NEW! Alberta Municipal Affairs releases IB19-008 to assure pneumatic testing is done safely

Alberta Municipal Affairs has released Information Bulletin IB19-008 Requirements for Pneumatic Test Procedures.

With IB19-008, Alberta Municipal Affairs establishes the requirements for application-specific pneumatic test procedures and for standard pneumatic test procedures. Pneumatic testing of new or repaired pressure equipment is considered part of the construction or repair, and must follow the registered procedure that meets the requirements of AB-532. Testing must be done by an organization holding a certificate of authorization permit, specifically Sections 11, 12, and 13 of the Pressure Equipment Safety Regulation. The organization’s Quality Management System must address pneumatic testing.

Construction codes for pressure vessels and pressure piping systems require pressure testing once fabrication is completed.  Repairs and alterations that require physical fabrication to the pressure boundary or alterations that increases the required thickness due to an increase of pressure also require pressure testing. 

The intent of the documents is to provide compliance guidance to help assure pneumatic testing is done safely. For more information, please view the Alberta Boilers Safety Association website.