For over 150 years, the HSB Inspector has set the standard for quality boiler and machinery inspections within the insurance industry. The Inspection Services Division’s (ISD) primary focus is conducting a complete and thorough in-service inspection of insured boiler and pressure vessel equipment to verify compliance with applicable jurisdictional regulations and codes. These inspections help to promote the interests of the company in preventing avoidable losses, to assist with meeting the requirements of the jurisdiction, and to support the insured with their safe operation of the equipment in compliance with applicable standards.

What is the Jurisdictional Inspection Process?

After a boiler and pressure vessel has been installed and put into service, jurisdictional inspections are typically required by most state or local authorities on a periodic basis to verify that boilers and/or pressure vessels are being operated and maintained in accordance with recognized standards. These recognized standards have been developed by the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors (“National Board”), such as the National Board Inspection Code (“NBIC”), the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (“ASME”), and the Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (“BPVC”).

For example, many jurisdictions require an annual internal and external inspection of high-pressure boilers. These in-service inspections may involve a visual assessment of conditions with regard to materials, operating conditions, leaks, corrosion, water chemistry, controls, overpressure, and low water protection, as may be required by law. The inspector may, as applicable, also verify that adequate logs are maintained or observe the testing of applicable controls and safety devices during an operating inspection. Once the inspection is complete, the inspector will submit a written report to the jurisdiction either requiring corrective action or recommending issuance of an operating certificate.

How does HSB Inspections Services Deliver Value to Our Clients?

HSB leads the industry in jurisdictional inspection activity in the US. The team of almost 200 inspectors commissioned in over 70 jurisdictions provides prompt, high-quality inspection services to a variety of clients. The team also offers underwriting and loss control support to our clients through risk identification, loss mitigation and energy efficiency reporting through several available programs: HSB Loss Prevention Reports, OnSight© Surveys, Optimize Program, Focused Loss Prevention Surveys, Electrical Risk Management Surveys, and Certified Energy Audits.

These underwriting and loss control surveys and reports are collectively referred to as our “Risk Awareness” services with the HSB OnSight© Program at the forefront of value-add services. OnSight© has been customized into specialty surveys that include potential exposures to water intrusion, freeze damage, wind damage, electrical losses and several other specific client concerns which helps customers mitigate property risks before they become payable claims.

ISD supports its inspectors with modern technology to improve operational efficiency. ISD equips every full-time inspector with a tablet for mobile computing, which enables more efficient inspections, real-time database updates, and instant access to jurisdictional rules. A mobile app for HSB’s OnSight© Program exists to get a professional, completed reports to the client within hours. Sensors, IoT device integration, remote inspection tools, augmented and virtual reality devices, and 3-D printing is all providing more timely access to data, improved predictive analytics, and reducing customer downtime.

The Loss Control Inspectors provide quality jurisdictional inspections, identification, and reporting of potential property loss risks, and incorporation of technological advances into our existing processes. By delivering a consistently high-quality product in these four key areas, the HSB Loss Control Inspectors continue to demonstrate their value to ISD, HSB, and client companies. There is no doubt that technology and data analytics will continue to accelerate the evolution of the Inspector role and strengthen the relationship between HSB and clients.

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© 2019 The Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance Company. All rights reserved. This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to convey or constitute legal advice. HSB makes no warranties or representations as to the accuracy or completeness of the content herein. Under no circumstances shall HSB or any party involved in creating or delivering this article be liable to you for any loss or damage that results from the use of the information contained herein. Except as otherwise expressly permitted by HSB in writing, no portion of this article may be reproduced, copied, or distributed in any way. This article does not modify or invalidate any of the provisions, exclusions, terms or conditions of the applicable policy and endorsements. For specific terms and conditions, please refer to the applicable endorsement form.