrees Fahrenheit.\n\t\t\t\tmeans a vessel in which the pressure is obtained from an external source or by the application of heat from an indirect source or from a direct source, other than those vessels defined in subdivision (a) of this section.","type":"section","prefixes":["a","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"a3","prefix_anchor":"a3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"a2","next_prefix":"c"},"5":{"id":261567,"text":"“Certificate inspection” means an inspection, the report of which is used by the Chief Inspector to decide whether or not a certificate as provided by § 40.1-51.10 may be issued. This certificate inspection shall be an internal inspection when construction permits; otherwise, it shall be as complete an inspection as possible.","type":"section","prefixes":["c"],"prefix":"c","entire_prefix":"c","prefix_anchor":"c","level":1,"prior_prefix":"a3","next_prefix":"d"},"6":{"id":261568,"text":"“Board” means the Safety and Health Codes Board.","type":"section","prefixes":["d"],"prefix":"d","entire_prefix":"d","prefix_anchor":"d","level":1,"prior_prefix":"c","next_prefix":"e"},"7":{"id":261569,"text":"“Owner-user inspection agency” means any person, firm, partnership or corporation registered with the Chief Inspector and approved by the Board as being legally responsible for inspecting pressure vessels which they operate in Virginia.","type":"section","prefixes":["e"],"prefix":"e","entire_prefix":"e","prefix_anchor":"e","level":1,"prior_prefix":"d","next_prefix":"f"},"8":{"id":261570,"text":"“Examining Board” means persons appointed by the Chief Inspector to monitor examinations of inspectors.","type":"section","prefixes":["f"],"prefix":"f","entire_prefix":"f","prefix_anchor":"f","level":1,"prior_prefix":"e","next_prefix":"g"},"9":{"id":261571,"text":"“Water heater” means a vessel used to supply (i) potable hot water or (ii) both space heat and potable water in combination which is directly heated by the combustion of fuels, by electricity or any other source and withdrawn for use external to the system at pressures not to exceed 160 pounds per square inch, or temperatures of 210 degrees Fahrenheit.","type":"section","prefixes":["g"],"prefix":"g","entire_prefix":"g","prefix_anchor":"g","level":1,"prior_prefix":"f","next_prefix":"h"},"10":{"id":261572,"text":"“Contract fee inspector” means any certified boiler inspector contracted to inspect boilers or pressure vessels on an independent basis by the owner or operator of the boiler or pressure vessel.","type":"section","prefixes":["h"],"prefix":"h","entire_prefix":"h","prefix_anchor":"h","level":1,"prior_prefix":"g"}},"ancestry":[{"id":14122,"edition_id":1,"name":"In General","identifier":"1","label":"article","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":14121,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:46:56","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:46:56","permalink":{"id":220177,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":14122,"identifier":"1","token":"40.1\/3.1\/1","url":"\/40.1\/3.1\/1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":14121,"edition_id":1,"name":"Boiler and Pressure Vessel Safety Act","identifier":"3.1","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12776,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:46:56","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:46:56","permalink":{"id":220175,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":14121,"identifier":"3.1","token":"40.1\/3.1","url":"\/40.1\/3.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12776,"edition_id":1,"name":"Labor and Employment","identifier":"40.1","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:52","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:52","permalink":{"id":219723,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12776,"identifier":"40.1","token":"40.1","url":"\/40.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":67636,"structure_id":14122,"section_number":"40.1-51.10","catch_line":"Right of access to premises; certification and recertification; inspection requirements","url":"\/40.1-51.10\/","token":"40.1\/3.1\/1\/40.1-51.10","metadata":false},{"id":73578,"structure_id":14122,"section_number":"40.1-51.10:1","catch_line":"Issuance of certificates; charges","url":"\/40.1-51.10_1\/","token":"40.1\/3.1\/1\/40.1-51.10_1","metadata":false},{"id":72821,"structure_id":14122,"section_number":"40.1-51.11","catch_line":"Suspension of inspection certificate; injunctive relief","url":"\/40.1-51.11\/","token":"40.1\/3.1\/1\/40.1-51.11","metadata":false},{"id":64517,"structure_id":14122,"section_number":"40.1-51.11:1","catch_line":"Owner-user inspection agencies","url":"\/40.1-51.11_1\/","token":"40.1\/3.1\/1\/40.1-51.11_1","metadata":false},{"id":83915,"structure_id":14122,"section_number":"40.1-51.12","catch_line":"Violation for operating boiler or