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Minnesota Operating Rules
MN Rules Chapter 5225: licensing, attendance requirements, logbooks, and chief engineer duties.
In this topic:
License Classes
Minnesota requires boiler operators to hold the appropriate license for the boiler they operate.
- Special Boiler License / Class 2-B: entry-level, same exam for both
- Class 1-B: high-pressure boiler operator — higher capacity boilers
- Chief Engineer licenses: required for plants above certain HP thresholds
- Experience requirements apply: must have documented operating hours
- License renewal and continuing education may be required
Attendance Requirements
Minnesota requires licensed operators to be present based on boiler horsepower.
- Attendance requirement is based on total BHP in the plant
- Higher BHP = more stringent attendance requirements
- Some boilers with approved automatic controls may operate with reduced attendance
- An operator must be within hearing distance of the boiler alarm system
- The chief engineer is responsible for ensuring adequate staffing
Chief Engineer Responsibilities
The chief engineer has overall responsibility for safe boiler operation in a facility.
- Responsible for the safe and efficient operation of all boilers in the plant
- Must ensure all operators are properly licensed
- Must maintain the boiler logbook
- Must ensure water treatment program is followed
- Must coordinate with the boiler inspector for scheduled inspections
- Must report accidents and unusual occurrences
Logbook Requirements
The boiler logbook is a legal document that records all operating data and events.
- Must be maintained at the boiler location
- Record: pressure, temperature, water level, blowdown, LWCO tests
- Record: any unusual conditions or incidents
- Record: all safety valve tests
- Record: water treatment results
- Must be available for review by the boiler inspector
Inspections
Boilers in Minnesota must be inspected by an authorized inspector.
- Internal inspections: required on a periodic schedule
- External inspections: performed while the boiler is in operation
- The inspector may require hydrostatic tests or repairs
- R stamp: required for any repairs to pressure-retaining parts — must be done by an R-stamp holder
- Owner must prepare the boiler for internal inspection (cool, drain, clean, open)