NR 13 - Boilers and Pressure Vessels (113.

000-5)

13.1. Vapour boilers - general provisions.

13.1.1. Vapour boilers constitute equipment intended to produce and accumulate vapour
under high atmospheric pressure, using any energy source, except for kettles and similar
equipment used in process units.
13.1.2. For the purposes of this NR, ‘Qualified Professional’ is considered to be any party
with legal competence for the exercise of the profession of engineer in the activities
referring to the construction project, accompaniment of operation and maintenance,
inspection and supervision of boilers and pressure vessels, in line with currently
applicable professional rulings in the Country.
13.1.3. The Maximum Permitted Operating Pressure - PMTP or Maximum Admissible
Operating Pressure - PMTA, is the greatest pressure value in line with the project code,
the resistance of the materials used, the dimensions of the equipment and their operating
parameters.
13.1.4. The lack of any of the following items constitutes a serious and imminent risk:
a) safety valve with opening pressure adjusted in value equal to or below the
PMTA; (113.071-4)
b) instrument which indicates the pressure of accumulated vapour; (113.072-2)
c) injector or other means of water supply, independently of the main system, in
solid fuel boilers; (113.073-0)
d) fast water drainage system, in alkali recovery boilers; (113.074-9)
e) water level control indication system or other system which avoids flooding
due to deficient supply. (113.075-7)
13.1.5. Any boiler must be fixed as a whole, in easily accessible premises with indelible
identification plate, and at least the following information: (113.001-3 / I2)

a) manufacturer;
b) order number given by the boiler manufacturer;
c) year of manufacture;
d) maximum admissible operating pressure;
e) hydrostatic pressure test;
f) vapour production capacity;
g) surface area of heating surface;
h) project code and year of construction.
13.1.5.1. In addition to the identification plate, the category of the boiler must be
stated in a visible place, as defined in subitem 13.1.9 of this NR, with its
identification number or code.
13.1.6. Any boiler must possess the following duly updated documentation, in the
establishment where it is installed:
a) "Boiler Manual" containing the following information: (113.002-1 / I3)

- project code and year of construction;

- specification of materials;
- procedures used in manufacture, assembly, final inspection and determination of
the PMTA;
- all drawings and other data necessary for monitoring the using life of the boiler;
- functional characteristics;
- data of safety devices;
- year of manufacture;
- category of boiler;
b) "Safety Register ", in line with subitem 13.1.7; (113.003-0 / I4)

c) "Project of Installation", pursuant to item 13.2; (113.004-8 / I4)

d) "Projects of Alteration or Repair", pursuant to subitems 13.4.2 and 13.4.3;

(113.005-6 / I4)

e) "Inspection Reports", pursuant to subitems 13.5.11, 13.5.12 and 13.5.13.

13.1.6.1. When non-existent or mislaid, the "Boiler Manual" must be replaced by
the owner with technical responsibility for the manufacturer or by the "Qualified
Professional ", quoted in subitem 13.1.2, provided its functional characteristics,
the data of the safety devices and procedures for determination of the PMTA, are
imperatively provided for. (113.006-4 / I3)

13.1.6.2. When the boiler is sold or transferred to another establishment, the

documents mentioned in paragraphs "a", "d", and "e" of subitem 13.1.6 must
accompany it.
13.1.6.3. The owner of the boiler must present the documentation mentioned in
subitem 13.1.6. (113.007-2 / I4), when so requested by the competent authority of
the regional body of the Ministry of Employment.
13.1.7. The "Safety Register " must consist of its own book with numbered pages or other
equivalent system, recording the following:
a) all important occurrences capable of influencing the safety conditions of the
boiler;
b) occurrences of periodical and extraordinary safety inspections, which must
state the legible name and signature of the "Qualified Professional ", quoted in
subitem 13.1.2, and the boiler operator present at the time of the inspection.
13.1.7.1. Should the boiler be considered inadequate for use, the "Safety Register"
 must confirm this information and be formally closed. (113.008-0 / I4)

13.1.8. The documentation referred in subitem 13.1.6 must always be at the disposal of
operators of the maintenance and inspection staff for consultation, and the workers’ and
users’ representatives in the Internal Accident Prevention Commission - Cipa, and the
owner must ensure free access to this documentation. (113.009-9 / I3)

