Operators of boilers will now be better protected following a substantial revision of one of the industry’s key safety standards.
The revision dramatically improves testing requirements and controls for increased workplace and personal safety.
The standard now provides safer methodologies and improved requirements to address factors such as boiler controls, special lifting equipment, boiler access and other work health and safety (WHS) aspects.
The updated standard is AS/NZS 2593:2021, Boilers – Safety management and supervision systems.
Standards Australia head of standards development, Roland Terry-Lloyd, said the update also sets out new requirements to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases from boilers, as well as addressing the significant technology upgrades that have occurred in the industry.
“Supporting safer work environments and safety for the public is paramount particularly when dealing with hazardous equipment such as boilers that can pose serious risks,” he said.
“This updated standard puts safety at the forefront with clear, concise testing methods and safety requirements.
“For the first time the inclusion of requirements aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from boilers, as well as methodologies that address the vast array of new technology now deployed in the sector, has resulted in an internationally competitive standard.”
James Forbes, chair and drafting leader for the new standard, said the revision was a huge task for the committee with over 1,000 updates and modifications made during the drafting process.
He said the end result is a much improved document to guide the industry.
“This new version is a standard of international quality that now focuses on the best criteria of any standard of any country – safety, the environment and technology,” Forbes said.