On April 4, 2025, the President of India approved the Boiler Act, 2025, which is an important legislative milestone aimed at ensuring safe operation of steam boilers across the country. The Act passed by the Indian Parliament sets out to establish a strong framework for boiler regulation, with focus on public safety, uniformity in registration and inspection standards. The new law replaces old provisions and brings noteworthy updates to address growing safety concerns and technological improvements in boiler engineering.

Key Objectives of the Boilers Act, 2025

The primary objective of the Boiler Act, 2025 is to reduce the risk of explosions and accidents related with steam and boilers, which may cause severe damage to life and property. As India continues to grow industrially, the requirement for standardized boiler safety protocols has become essential. Boilers are widely used in power generation, manufacturing and chemical processing industries and pose significant risks if not properly regulated and maintained.

The new Act mandates strict safety standards for the manufacturing, construction, use and inspection of boilers and boiler components. The Act provides for the formation of a regulatory body, the Central Boiler Board, which will supervise the implementation of safety protocols, certification and inspection procedures.

New Provisions for Inspection and Certification

A notable feature of the Boilers Act, 2025 is the establishment of detailed inspection and certification procedures. The purpose of these procedures is to guarantee that the boiler and related components meet the prescribed safety standards at every stage of design, manufacturing, installation and operational use.

Under the new law, state governments are authorized to appoint inspectors to oversee boiler safety within their jurisdiction. Manufacturers are required to appoint an inspection authority as soon as the manufacturing process begins. Boilers and other components are required to be inspected at several stages to ensure that they meet the safety standards set by the regulatory body. After the inspection, manufacturers will receive a Certificate of Inspection under the survey as proof of compliance with the required safety protocols.

Regulations for Boiler Components and Welders Certification

This act also introduces strict measures to confirm that only certified professionals work with boilers. Welders, who play a vital role in boiler construction and maintenance, are required to get certified by recognized authorities before performing any welding work on boiler components. There Act has a provisions for validating welder's certificate on the basis of examination and assessment. These rules ensure the quality and safety of raw materials used in boiler work, thereby minimizing the risk of failure due to substandard work.

Registration of Boilers and Erection Process

The registration of boilers is another key aspect of the Act. Before any boiler can be operated, it must undergo a detailed inspection during its erection. The inspecting authority will assess whether the boiler's installation conforms to prescribed standards. Only after successful inspection and certification will the boiler be registered and authorized for use. 

For the erection process, the owner must follow the guidelines set by the inspection authorities and other authorities to ensure that every step of the installation fulfills the highest safety standards.

Safety Measures for Boiler Accidents

The Act gives a definition for what constitutes a boiler accident involving an explosion, uncontrolled release of steam or water, or any other incident which may result in injury to people or property. The Act confirms that every boiler is subject to a rigorous inspection and any equipment found to be defective or unsafe is either repaired or removed.

Exemptions and Special Considerations

While the Act applies to a wide range of boilers and components, there are some exemptions. Specially, the locomotive boiler operated by the Railways and boiler used by the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force, are not covered by the provisions of the Boilers Act, 2025. In addition, small scale boilers, such as those used in hospitals and nursing homes for sterilization, are also excluded if they fulfill the specific criteria. 

Impact of the Amendment

The Boilers Act, 2025 is set to have a major impact on the industrial safety landscape of India. By establishing thorough inspection and certification protocols, the act is intended to minimize the risk of boiler accidents, which have historically resulted in serious loss of life and property. The introduction of the Central Boiler Board ensures consistency of valid safety standards across the country, providing a centralized authority to monitor and enforce compliance. This regulatory refurbishment will not only strengthen industrial safety but will also enhance public confidence in the country's growing industrial sector. With more strict regulations, manufacturers and operators are expected to prioritize safety, minimize operational risks and increase the overall safety of workers and communities.