India's Boiler safety gets a digital upgrade

Remote monitoring capabilities allow operators to oversee boiler performance without being physically present, minimising exposure to hazardous environments and ensuring consistent adherence to safety standards.

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The recent technological advancements, particularly in digital monitoring and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), have become integral to the safety of boilers in India. These innovations support automation, real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance and regulatory compliance, significantly reducing operational risks. Additionally, the push for renewable energy in the country and stricter environmental standards have led to enhanced safety protocols for boilers in hybrid and waste-to-energy facilities. Integrating automated safety interlocks, remote shutdown systems, and thermal imaging further reinforces emergency preparedness and early fault detection, ensuring safer and more reliable boiler operations across industries.

Moreover, in response to the growing industrial demands and the need for enhanced safety in India, the government amended the Indian Boiler Regulations (IBR) in 1950 in October 2024. It has introduced the Boilers Act 2025, repealing the 1923 Act. This has strengthened compliance measures for boiler operations. Annual inspections by authorised boiler inspectors or third-party competent persons recognised by the Central Boiler Board (CBB) are now mandatory to ensure boiler systems' continued safety, efficiency and legal operation.

Satbir Singh Cheema shares how the combination of recent regulatory measures and innovative approaches has made the boiler industry safer and, thereby, more efficient to operate. Let us hear him.

How do CBB regulations and IIoT integration enhance boiler safety, compliance and environmental monitoring?

As per Central Boilers Board (CBB) guidelines by Indian Boiler Regulations, 1950, with the latest amendments and The Boiler Bills, 2024, all Boilers are inspected by an authorised Boiler inspector or 3rd party competent persons recognised by CBB annually before issuing the renewal license to operate the Boiler in the following year.