May 8, 2002—The total number of injuries sustained as a result of boiler and unfired pressure vessel incidents increased dramatically last year, according to the 2001 National Board Incident Report released by the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors.
A comparison of the 2001 report with the year 2000 report indicates:
- A 211 percent increase in the total number of injuries suffered. From 27 in 2000 to 84 in 2001. More than 90 percent of 2001’s reported injuries were directly attributable to human error (i.e., operator error or poor maintenance, low-water condition, improper repair, improper installation, and faulty design or fabrication).
- A 17 percent decrease in the total number of boiler and pressure vessel incidents with 2,219 in 2001 compared to 2,686 in the year 2000. Human error proved to be a factor in 86 percent of the incidents reported for 2001.
- A decrease in the number of fatalities, with 14 deaths in 2000 compared to 12 death in 2001.
- In 2001, there was 1 injury for every 26 incidents – the third most dangerous period on record. This compares with 1 injury for every 99 incidents in the year 2000—the safest period on record.
The National Board standardized its reporting process for gathering incident statistics in 1991. The 2001 incident report marks the tenth year that incident statistics have been collected in the current format.
The 1992 through 2001 National Board Incident Reports were compiled from data submitted by national board jurisdictional authorities and authorized inspection (insurance) agencies. Some information is provided by insurance companies that insure boilers but do not provide inspection services. Deaths and injuries are industry-related and include, but are not limited to, owners and operators of boilers and pressure vessels.
For more information, contact The National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors.
