Steam Traction Engine Operations in Saskatchewan Final Findings and Path Forward

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1 Steam Traction Engine Operations in Saskatchewan Final Findings and Path Forward In the spring of 2014, TSASK participated in three public forums with the Steam Traction Engine Industry to discuss their concerns and to look at opportunities for improvement. TSASK committed in the fall of 2014 to act upon four issues arising from those consultations: 1. Webpage on the TSASK website tsask.ca for the Steam Traction Engine Industry to use 2. Limited Power Engineer (Traction) Operator Requirements 1 3. Standard Repair/Code Review 4. TSASK Inspector Qualification Requirements Over the past few months, TSASK has completed their research into these topics and held meetings with industry stakeholders to share the results of the research and seek input into the findings. This document summarizes the findings and incorporates the feedback from the stakeholders. As was promised when the initial summary was shared, there will be a short time for public comment on this document. TSASK will expect all feedback on the findings to be received no later than end of business 2015 May 1 st. Depending on the feedback received, the document will be finalized and posted to the TSASK website at and sent out by on 2015 May 5 th. TSASK would once again like to thank all involved for their input and comment. This last year has seen an increase in the interaction between TSASK and the Steam Traction Engine Industry. TSASK would like to see this relationship continue to grow into the future. 1. Steam Traction Engine Page on TSASK Website (tsask.ca) TSASK will create a link from the TSASK main home page to a special page just for the Steam Traction Engine Industry. This webpage will contain all the relevant information from TSASK plus provide a feedback button so industry can immediately contact TSASK with opinions, concerns or comments. TSASK is also offering to post opportunities for the public to view these historic units in operation by providing a calendar section where the fairs, parades, demonstrations, or meetings can be posted. TSASK will utilize this page for feedback on the proposed policies/bulletins arising from the public consultations. Update: The steam traction engine page has moved! The page now has a place on the main page at. There is a new button marked, Steam Traction Engines. This will make finding the traction engine page a lot easier as the page is no longer buried in the middle of the TSASK website. A few tweaks are also being done to improve the look and feel of the page. TSASK strongly encourages all industry stakeholders to visit the page and provide any feedback or information you would like to see on the page. The calendar has been converted to a link instead of being the first thing on the page. Current information that has been sent to TSASK has been added. Please forward any meetings, events or information that you would like to have posted on the calendar to Kathryn 1 For the remainder of this document, Limited Power Engineer (Traction) shall be referred to as, Steam Traction Engineer (STE) or STE Operator when appropriate. Page 1

2 Finally, there has been a picture gallery created where pictures can be shared by industry members. TSASK will be using the gallery to share pictures and information with industry. Please feel free to send any pictures you would like to see in the gallery to Kathryn. An explanation of the picture should be included. Discussions with Steam Association of Saskatchewan (SAS) SAS indicated that they will be creating a Rumor Mill section on their webpage. Any rumors that require TSASK input shall be sent to TSASK for a response. The response will be posted on the TSASK webpage with a link to the Rumor Mill page. The SAS also requested a Frequently Asked Questions section be created on the Steam Traction Engine Webpage. TSASK will be creating this as a part of the webpage. Status: 1. Steam Traction Engine webpage ready for use Complete 2. Calendar events added First round added Ongoing 3. Development of page content Ongoing 2. Operator Requirements Over the next months, TSASK will conduct a comprehensive review of Canadian wide requirements for operators in all the provinces who have an active Steam Traction Engine industry. The findings will be condensed into a summary that will be posted on TSASK s Steam Traction Engine webpage. TSASK will then consider making changes to the current STE Operator Licence based on current Canadian practices, public consultation comments and provincial legislative requirements. An initial draft of the recommended policy will be shared with industry through the webpage and a specified amount of time for providing comment to TSASK will be set. Once these comments are reviewed and any necessary changes made, the policy will be reviewed and approved by TSASK. Update: Graduated Operator Licence Program After consultations with Manitoba and Alberta, TSASK shall be implementing a Graduated Operator Licence Program for STE Operators effective 2016 January 1st. Given the scope changes, the timeline is too short to implement this year. First Time Candidates for the STE Operator Licence as of 2016 January 1st o For first time candidates wishing to obtain their licence, the program details are as follows: To be eligible for the STE Operator Licence, a candidate shall have to successfully complete a course acceptable to the Chief Inspector of Saskatchewan. Upon presentation of the completed course certificate to a TSASK office, a candidate shall receive a TSASK log book which shall act as a Learner s Licence. The candidate shall log 100 hours of supervised operating experience of which 50 hours shall be with the unit under steam and in operation. The other 50 hours may be maintenance, start up or other activities 2. Once the time has been accumulated, the candidate may apply for the two part provincial exam: Part I current written STE Operator exam. Part II practical driving exam invigilated by TSASK. Both parts of the provincial exam do not need to be passed at the same time. The written and the practical exam may be challenged a maximum of three times in a calendar year. Each part of the exam shall expire 24 months from the date passed if candidates fail to apply for their licence or if they are unable to pass both parts of the provincial exam (practical or written). 2 This requirement is completely in line with the ABSA rules. Refer to ABSA Document AB 240 Special Steam Powered Traction Engine Syllabus. Manitoba requires 80 hours plus 20 hours of credit for an approved course. Page 2

