Subd. 1. Definition.

For the purpose of this chapter, the terms "show boiler" and "hobby boiler" are synonymous and mean a boiler that is used only for display and demonstration purposes. In recognition of the historical significance of show boilers in maintaining a working reminder of Minnesota's agricultural, transportation, and lumber industries, show boilers and engines are considered to be historical artifacts.

Subd. 1a.

Repealed, 1994 c 402 s 2

Subd. 2. Inspection.

When used for display and demonstration purposes, steam farm traction engines, portable and stationary show engines and portable and stationary show boilers shall be inspected every two years according to law.

1. (a) Show boilers or engines not certified in Minnesota shall be inspected thoroughly by a boiler inspector certified to inspect boilers in Minnesota, using inspection standards in paragraph (b), before being certified for use in Minnesota.

2. (b) Standards for inspection of show boilers shall be those established by the National Board Inspection Code ANSI/NB23 and by the rules adopted by the Department of Labor and Industry, Division of Boiler Inspection, and as follows:

   1. (1) the boiler shall be subjected to the appropriate method of nondestructive examination, at the owner's expense, as deemed necessary by the boiler inspector to determine soundness and safety of the boiler;
   2. (2) the boiler shall be tested by ultrasonic examination for metal thickness (for purposes of calculating the maximum allowable working pressure the thinnest reading shall be used and a safety factor of six shall be used in calculating maximum allowable working pressure on all non-ASME-code hobby and show boilers); and
   3. (3) repairs and alterations made to show boilers must be made pursuant to section 183.466.

3. (c) Further each such object shall successfully complete an inspection of:

   1. (1) the fusible plug;
   2. (2) the safety valve, which must be of American Society of Mechanical Engineers' approved design and set at the maximum allowable working pressure and sealed in an appropriate manner not allowing tampering with the valve setting without destroying the seal; and

   3. (3) the boiler power piping.

      Any longitudinal cracks found in riveted longitudinal seams requires that the vessel be sealed and not approved for use in Minnesota. If the boiler or show engine is jacketed, the jacket must be removed prior to inspection.

Subd. 2a. Inspection fees.

The commissioner may set fees for inspecting traction engines, show boilers, and show engines pursuant to section 16A.1285.

Subd. 3. Licenses.

A license to operate steam farm traction engines, portable and stationary show engines and portable and stationary show boilers shall be issued to an applicant who:

1. (a) is 18 years of age or older;
2. (b) has a licensed second class or higher class engineer or steam traction (hobby) engineer sign the affidavit attesting to the applicant's competence in operating said devices;
3. (c) passes a written test for competence in operating said devices;
4. (d) has at least 25 hours of actual operating experience on said devices; and

5. (e) pays the required fee.

   A license shall be valid for the lifetime of the licensee. A one time fee set by the commissioner pursuant to section 16A.1285, shall be charged for the license.

Subd. 4. Exemption.

Any licensed steam engineer may operate steam farm traction engines, portable and stationary show engines and portable and stationary show boilers, subject to the apparatus and horsepower restrictions set forth in the license, without obtaining a license under subdivision 3.

Subd. 5. Licensed operator; presence required.

An operator licensed under this section must be present when a traction engine, portable or stationary show engine, or portable or stationary show boiler is in operation and a member of the public is present.