Specifies minimum requirements and guidance on the operation and maintenance of boilers, pressure vessels, associated control and safety equipment, piping and auxiliaries, and in the execution of such work. Covers actions required by the owner-user from initial receipt of the equipment on-site until final disposal. Applies to commissioning, operation, maintenance, routine inspection, storage and disposal, together with specific requirements for safety management systems, including where appropriate risk assessment. Applies to pressure equipment covered by AS/NZS1200. The requirements do not apply to all hazard levels of pressure equipment.

This Standard specifies the minimum requirements and gives guidance on the operation and maintenance of boilers, pressure vessels, associated control and safety equipment, piping and auxiliaries, (e.g. boiler fuel handling and firing equipment, heaters, fans, pumps, feedwater treatment and the like) and gives guidance in the execution of such work. It also covers actions required from initial receipt of the equipment on-site until final disposal. This Standard applies to commissioning, operation, maintenance, alterations, routine inspection, dismantling storage and disposal. It includes specific requirements for safety management systems, including, where appropriate, risk assessment.Requirements cannot be written in sufficient detail to cover all aspects of the above. Necessary action is required to ensure the continued safe operation of the pressure equipment. This may require outside expert advice, which may typically include the use of risk assessment or other appropriate methods.This Standard generally applies to pressure equipment covered by AS/NZS 1200. The extent of the application of the requirements is dependent on the hazard levels of the equipment and service conditions.NOTES: 1 ‘Duty of care’ is now prescribed on employers and employees regardless of regulation or standards. This Standard does not supersede ‘duty of care’.2 Users of this Standard are reminded that it has no legal authority in its own right, but may acquire legal standing when adopted by government or an authority having jurisdiction, or if specified as part of a commercial contract.

First published as AS 3873-1991.Second edition 1995.Third edition 2001.Reconfirmed 2016. Originated as AS 3873-1991. Previous edition 1995. Third edition 2001.