3 Once successful on both the written and practical exam, a candidate shall be eligible for a STE Operator Licence. The candidate shall present their Learner s Licence log book to TSASK who will update the information. The log book shall now be the permanent licence for the new STE Operator. Current Licensed STE Operators o For current STE Operator Licence holders, the program details are as follows: When a current Operator s licence expires, the Operator shall be required to pass the practical driving exam in order to renew their licence. The Operator shall be issued a log book upon successful completion of the practical driving exam. Operators who fail to pass the practical driving exam on the first attempt shall be given two more opportunities to pass the test. Operators who are not able to pass the practical driving exam after three attempts shall be required to reapply as a Learner and complete the obligations of the First Time Candidates for the STE Operator Licence as detailed in this section. Other STE Operator Licence information for current licencees: Renewals for STE Operator Licences as of 2015 April 20 th until 2015 December 31 st shall only be renewed for two years at a fee of $45. No log books shall be issued until after 2016 January 1 st. Current STE Operator Licences shall expire on their current expiry date unless recalled sooner by TSASK. Any Operator whose licence is recalled sooner for cause shall not be reimbursed any of the fee for their licence. General Requirements & Details of the Graduated Operator Licence Program o STE Operator Licences starting 2016 January 1 st shall expire every two years. In order to renew, Operators shall be required to either: prove continuity in their log books for the past two years (Definition of continuity have operated at least one traction engine in the past 24 months without incident); or pass the practical driving test. o Every six years, an Operator shall be required to take the practical driving exam regardless of continuity. The results of the exam shall be documented in the Operator s log book. Should a candidate fail to pass the practical driving exam, the Operator s licence shall be suspended until such time as another practical driving exam is scheduled and passed. o Operators who are not able to pass the practical driving exam after three attempts shall be required to reapply as a Learner and complete the obligations of the First Time Candidates for the STE Operator Licence as detailed in this section. o The retesting of an Operator remains the sole discretion of TSASK. An Operator may be required at any time to retake the practical driving test if requested to do so by a TSASK Inspector. o Please note that the practical driving exam shall only be available from June to September. o TSASK will be producing a policy document on the Graduated Operator Steam Traction Engine Licence Program. This will be completed before 2016 January 1 st. Other Steam Traction Engine Program Changes Only STE Licensed Operators shall be allowed to operate steam traction engines. Other Power Engineering Licences (1 st to 4 th Classes) shall no longer be accepted for the operation of steam traction engines. TSASK recognizes the special skill set involved in the safe operation of steam traction engines. Appendix A provides details on the number of STE Operator Licences that are valid in Saskatchewan and their current expiry dates for informational purposes only. The numbers are only current as of the date this document was finalized. Page 3

