Background
The Boiler Attendants’ Rules, 2011 were framed under the Boilers Act, 1923 to regulate the qualification, appointment, duties, and responsibilities of boiler attendants across India. These rules ensure that boilers, which operate under high pressure and temperature, are managed by competent and certified individuals to prevent accidents and ensure safe operation.
Applicability
The rules apply to every establishment, factory, or industrial unit where a boiler is installed and operated under the provisions of the Boilers Act, 1923. They are applicable to boiler owners, boiler attendants, and Boiler Operation Engineers engaged in supervision, maintenance, and operation of boilers.
Compliance requirement under the Rules
The owner of a boiler who engages any person to be in-charge thereof, shall within 7 days of such engagement furnish to the Chief inspector or Director of Boilers with full particulars of such person including the serial number, date and place of issue of his certificate.
The owner of a boiler who engages any person to hold charge of such boiler, in the event of such person leaving his employment or in the event of the death of such person, report that fact within seven days to the Chief Inspector or Director of Boilers.
A person in-charge of a boiler or boilers for which a certificate of competency is required under boiler attendant rules, 2011 may be relieved of charge in any one day for not more than 2 periods, which when combined do not exceed 2 hours, in duration by a person holding a first class certificate of competency as an attendant.
The holder of a first class certificate of competency as a boiler attendant may with the consent in writing of the Chief Inspector or Director of Boilers, relieve a person holding a certificate of proficiency as a Boiler Operation Engineer for a period which may extend to 10 consecutive days which, in special circumstances, the Chief Inspector or Director of Boilers may extend to any length of time not exceeding 30 days at a time.
Penalty & Punishment
U/s 30: Any regulation or rule made under section 28 or section 29 may direct that a person contravening such regulation or rule shall be punishable, in the case of a first offence, with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, and in the case of any subsequent offence, with fine which may extend to one lakh rupees.
Conclusion
The Boiler Attendants’ Rules, 2011 ensure that only certified and competent personnel are entrusted with the operation and supervision of boilers. By mandating proper appointment, notification, and regulation of attendants, these rules safeguard workplace safety, reduce risks of accidents, and enforce accountability on boiler owners.
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