Combustion Engineering Association (CEA) BOAS Accreditation Scheme

Robin CottonBiomass Boilers, News

Combustion Engineering Association (CEA) BOAS Accreditation Scheme

BBSM now accredited under BOAS – Boilerhouse Operation Accreditation Scheme

The Boiler Operation Accreditation Scheme (BOAS) provides national accreditation for industrial boiler operators and boiler plant managers in the UK signifying their competency in safely and efficiently operating high temperature hot water (HTHW) and biomass-fired steam boilers.  The BG01 and BG02 guidelines advise that all competent persons and owners/managers should be trained to the BOAS standard.

The BOAS course requires a very high level of steam boiler knowledge and engineering. To be allowed to even study for the qualification an “experience pack” needs to be submitted to demonstrate the individual’s historic experience of working on steam boilers. Once accepted, the course itself is an intensive 1-week course with a series of exams at the end. The whole course is very demanding and can only be taken by experienced engineers. BBSM Technical Director Adrian Ham completed both the BOAS Operator and BOAS Manager courses in December 2024.

Steam boilers are used for a variety of applications in many industrial sectors, from the distillation of whiskey and gin, manufacturer of concrete blocks and the sterilisation of soil for mushroom production. Other applications include cooking and production of foods for human and animal consumption. Animal feed mills use steam for cooking and processing animal feeds. Steam has also been used for transferring heat. For example, many hospitals in the UK use steam for transferring energy for space heating and hot water production and for sterilisation.

Adrian said “although we have extensive knowledge and experience in biomass high temperature hot water boilers and biomass-fired steam boilers, the BOAS qualification formally recognises this expertise and allows the company to expand our work in these areas”.