4 TSASK and WDM Discussions on Recognized Course with Operational Hours TSASK and the WDM are working together to establish a course that would be recognized by the Chief Inspector as having both the course and operating time. Much like the laboratory concepts in other Power Engineering courses (3 rd Class at Kelsey/SAIT), candidates participating in the course would receive credit for the classroom time and credit for operating time. Details are still preliminary and the percentage of operating hours has not been flushed out fully. Reciprocity with other Jurisdictions TSASK will be working with Alberta and Manitoba to establish reciprocity for the STE Operator Licence. Once reciprocity is established with Alberta and Manitoba, TSASK will look into expanding to other jurisdictions if practical. Status: 1. Investigation into a Graduated Operator Licence Program Complete 2. Policy Paper Finalization awaiting industry comment on proposed changes as outlined 80% Complete here 3. Consultation with other jurisdictions AB & MB will review proposed changes to licensing 80% Complete of STE Operators once complete 4. Recognized WDM course details still be developed Initial Stages 5. Reciprocity with Alberta and Manitoba Initial discussions 3. Standard Repair/Code Review TSASK will conduct a review of the 2013 National Board Inspection Code (NBIC) Part 3 Repairs and Alterations, Section 6, Supplement 2 Historical Boilers to determine if this supplement could be adopted in its entirety for use in Saskatchewan. Furthermore, TSASK, as part of the review, will establish if the code requirements of the NBIC would be sufficient to provide the standard approach to repairs that the Saskatchewan Steam Traction Engine Industry is very much interested in developing. TSASK will also review the hydrotest requirements that are currently mandated for the units. A decision to continue, modify or scrap that policy will be made and the findings will be included in the review. The basis for the decision will be included. Once the review is complete, TSASK will share their findings with industry by posting a draft bulletin on the TSASK website. There will be a set time for comment and review by the industry and a final bulletin will be posted prior to the start of the Steam Traction Engine season in Update: NBIC Part 3 Repairs and Alterations, Section 6, Supplement 2 Historical Boilers Review and Standard Repairs The code review has been completed. In lieu of a draft bulletin, TSASK will use this paper for industry comment. Currently, the NBIC is a legislated code accepted by TSASK. That means that the NBIC is accepted for use in Saskatchewan. TSASK accepts the NBIC Part 3 Repairs and Alterations, Section 6, Supplement 2 Historical Boilers for recommended repairs. In the past, this part of the NBIC has been used by TSASK to form the basis of their repair recommendations. There will be no TSASK standard acceptance that would allow owners or repair companies to repair steam traction engines without TSASK approval. The NBIC may form the basis of the repair but TSASK approval will still be required. Manitoba uses this approach as well. TSASK shall provide the Steam Association of Saskatchewan and the WDM with copies of the NBIC Part 2 and Part 3 for the use of all of their members. Page 4

5 TSASK is developing an internal approval policy so that inspections and repairs shall be done as consistently as is reasonably possible across the province. List of Qualified Repair Companies in Saskatchewan TSASK has been asked to provide a list of qualified companies who are able to perform repairs. TSASK is prepared to create this list with the following considerations: o In order to be on the list, a company shall: have a current Quality Control or Quality Management system approved for use in Saskatchewan which states the company is qualified to do repairs to steam traction engines or historical boilers; and demonstrated experience working on steam traction engines or historical boilers. o For welded repairs, companies shall be required to have low temperature welding procedures. Companies who have those procedures shall have that fact highlighted on the list of acceptable companies. o Once the list is compiled and posted, companies whose names are not on the list should contact TSASK to have their qualifications assessed. Repair Reference Material on Webpage The Steam Association of Saskatchewan also asked if TSASK would consider putting together a description of recent repairs and post that information on the steam traction engine webpage for everyone s information. TSASK is working on providing these descriptions and will share and post as soon as they are completed. Saskatchewan Hydrotest Rational TSASK was asked to provide the rationale behind the 2 times operating pressure (200 psi) hydrotest. An explanation of the historical rationale behind the 200 psi hydrotest (variance to CSA B51 Clause 6.2.1) is as follows: o Prior to 2014, CSA B51 Clause recommended the age limit of a lap seam riveted boiler be 20 years. After 20 years, the factor of safety was to be increased by 0.1 each year effectively reducing the operating pressure. o TSASK (as the Boiler and Pressure Vessel Branch), in consultation with the steam traction engine industry, decided upon an alternative to this annual reduction of operating pressure (regardless of whether the steam traction engines were lap seam riveted boilers or not) by providing owners with a different path for meeting CSA B51 requirements (a variance). Parties agreed that most traction engines did not need to operate at pressures higher than 100 psi. Except in the cases where a saw may be cutting hard woods, 100 psi was considered sufficient to perform basic demonstrations such as thrashing. A two times the operating pressure hydrotest (200 psi) replaced the need for all the testing, calculations and, most importantly, the increase in safety factor. Further, the 200 psi hydrotest also cycles the seams of a riveted boiler (the seams actually move) and help set the seams in place. Parties agreed and the variance to the CSA B51 code requirements was adopted in Saskatchewan. CSA B51 Annex I New part of the standard/new Opportunity for Traction Engine Owners The new Annex I of the 2014 edition of CSA B51, states that: o The standards governing design, inspection, testing, alterations, and repairs of historical steam boilers shall be those set forth in the applicable ASME Code edition and sections, the National Board Inspection Code, and the requirements of the authority having jurisdiction. As a result of this change in CSA B51, TSASK undertook a thorough review of Annex I in conjunction with NBIC Part 2 Inspections, Section 6, Supplement 2 Historical Boilers. Page 5