pressure vessel without inspection certificate; civil penalty","url":"\/40.1-51.12\/","token":"40.1\/3.1\/1\/40.1-51.12","metadata":false},{"id":66500,"structure_id":14122,"section_number":"40.1-51.13","catch_line":"Posting of certificate","url":"\/40.1-51.13\/","token":"40.1\/3.1\/1\/40.1-51.13","metadata":false},{"id":86209,"structure_id":14122,"section_number":"40.1-51.14","catch_line":"When inspection certificate for insured boiler or pressure vessel invalid","url":"\/40.1-51.14\/","token":"40.1\/3.1\/1\/40.1-51.14","metadata":false},{"id":61482,"structure_id":14122,"section_number":"40.1-51.15","catch_line":"Fees","url":"\/40.1-51.15\/","token":"40.1\/3.1\/1\/40.1-51.15","metadata":false},{"id":84895,"structure_id":14122,"section_number":"40.1-51.15:1","catch_line":"Only one inspection necessary","url":"\/40.1-51.15_1\/","token":"40.1\/3.1\/1\/40.1-51.15_1","metadata":false},{"id":55784,"structure_id":14122,"section_number":"40.1-51.16","catch_line":"Appeals","url":"\/40.1-51.16\/","token":"40.1\/3.1\/1\/40.1-51.16","metadata":false},{"id":80961,"structure_id":14122,"section_number":"40.1-51.17","catch_line":"Effect of chapter on local ordinances and regulations","url":"\/40.1-51.17\/","token":"40.1\/3.1\/1\/40.1-51.17","metadata":false},{"id":63481,"structure_id":14122,"section_number":"40.1-51.18","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/40.1-51.18\/","token":"40.1\/3.1\/1\/40.1-51.18","metadata":false},{"id":68895,"structure_id":14122,"section_number":"40.1-51.19","catch_line":"Variances","url":"\/40.1-51.19\/","token":"40.1\/3.1\/1\/40.1-51.19","metadata":false},{"id":72664,"structure_id":14122,"section_number":"40.1-51.5","catch_line":"Short title; definitions","url":"\/40.1-51.5\/","token":"40.1\/3.1\/1\/40.1-51.5","metadata":false},{"id":59511,"structure_id":14122,"section_number":"40.1-51.6","catch_line":"Safety and Health Codes Board to formulate rules, regulations, etc.; cost of administration","url":"\/40.1-51.6\/","token":"40.1\/3.1\/1\/40.1-51.6","metadata":false},{"id":59387,"structure_id":14122,"section_number":"40.1-51.7","catch_line":"Installations, repairs and alterations to conform to rules and regulations; existing installations","url":"\/40.1-51.7\/","token":"40.1\/3.1\/1\/40.1-51.7","metadata":false},{"id":55259,"structure_id":14122,"section_number":"40.1-51.8","catch_line":"Exemptions","url":"\/40.1-51.8\/","token":"40.1\/3.1\/1\/40.1-51.8","metadata":false},{"id":64630,"structure_id":14122,"section_number":"40.1-51.9","catch_line":"Employment and appointment of inspectors and other personnel; inspections; reports","url":"\/40.1-51.9\/","token":"40.1\/3.1\/1\/40.1-51.9","metadata":false},{"id":68727,"structure_id":14122,"section_number":"40.1-51.9:1","catch_line":"Examination of inspectors; certificate of competency required","url":"\/40.1-51.9_1\/","token":"40.1\/3.1\/1\/40.1-51.9_1","metadata":false},{"id":56735,"structure_id":14122,"section_number":"40.1-51.9:2","catch_line":"Financial responsibility requirements for contract fee inspectors","url":"\/40.1-51.9_2\/","token":"40.1\/3.1\/1\/40.1-51.9_2","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":68895,"structure_id":14122,"section_number":"40.1-51.19","catch_line":"Variances","url":"\/40.1-51.19\/","token":"40.1\/3.1\/1\/40.1-51.19","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":59511,"structure_id":14122,"section_number":"40.1-51.6","catch_line":"Safety and Health Codes Board to formulate rules, regulations, etc.; cost of administration","url":"\/40.1-51.6\/","token":"40.1\/3.1\/1\/40.1-51.6","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/40.1-51.5\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 1972. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 237 of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. Unfortunately, the 1972 \u201cActs\u201d aren\u2019t available online. It has been modified 4 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1974, chapter 195; in 1986, chapter 211; in 1993, chapter 543; in 1996, chapter 294<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":76283,"section_number":"15.2-910","catch_line":"Ordinance certifying boiler and pressure vessel operators; penalty","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-910\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":67636,"section_number":"40.1-51.10","catch_line":"Right of access to premises; certification and recertification; inspection requirements","order_by":null,"url":"\/40.1-51.10\/"}],"permalink":{"id":220231,"object_type":"law","relational_id":72664,"identifier":"40.1-51.5","token":"40.1\/3.1\/1\/40.1-51.5","url":"\/40.1-51.5\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/40.1-51.5\/","token":"40.1\/3.1\/1\/40.1-51.5","dublin_core":{"Title":"Short title; definitions","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 40.1-51.5","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

