Boiler Rules, 2025: A Legal Framework for Safe Industrial Operations in Bangladesh

To enhance safety, clarify operational procedures, and establish a more robust regulatory system for boilers across the nation, the Government of Bangladesh has introduced new boiler rules that provide a comprehensive legal framework. These rules repeal and replace the Boiler Rules, 1961.

The main points are summarized below.

New Classifications with Mandated Lifespans

A significant update is the detailed classification of boilers with specific operational limits and lifespans. This categorization is designed to ensure that equipment is used within safe and efficient parameters. The classifications are as follows:

• Electrode boilers: These boilers, which use electric current to generate steam, are capped at a maximum water capacity of 300 liters and an operating pressure of 7 kg/cm². Their lifespan is set at 10 years.
• Small industrial boilers: Utilizing conventional fuel, these boilers have a maximum water capacity of 500 liters, an operating pressure of 7 kg/cm², and a lifespan of 15 years.
• Industrial boilers: This category includes all boilers exceeding the capacity or pressure of small industrial boilers and is further divided into two types:
• Packaged boilers: These are assembled at the manufacturer’s factory and have a maximum lifespan of 30 years.
• Field-erected boilers: These boilers, typically water tube or combined tube, are assembled on-site and have a maximum lifespan of 60 years.

The rules also permit a one-time extension of the lifespan for all boiler types by a maximum of 10 years, subject to approval from the Boiler Board and successful completion of non-destructive and efficiency tests.

Stringent Registration and Renewal Processes

The new rules outline a meticulous process for the registration and renewal of boiler usage certificates. To register a new boiler, applicants must submit a comprehensive set of documents, including cross-sectional construction drawings, calculations of pressure parts and ratings, and various certificates from inspection bodies and manufacturers.

The renewal of a boiler usage certificate is now required under several specific circumstances, including the expiration of the approved period; the transfer or relocation of the boiler; any repairs to the boiler or its components; if the boiler has been out of use for at least 90 days; or in the event of an accident.

Enhanced Inspection and Maintenance Protocols

To ensure operational safety, the new rules mandate rigorous inspection and preparation procedures. Before any inspection, boilers must be properly installed and equipped with standard fittings and mountings. For a thorough inspection, the boiler must be cooled, drained, and cleaned. Specific preparations are also detailed for hydraulic tests and safety valve tests.

The rules place a strong emphasis on the quality of the water used in boilers, requiring that feed water and boiler water parameters are controlled according to the code under which the boiler was manufactured. Regular maintenance, including daily, weekly, monthly, and annual checks as per the code, is now a legal requirement.

Clear Delineation of Responsibilities

The Boiler Rules, 2025, clearly define the responsibilities of various stakeholders, including the Chief Boiler Inspector, Deputy Chief Boiler Inspectors, and Boiler Inspectors. A significant portion of the rules is dedicated to the duties of boiler users, who are responsible for appointing qualified boiler operators based on the boiler’s heating surface. The rules stipulate that a boiler operator’s daily work hours must not exceed eight hours. Furthermore, boiler users are now required to provide risk insurance for the boiler operators.

Penalties and Accident Compensation

The new rules introduce a structured approach to penalties for non-compliance. The Chief Boiler Inspector is empowered to determine the minimum fines for various infractions based on the size of the boiler. Failure to pay fines within the stipulated time can lead to legal action under Section 27 of the Boiler Act, 2022.

In the unfortunate event of an accident resulting in injury or death, the rules establish a clear compensation framework. For boilers with a heating surface of up to 1,500 square feet, the compensation for a fatality is a maximum of BDT1,500,000. For boilers exceeding this size, the compensation for a fatality is a maximum of BDT2,500,000. The compensation for physical injury ranges from BDT100,000 to 1,000,000, depending on the severity of the injury.

New Opportunities for Service Providers

The Boiler Rules, 2025 also formalize the qualifications and registration process for various service providers in the boiler industry. This includes boiler manufacturing and repair companies, boiler inspection agencies, indenting firms, welding test institutes, and training organizations. This move is expected to professionalize the sector and ensure that all related services meet a minimum standard of quality and safety.