13.1.9. For the purposes of this NR, the boilers are classified into 3 (three) categories, as
follows:
a) boilers of category A are those with operating pressure equal to or in excess of
1960 KPa (19.98 Kgf/cm2);
b) boilers of category C are those with operating pressure equal to or below 588
KPa (5.99 Kgf/cm2) and internal volume equal to or below 100 (one hundred)
litres;
c) boilers of category B are all boilers which do not fit the above-mentioned
categories.
13.2. Installation of vapour boilers.
13.2.1. The authorisation of the " Installation Project " of vapour boilers, as regards
compliance with this NR, is under the responsibility of the "Qualified Professional",
pursuant to the terms of subitem 13.1.2, and must comply with health, safety and
environmental aspects pursuant to the terms of statutory Norms, conventions and
applicable legal requirements.
13.2.2. The boilers of any establishment must be installed in a "Boiler House" or any
specific premises to this end, named "Boiler Area".
13.2.3. When the boiler is installed in the open air, the "Boiler Area" must satisfy the
following requisites:
a) be at least 3.00m (three metres) from: (113.010-2 / I4)

- other installations of the establishment;

- fuels stores, with the exception of tanks of up to 2 (two) thousand litres of
capacity;
- the boundary of ownership of third parties;
- the boundary with public highways;
b) have at least 2 (two) wide exits, permanently free from obstructions and
arranged in separate directions;
c) easy and safe access, necessary for the operation and maintenance of the boiler,
for which, for empty body-guards, the open spaces must be of dimensions which
prevent the falling of persons; (113.011-0 / I4)

d) have a system for the intake and launching of gases and material in particles,
originating from combustion, which is outside the area of operation in line with
currently applicable environmental norms;
 e) have lighting in line with currently applicable norms; (113.012-9 / I4)

f) have an emergency lighting system for operation at night.

13.2.4. When the boiler is installed in a confined space, the "Boiler House" must satisfy
the following requisites:
a) constitute a separate property, constructed with fire-resistant material, and must
have only one wall adjacent to the other installations of the establishment, but
with the other walls away from other installations, the boundary of ownership of
third parties, the boundary with public highways and fuel stores, by at least 3.00m
(three metres), except for stores of up to 2 (two) thousand litres of capacity;
(113.013-7 / I4)

b) have at least 2 (two) broad exits, permanently free from obstructions and
arranged in separate directions;
c) have permanent ventilation with entrances which cannot be blocked;
d) have a gas leak detection sensor in the case of a gas fuel boiler.
e) not be used for any other purpose;
f) be of easy and safe access, necessary for the operation and maintenance of the
boiler, for which, for empty body-guards, the open spaces must be of dimensions
which prevent the falling of persons; (113.014-5 / I3)

g) have a system for the intake and launching of gases and material in particles,
originating from combustion, which is outside the area of operation in line with
currently applicable environmental norms;
h) have lighting in line with currently applicable norms, and an emergency
lighting system.
13.2.5. Failure to comply with the following requisites constitutes a serious and
imminent risk:
a) for all boilers installed in the open air, paragraphs "b" , "d" and "f" of subitem
13.2.3 of this NR;
b) for boilers of category A installed in confined spaces, paragraphs "a", "b", "c",
"d", "e", "g" and "h" of subitem 13.2.4 of this NR;
c) for boilers of categories B and C installed in confined spaces, paragraphs "b",
"c", "d", "e", "g" and "h" of subitem 13.2.4 of this NR.
13.2.6. When the establishment cannot comply with the provisions of subitems 13.2.3 or
13.2.4, an "Alternative Installation Project" must be drawn up with complementary safety
measures which permit the attenuation of the risks.
13.2.6.1. The " Alternative Installation Project " must be presented by the owner
of the boiler in order to obtain agreement with the trade union representative of
the predominant professional category in the establishment.
13.2.6.2. When no agreement is reached, pursuant to the terms of subitem
 13.2.6.1, the intermediation of the regional body of the MTb may be called upon
by any of the parties, and, should the disagreement persist, the decision will be
taken by this body.
13.2.7. Boilers classified in category A must have an instrument panel installed in the
control room, constructed pursuant to the terms of applicable Statutory Norms. (113.015-
3 / I4)
13.3. Safety in the operation of boilers.
13.3.1. All boilers must have an updated "Operation Manual ", in Portuguese, in premises
easily accessible to operators, containing at least: (113.016-1 / I3)

a) procedures of starting and stoppages;

b) routine procedures and operational parameters;
c) procedures for emergency situations;
d) general safety, health and environmental conservation procedures.
13.3.2. The instruments and controls of boilers must be kept calibrated and in good
operational conditions, as the use of artefacts which neutralise the boiler’s control and
safety systems constitute a serious and imminent risk. (113.017-0 / I2)

13.3.3. Water quality must be controlled and treatments implemented, when necessary in
order to bring their physical and chemical properties into line with the boiler’s operating
parameters. (113.018-8 / I4)