6 Although CSA B51 Annex I does have some specific requirements, in general, the NBIC is more involved and contains a specified methodology for calculating the operating pressure of a historical boiler which involves visual, non destructive and hydrostatic testing which is acceptable to CSA B51. Given the requirements of Annex I (in particular the acceptance of the NBIC specifically), TSASK shall accept NBIC Part 2 Inspections, Section 6, Supplement 2 Historical Boilers alternative methodology in lieu of the 200 psi hydrotest with the following caveats: o The annual TSASK inspection shall still be required to be performed except no hydro shall be required unless required by the NBIC for that year. o At the annual TSASK inspection, the results of the yearly requirements of the NBIC inspection program shall be presented to the TSASK Inspector for review and comment. Detailed records of the NBIC interval requirements shall be maintained by owner. o If during the annual TSASK inspection, a TSASK Inspector requires additional testing beyond that required by the NBIC for the year, the owner shall perform whatever testing TSASK requires. o Once a steam traction engine owner decides to follow the NBIC Part 2 Inspections, Section 6, Supplement 2 Historical Boilers and operates the boiler at the new operating pressure as calculated using the NBIC, there shall be NO option for the owner to revert back to the TSASK variance with the two times operating pressure hydrotest requirement. An initial assessment using the NBIC to determine the operating pressure of the engine does not mean the owner has to be bound by the NBIC forever. That is, if the owner finds that the operating pressure calculation says the steam traction engine maximum operating pressure is 125 psi, the owner, at that point, may decide that the requirements of the NBIC are too onerous for a gain of only 25 psi and may opt not to continue with the NBIC. This would be acceptable to remain under the TSASK variance and 2 times hydrotest (200 psi). Any owner who finds that the operating pressure using the NBIC is calculated to be below 100 psi must notify TSASK of this result. TSASK shall then assess the findings and determine what alternatives are available to the owner to either raise the pressure back to the 100 psi operating limit or to permanently limit the maximum operating pressure to that calculated using the NBIC. If the owner is already following the NBIC and not the TSASK variance, the engine shall be operated at the pressure calculated. Either way, TSASK must be made aware of the results. Owners and operators must notify TSASK in writing, providing the details of the calculations and assessment of the steam traction engine in accordance with the NBIC, when they intend to alter the operating pressure of the engine from 100 psi. No changes shall be made until the Chief Inspector for Saskatchewan has accepted the calculations and accepted the operating pressure results. At that time, the Chief Inspector may impose on the engine operation any additional requirements he feels are necessary with the new operating pressure. Appealing an Inspection Finding or Requirement TSASK wants all owners to know that there is an appeals process available to them on inspection decisions. Internally, TSASK will be creating a policy document for inspectors to follow to ensure that any additional inspection requirements (such as NDE) and repairs are vetted through the senior inspector involved with Steam Traction Engines. This will help with consistency in inspections. If an owner is still not satisfied with the inspection requirements imposed by the inspector, they may appeal to Larry Postnikoff, Manager, Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspections. If after discussions with Larry, an owner may still appeal the decision to the Chief Inspector for Saskatchewan, Chris Selinger. Finally, if an owner is still not satisfied with the Chief s decision, they may follow the appeals process as outlined in The Saskatchewan Boiler and Pressure Vessel Act. Owners have the right to discuss their inspections with senior staff at any time without fear of retribution. Page 6