As used in this chapter, which may be cited as the Boiler<\/span> and Pressure Vessel Safety Act, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth in this section unless the context requires a different meaning:<\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

a.<\/span> “Boiler<\/span>” means a closed vessel in which water is heated, steam is generated, steam is superheated, or any combination thereof, under pressure or vacuum for use externally to itself by the direct application of heat from the combustion of fuels, or from electricity or nuclear energy. The term “boiler<\/span>” shall include fired units for heating or vaporizing liquids other than water where these units are separate from processing systems and are complete within themselves. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> “Power boiler<\/span>” means a boiler in which steam or other vapor is generated at a pressure of more than fifteen pounds per square inch gauge pressure. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> “High pressure, high temperature water boiler<\/span>” means a water boiler operating at pressures exceeding 160 pounds per square inch gauge pressure or temperatures exceeding 250 degrees Fahrenheit. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> “Heating boiler<\/span>” means a steam or vapor boiler operating at pressures not exceeding 15 pounds per square inch gauge pressure, or a hot water boiler operating at pressures not exceeding 160 pounds per square inch gauge pressure or temperature not exceeding 250 degrees Fahrenheit.\n\t\t\t\tmeans a vessel in which the pressure is obtained from an external source or by the application of heat from an indirect source or from a direct source, other than those vessels defined in subdivision (a) of this section. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

c.<\/span> “Certificate inspection<\/span>” means an inspection, the report of which is used by the Chief Inspector to decide whether or not a certificate as provided by § 40.1-51.10<\/a> may be issued. This certificate inspection<\/span> shall be an internal inspection when construction permits; otherwise, it shall be as complete an inspection as possible. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

d.<\/span> “Board<\/span>” means the Safety and Health Codes Board<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

e.<\/span> “Owner-user inspection agency<\/span>” means any person, firm, partnership or corporation registered with the Chief Inspector and approved by the Board<\/span> as being legally responsible for inspecting pressure vessels which they operate in Virginia. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

f.<\/span> “Examining Board<\/span>” means persons appointed by the Chief Inspector to monitor examinations of inspectors. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

g.<\/span> “Water heater<\/span>” means a vessel used to supply (i) potable hot water or (ii) both space heat and potable water in combination which is directly heated by the combustion of fuels, by electricity or any other source and withdrawn for use external to the system at pressures not to exceed 160 pounds per square inch, or temperatures of 210 degrees Fahrenheit. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

h.<\/span> “Contract fee inspector<\/span>” means any certified boiler inspector contracted to inspect boilers<\/span> or pressure vessels on an independent basis by the owner or operator of the boiler or pressure vessel. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nSHORT TITLE; DEFINITIONS (\u00a7 40.1-51.5)\n\nAs used in this chapter, which may be cited as the Boiler and Pressure Vessel\nSafety Act, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth in this\nsection unless the context requires a different meaning:\n\na. “Boiler” means a closed vessel in which water is heated, steam is\ngenerated, steam is superheated, or any combination thereof, under pressure or\nvacuum for use externally to itself by the direct application of heat from the\ncombustion of fuels, or from electricity or nuclear energy. The term\n“boiler” shall include fired units for heating or vaporizing liquids\nother than water where these units are separate from processing systems and are\ncomplete within themselves.\n\n 1. “Power boiler” means a boiler in which steam or other vapor is\n generated at a pressure of more than fifteen pounds per square inch gauge\n pressure.\n\n 2. “High pressure, high temperature water boiler” means a water\n boiler operating at pressures exceeding 160 pounds per square inch gauge\n pressure or temperatures exceeding 250 degrees Fahrenheit.\n\n 3. “Heating boiler” means a steam or vapor boiler operating at\n pressures not exceeding 15 pounds per square inch gauge pressure, or a hot\n water boiler operating at pressures not exceeding 160 pounds per square inch\n gauge pressure or temperature not exceeding 250 degrees Fahrenheit.\n \t\t\t\tmeans a vessel in which the pressure is obtained from an external source\n or by the application of heat from an indirect source or from a direct source,\n other than those vessels defined in subdivision (a) of this section.\n\nc. “Certificate inspection” means an inspection, the report of which\nis used by the Chief Inspector to decide whether or not a certificate as\nprovided by § 40.1-51.10 may be issued. This certificate inspection shall\nbe an internal inspection when construction permits; otherwise, it shall be as\ncomplete an inspection as possible.\n\nd. “Board” means the Safety and Health Codes Board.\n\ne. “Owner-user inspection agency” means any person, firm,\npartnership or corporation registered with the Chief Inspector and approved by\nthe Board as being legally responsible for inspecting pressure vessels which\nthey operate in Virginia.\n\nf. “Examining Board” means persons appointed by the Chief Inspector\nto monitor examinations of inspectors.\n\ng. “Water heater” means a vessel used to supply (i) potable hot\nwater or (ii) both space heat and potable water in combination which is directly\nheated by the combustion of fuels, by electricity or any other source and\nwithdrawn for use external to the system at pressures not to exceed 160 pounds\nper square inch, or temperatures of 210 degrees Fahrenheit.\n\nh. “Contract fee inspector” means any certified boiler inspector\ncontracted to inspect boilers or pressure vessels on an independent basis by the\nowner or operator of the boiler or pressure vessel.\n\nHISTORY: 1972, c. 237; 1974, c. 195; 1986, c. 211; 1993, c. 543; 1996, c. 294.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}