13.3.4. All vapour boilers must be obligatorily under the operation and control of the
boiler operator, as failure to comply with this requirement constitutes a condition of
serious and imminent risk.
13.3.5. For the purposes of this NR, the boiler operator is considered to be the person
who satisfies at least one of the following conditions:
a) holds a certificate of "Boiler Operation Safety Training " and proof of a
practical course (b) in line with subitem 13.3.11;
b) holds a certificate of " Boiler Operation Safety Training " pursuant to the terms
of the NR 13 approved by the Governmental Decree n° 02, of 08.05.84;
c) holds proof of at least 3 (three) years’ experience in this activity, up to 08 May
1984.
13.3.6. The minimum prerequisite for participation as a pupil in the "Boiler Operation
Safety Training", is the certificate of conclusion of the 1st degree.
13.3.7. The " Boiler Operation Safety Training " must, obligatorily:
a) be technically supervised by a "Qualified Professional " quoted in subitem
13.1.2;
b) be administered by professionals qualified in this subject;
c) obey at least the curriculum proposed in Annexe I-A of this NR.
 13.3.8. Those responsible for the promotion of the " Boiler Operation Safety Training "
will be subject to the impediment of administering new courses, as well as any other legal
sanctions, in the case of breach of the terms of subitem 13.3.7.
13.3.9. All boiler operators fulfil a practical course in the operation of his own boiler
which he will operate, which must be supervised, documented and be of a minimum
duration of: (113.019-6 / I4)

a) boilers of category A: 80 (eighty) hours;

b) boilers of category B: 60 (sixty) hours;
c) boilers of category C: 40 (forty) hours.
13.3.10. The establishment where the practical supervised course is carried out must
previously inform the trade union representative of the predominant professional
category in the establishment of the following: (113.020-0 / I3)

a) period of completion of the course;

b) body, company or professional responsible for the " Boiler Operation Safety
Training ";
c) report of course participants.
13.3.11. The recycling of operators must be permanent, by means of constant information
on the physical and operational conditions of the equipment, technical updating, safety
information, course participation, gymnasia and relevant events. (113.021-8 / I2)

13.3.12. The operation of any boiler in conditions other than as stated in the original
project original constitutes a serious and imminent risk, without which:
a) it must be re-planned, taking into consideration all variables involved in the
new condition of operation;
b) all safety procedures arising from its new classification must be adopted, as
regards installation, operation, maintenance and inspection.
13.4. Safety in boiler maintenance.
13.4.1. All repairs or alterations to boilers must comply with the respective code of the
construction project and the manufacturer’s instructions as regards: (113.022-6 / I4)

a) materials;
b) execution procedures;
c) quality control procedures;
d) qualification and certification of staff.
13.4.1.1. When the construction project code is not known, the original design of
the boiler must be respected, with a very strict control procedure prescribed in the
relevant codes.
13.4.1.2. In boilers of categories A and B, the criterion of the "Qualified
Professional ", quoted in subitem 13.1.2, calculation technologies or more
 advanced procedures may be used, as replacement of those stated in the project
codes.
13.4.2. " Alteration or Repair Projects " must be designed previously in the following
situations: (113.023-4 / I3)

a) whenever the project conditions are modified;

b) whenever repairs are carried out which may compromise safety.
13.4.3. The " Alteration or Repair Project " must: (113.024-2 / I3)

a) be designed or approved by a "Qualified Professional ", quoted in subitem

13.1.2;
b) determine materials, execution procedures, quality control and staff
qualification.
13.4.4. All interventions which require a mandrel or welding in parts which operate under
pressure must be followed by a hydrostatic test, with characteristics defined by the
"Qualified Professional ", quoted in subitem 13.1.2. (113.025-0 / I4)

13.4.5. The boiler’s control and safety systems must be subjected to preventive or
predictive maintenance. (113.026-9 / I4)
13.5. Inspection of boiler safety.
13.5.1. The boilers must be subjected to initial, periodical and extraordinary safety
inspections, and failure to observe the deadlines established in this NR. (113.078-1) is
considered a condition of serious and imminent risk
13.5.2. The initial safety inspection must be carried out in new boilers, before
commissioning, in the premises of operation, including internal and external
examinations, hydrostatic and accumulation test.
13.5.3. The periodical safety inspection, drawn up by internal and external examinations,
must be executed within the following maximum deadlines:
a) 12 (twelve) months for boilers of categories A, B and C;
b) 12 (twelve) months for alkali recovery boilers of any category;
c) 24 (twenty-four) months for boilers of category A, and after 12 (twelve)
months the opening pressure of the safety valves are tested;
d) 40 (forty) months for special boilers special defined in item 13.5.5.
13.5.4. Establishments which have their "Own Equipment Inspection Department", as
established in Annexe II, may extend the periods between safety inspections, pursuant to
the following maximum deadlines:
a) 18 (eighteen) months for boilers of categories B and C;
b) 30 (thirty) months for boilers of category A.
13.5.5. Boilers which operate continuously and which use gases or residues of the process
units as main fuel in order to provide heat or for environmental control purposes may be
considered special when all the following conditions are satisfied:
a) they are installed in establishments which have their " Own Equipment
Inspection Department " quoted in the Annexe II;
b) the interconnection system and the opening pressure of each safety valve are
tested every 12 (twelve) months;
c) there are no unexpected variations in the output temperature of gases and
vapour during the operation;
d) there is periodical analysis and control of water quality;
e) there is control of deterioration of the materials which compose the main parts
of the boiler;
f) it is homologated as a special class by means of:
- agreement between the trade union representation of the predominant
professional category in the establishment, and the user;
- intermediation of the regional body of the MTb, requested by any of the parties
when there is no agreement;
- decision of the regional body of the MTb when the dispute persists.
13.5.6. On completion of 25 (twenty-five) years of use, in its next inspection, the boilers
must be subjected to strict evaluation of integrity in order to determine their remaining
life and new maximum deadlines for inspection, even if they are in conditions of use.
(113.027-7 / I4)
13.5.6.1. In establishments which have their " Own Equipment Inspection
Department ", quoted in Annexe II, the limit of 25 (twenty-five) years may be
altered according to the accompaniment of the conditions of the boiler, carried out
by the aforesaid body.
13.5.7. The safety valves installed in boilers must be periodically inspected as follows:
(113.028-5 / I4)

