Some Historic References on Massachusetts Boiler Safety Laws
Between 1880 and 1890 there were over 2000 boiler explosions in the US. By 1890, inspections were rare and operating guidelines were not heeded. The 1905 Grover Shoe factory boiler explosion in Broctkton, MA, and another the next year brought action and a Board of Boiler Rules was formed. Massachusetts passed "An Act Relating to the Operation and Inspection of Steam Boilers" in 1909. The MA laws eventually led to passage of a national boiler safety code. Grover Shoe Factory.
“While the other parts of the country in the last three years have been devastated by nearly 1,500 explosions, which have been more or less serious and wrought considerable destruction to life and property, the Bay State has not recorded one. …The boiler inspectors are ten in number, and each one has his own particular district to look after.” Boston Globe article from 1902
Since 1902, the number of MA boiler and pressure vessels has certainly climbed and yet our District Engineering Inspector rolls continues to decline!! In 2010, just over 100 years since the fatal Grover Shoe factory disaster we were down to 7 and now we are back to 10 out of extreme need and much pressure on our parts to get it done. Even so, at least 16 inspectors are needed to cover current and backlogged inspections. The recent boiler explosion at Salem Harbor killing 3 and the huge steam related explosion that rocked Danvers, MA are just 2 examples of modern day complacency plaguing our state. SB917 and HB2208 continues this trend toward boiler explosion oblivion.
A Letter to all Current and Future 146 Members
As part of THE CHAPTER 146 ASSOCIATION, we don't just belong to another club, organization or social network. We are pledged to protect public safety through preserving our time tested public safety laws, mainly Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 146. As an association, we strive to be well informed so that we can take timely ACTION especially on the legislative front. We are highly motivated because when public safety takes a back seat people suffer and die needlessly.
Let's not forget some very recent Massachusetts disaster history. The whole town of Danvers (Danvers, MA on November 22, 2006.) was rocked by devastating explosions involving the mishandling of the steam supply to a volitile chemical vat. Related to this was the glaring lack of state oversight for their boilers (the state has no record of boilers on the site) and the use of unlicensed (no accountability) and untrained personnel (bad practice). We can only say "if", but we believe that if these best practices were in place, then this disaster could have been averted. Let's, also, keep in mind that boiler explosions can be deadly. The Salem Harbor Power Plant explosion in November, 2007 (Salem Harbor) where 3 men lost their lives is a prime example.
Every year, legislation is proposed by those who seek to soften our boiler safety laws. Ultimately their goal is to neutralize them completely so that all state oversight and enforcement is gone regarding the safe operation and attendance of steam boilers. We are bound by common cause to never let that happen.
Take heed and join us today.
What can you do?
1. Contact your state Representatives and Senators on a regular basis so that they will know what we stand for. This way they'll know how to respond on the legislative floor when the time comes to oppose or support legislation. They need to know who you are personally, too, because you are their eyes, ears and main source of information. Remember that you are the industry experts for your legislators. There's real power in being a constituent and to make it stick you must be persistent.
2. Come to our meetings and bring your fellow Steam Firemen and Engineers, Pipefitters, Hoisting Operators, HVAC Technicians, and Burner Technicians. The Chapter 146 Association is your point of reference ensuring that you are well informed on the issues.
3. Get them to become members of The Chapter 146 Association.
4. Participate in our letter campaigns against adverse legislation. We will supply you with all the necessary tools to be affective in this regard.
5. Look for our Emails. Email is a valuable, quick, and efficient resource for us. If you don't have a current email address, then make sure that there is someone in the association who can update you on our latest communications to the membership. Better yet, get a free GMAIL account today through Google then email us so that we can add you to our list of contacts.
6. Fill in the blanks!!!! Anything that you can do to help us out is a huge plus.