7 Status: NBIC Part 3 Acceptance for Repairs Alternative to TSASK Variance (200 psi hydro) Policy Development Internal Document on Steam Traction Engine NDE and Repair Requirements Complete 75% Complete 50% Complete 4. TSASK Inspector Qualification Requirements TSASK will review the request to have experienced TSASK Inspectors inspect the Steam Traction Engines. Keeping in mind that TSASK has other obligations to fulfill within Saskatchewan, TSASK will look at different options and scenarios that might meet the needs of the Steam Traction Engine Industry for experienced inspectors while not impacting the ability of TSASK to meet its other obligations. TSASK will also compile a thorough list of the items to be inspected on the units. This will include any changes that may be made to current policy. TSASK will also look at the possibility of creating a set of scenarios for different inspection deficiencies. However, this may not be necessary if the NBIC Part 3 Section 6 Supplement 2 is adopted. Not meeting the requirements of that code would deem the engine not eligible for operation. Update: Inspector Training Course TSASK & WDM Partnership An agreement between TSASK and the Western Development Museum (WDM) has been finalized to provide standardized inspector training to TSASK and potentially other jurisdictional inspectors. TSASK will work with WDM staff to revise the current WDM training course to be focused on inspector informational requirements. WDM will provide their fleet for inspector practical training and testing. TSASK inspectors will be expected to pass both a written and practical exam in order to be accredited. Standardized inspection information will also be developed out of the course material. Training/Information Videos TSASK has filmed a video with Larry Postnikoff walking through the external/internal inspections of Steam Traction Engines and reviewing what exactly TSASK is looking at when doing the inspections. In addition, Larry further demonstrates how a single cylinder dead centre incident can happen. The video is being edited and will be posted on the TSASK website once completed. A video of a hydrotest and an operating inspection will be done once the antique engines are ready. TSASK would like to thank the Western Development Museum and Thom Cholowski for allowing TSASK to make the video in their facilities. And, a special thanks to Thom for helping with the Dead Center demonstration. Status: Course Development 50% Complete External/Internal Video 98% Complete Hydrotest & Operational Videos Not yet started 5. Additional Change Fusible Plug Although not part of the original scope, during discussions with industry, the fusible plug was an issue that needs to be addressed. Industry is worried about the annual removal of the plug and the cost associated with replacing that plug every year. TSASK is proposing the following change: TSASK will create an inventory of fusible plugs for the steam traction engines active in Saskatchewan (currently 22). Page 7

8 TSASK will provide the fusible plug to each owner of a traction engine annually after a successful TSASK external/internal inspection. The receiving of the fusible plug will be a conditional licence for the steam traction engine until the hydrotest and operating inspection are acceptable to TSASK. For owner s following the requirements of the NBIC Part 2 Inspections, Section 6, Supplement 2 Historical Boilers, the receiving of the fusible plug will be the same as a Licence to Operate as this means the TSASK inspection has been acceptable and the data from the NBIC interval (eg. NDE or Visual Inspection) is also acceptable. However, when the requirement of the NBIC interval is a hydrotest, the receiving of the fusible plug will be a conditional licence for the steam traction engine until the hydrotest is acceptable to TSASK. Should a steam traction engine fail to pass a hydrotest or require additional repair, the fusible plug will be taken back by TSASK until such time as the steam traction engine becomes acceptable to operate. Effectively, the engine will have no Licence to Operate. Only fusible plugs issued by TSASK shall be used in engines in Saskatchewan. TSASK will be contacting owners for their fusible plug requirements. Owners who are looking to reactivate an engine or to have an engine registered for the first time is Saskatchewan should contact TSASK with the specifications of the fusible plug to avoid delays. The link to Kathryn Black s on steam traction engine page would be sufficient. TSASK is also looking to establish reciprocity for steam traction engines licences from other jurisdictions that operate in the province. This area is still underdevelopment and will require more work to ensure the other jurisdictions are open to the idea of reciprocity with the actual engines. 6. Communications If anyone would like to be included on the steam traction engine s, please contact Kathryn Black at (306) or at kathryn.black@tsask.ca. Please use this link to provide your information or any comments or feedback you would like to share. Thank you for your interest in the changes and improvements to the Steam Traction Engine Industry in Saskatchewan. Chris Selinger, VP Operations and Chief Inspector Technical Safety Authority of Saskatchewan Inspiring and Shaping Excellence in Public Safety Page 8

9 APPENDIX A NUMBER OF ACTIVE STE OPERATOR LICENCES IN SASKATCHEWAN WITH EXPIRY DATES Number of Active Steam Traction Engines in the Province of Saskatchewan: 22 Page 9