a) at least 1 (once) a month, by means of manual activation of the lever, in

operation, for boilers of categories B and C;
b) disassembling, inspecting and testing the flanged valves on a bench and, in situ,
the welded valves, re-calibrating its frequency according to operational
experience, retaining the maximum limit of the inspection period set out in
subitem 13.5.3 or 13.5.4 if applicable to boilers of categories A and B.
13.5.8. In addition to the tests prescribed in subitem 13.5.7, the safety valves installed in
boilers must be subjected to accumulation tests, on the following occasions: (113.029-3 /
I4)

a) initial inspection of the boiler;

b) when they are modified or incur significant reforms;
c) when modifications are made to the operating parameters of the boiler or there
 is a variation in the PMTA;
d) when there is a modification in its intake or discharge piping.
13.5.9. The extraordinary safety inspection must be carried out when:
a) the boiler is damaged by accident or other occurrence capable of compromising
its safety;
b) when the boiler is subject to alteration or important repair capable of altering
its safety conditions;
c) before the boiler is re-commissioned, after being inactive for more than 6 (six)
months;
d) when there is a change of the premises of installation of the boiler.
13.5.10. The safety inspection must be carried out by a "Qualified Professional ", quoted
in subitem 13.1.2, or by the premises’ "Own Equipment Inspection Department", quoted
in Annexe II.
13.5.11. Having inspected the boiler, the " Inspection Report " must be issued, which
then becomes part of its documentation. (113.030-7 / I4)

13.5.12. A copy of the " Inspection Report" must be forwarded by the "Qualified
Professional ", quoted in subitem 13.1.2, within the maximum deadline of 30 (thirty)
days, as from the end of the inspection, to the trade union representative of the
predominant professional category in the establishment.
13.5.13. The " Inspection Report", mentioned in subitem 13.5.11, must contain at least:
a) constant data on the identification plate of the boiler;
b) category of the boiler;
c) type of boiler;
d) type of inspection carried out;
e) data of start and end of the inspection;
f) description of the inspections and tests carried out;
g) result of the inspections and measures taken;
h) report of the items of this NR or other legal requirements which are not being
complied with;
i) conclusions;
j) necessary recommendations and provisions;
k) data planned for the next inspection of the boiler;
l) legible name, signature and registration number in the professional council of
the "Qualified Professional ", quoted in subitem 13.1.2, and legible name and
signature of technicians who participate in the inspection.
 13.5.14. Every time the results of the inspection determine alterations of the data of the
identification plate, it must be updated. (113.031-5 / I1)
13.6. Pressure vessels - general provisions.
13.6.1. Pressure vessels constitute equipment containing fluids under internal or external
pressure.
13.6.1.1. The field of application of this NR, as regards pressure vessels, is
defined in Annexe III.
13.6.1.2. The pressure vessels arranged by this NR are classified into categories
pursuant to Annexe IV.
13.6.2. The lack of any of the following items constitutes a serious and imminent risk:
a) valve or other safety device with opening pressure adjusted in value equal to or
below PMTA, installed directly in the vessel or system which includes it;
(113.079-0)
b) safety device against inadvertent blockage of the valve when it is not installed
directly in the vessel; (113.080-3)
c) instrument which indicates the operating pressure. (113.081-1)
13.6.3. Any pressure vessel must be affixed in its body in premises of easy access and
visibility, and indelible identification plate with the following information: (113.032-3 /
I2)

a) manufacturer;
b) identification number;
c) year of manufacture;
d) maximum admissible operating pressure;
e) hydrostatic pressure test;

f) project code and year of construction.