MCIT has partnered with Hartford Steam Boiler (HSB) to provide equipment breakdown coverage (a.k.a. boiler and machinery coverage). As part of this arrangement, HSB performs on-site equipment loss prevention activities and inspections required by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry on boilers and pressure vessels.
Such inspections are required for the renewal of the registration certificate with the State of Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry’s Code Division. Typically boilers are inspected each year, while pressure vessels, such as air tanks, are examined every other year.
Inspections Are Part of Coverage
Inspections performed by HSB professionals within the state guidelines are considered part of coverage, so members never see a bill for this service. Inspection of a boiler or pressure vessel, outside of the required schedule, is the responsibility of the owner of the property. Following the inspection, the HSB representative completes the required state forms and files them with the appropriate jurisdiction(s).
MCIT regularly provides the location and contact information of members for HSB to make arrangements for the next inspection. When calling to schedule an appointment, the HSB representative will identify him- or herself, explain his or her relationship to MCIT and outline the work he or she will perform during the inspection.
No phone call to HSB is necessary unless a member has a boiler question or thinks an inspection is needed. Members can contact HSB’s toll-free Inspection Hotline at 1.800.333.4677.
Periodically, HSB will alert MCIT to hazards observed during a visit, which are then communicated to the member.
Loss Prevention Report Provided
When conditions are discovered that could result in a serious loss or a jurisdictional “code” violation, a Loss Prevention Report is prepared by HSB and provided to the member and MCIT. Recommendations are categorized as code, critical, priority and advisory.
- Code: A condition that violates jurisdictional boiler and/or pressure vessel requirements and that must be corrected prior to the issuance of an “operating certificate” by the jurisdiction.
- Critical: A condition that could lead to a significant loss if not corrected immediately.
- Priority: A condition that could lead to a significant loss, but the likelihood of failure is not imminent. This recommendation is intended to allow members to schedule corrective action in the near future versus immediately.
- Advisory: A condition that has a low probability of loss, minimal impact in the event of failure, or a condition that would not cause a loss but if corrected would improve the operating efficiency or useful life of the equipment.
Other Services Available for a Fee
HSB also works with MCIT to provide other risk management services to assist with the protection of members’ equipment and property:
- HSB can provide claim, loss prevention, operation and maintenance training on boilers and similar equipment on a fee-for-service basis.
- Infrared loss prevention surveys that identify electrical hot spots is available for a fee.
Learn More About Equipment Breakdown
More information related to boiler inspections can be found in the resource Facility Management Loss Prevention Best Practices Guide.
HSB provides more information about equipment breakdown coverage and causes of claims on its website:
- Understanding Equipment Breakdown Insurance: Learn about common equipment risks and what equipment breakdown insurance covers.
- Equipment Breakdown Claim Examples: Examining some examples of losses that occur offers insight into why equipment breakdown insurance is important and to help prevent breakdowns.
Contact MCIT
Contact MCIT director of field services with questions about equipment breakdown coverage or boiler and pressure vessel inspections.