1. What does the Safety Standards Division do?

The Safety Standards Division of the Oklahoma Department of Labor performs inspections, issues licenses and certificates, and conducts investigations as required by the following:

* The Oklahoma Boiler and Pressure Vessel Safety Act, Title 40 of Oklahoma Statutes, Sections 141.1-141.20, and Agency Administrative Rules 380:25.

* Amusement Ride Safety Act, Title 40 of Oklahoma Statutes, Sections 460-469, and Agency Administrative Rules 380:55. 

* Oklahoma Welding Act, Title 59 of Oklahoma Statutes, Sections 1624-1641, and Agency Administrative Rules 380:20-1-1 through 14.

2. What is a boiler and where is it used today?

According to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, a "boiler" means a closed vessel in which water is heated, steam is generated, steam is superheated, or any combination thereof, under pressure or vacuum, for external use to itself, by the direct application of heat. The term "boiler" includes fired units for heating or vaporizing liquids other than water where these units are separate from processing systems and complete within themselves.

There are currently more 12,000 boilers registered in the state of Oklahoma. Boilers are used for building heating, in cleaners and restaurants, and in many manufacturing environments.

3. Can my local plumber make repairs to my boiler?

All firms or corporations engaged in the service, repair and/or installation of boilers or pressure vessels located in this state shall be licensed by the Commissioner of Labor to perform such work.

4. Does the Department of Labor inspect hot water heaters?

The water heaters is all public buildings, (state, county or municipal owned), are required to be inspected annually by the Department of Labor, but in no case should the period of time between inspections exceed two years.  Oklahoma currently has almost 25,000 hot water heaters in public buildings.

5. If I want to start a welding business, where do I get licensed?

The Oklahoma Welding Act requires that welders performing weldments to one of the following codes must be licensed with the Oklahoma Department of Labor: 

The Power Piping Code, ASME B31.1

The Fuel Gas Piping Code, ASME B31.2

The Gas Transmission and Distribution Piping System Code, ASME B31.8

The Process Piping Code, ASME B31.3

The Liquid Transportation Systems for Hydrocarbons, Liquid Petroleum Gas, Anhydrous Ammonia and Alcohols Code, ASME 31.4

6. Are welder certifications from other states valid in Oklahoma?

No. The Oklahoma Welding Act requires that welders perform their test welds in a weld test facility licensed by the State of Oklahoma.

7. How soon can I weld on pressure vessels after getting my certificate?

The state welders' certification program applies only to piping systems designed to one of the five codes listed in question # 5.  Welders performing weldments on boilers and pressure vessels must be in the employ of an organization in possession of a valid Certificate of Authorization from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers or the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors.

8. Does the state inspect amusement rides at mobile carnivals?

Inspectors from the Oklahoma Department of Labor inspect all amusement rides at permanent amusement parks annually. All mobile amusement rides are inspected every time that they are moved. Additionally, inspectors with the Oklahoma Department of Labor perform surveillance of amusement rides during the year to ensure that the rides are being operated in accordance with state law.

9. What should I do if I see an unsafe condition on an amusement ride?

Contact the ride owner or operator immediately. If you are not satisfied with the action taken, contact the Safety Standards Division of the Oklahoma Department of Labor as soon as possible.

10. How do I know that an amusement ride has been inspected?

All rides are issued a license plate with the U.S. Identification Number, and/or state identification number on them. Each park or carnival will have a certificate authorizing them to operate certain rides that have been inspected at any given location. Both of these items should be provided for viewing upon request.