Series GR-3667 - Boiler and pressure vessel accident case files

The series consists of records relating to investigating and reporting on accidents involving boilers and related machines and equipment. While most incidents involved industrial or commercial operations, a small number involved domestic accidents such as explosions of home water heaters. A case file was created for each incident. Records were created and maintained by the office which, over time under different names, carried on the same continuing function of investigating and reporting on incidents involving the malfunction of boilers and related equipment.

The records consist primarily of reports made by government inspectors and addressed to the chief inspector in charge of boilers and machinery inspection in the province. Each “Report of Investigation” follows a standard format which includes: the date and place of the accident/incident; the name and address of the owners of the property involved; the persons killed or injured if any; a description of the type and dimensions of the boiler/vessel; particulars and dates of prior repairs; reports on the last inspection; the nature and cause of the accident, with background and description; general remarks and observations; and recommendations.

The case files also consist of correspondence, including some regarding incidents and accidents written by engineers of the companies that had the accident. In some cases the files include sworn testimony from parties involved in the incidents. Also included in some cases are transcriptions of questioning in committee investigative meetings held in the Chief Inspector's office in Vancouver. The records include a significant number of photographs of the sites involved, and resulting damages. Accidents and incidents that had an impact on the public tended to receive news coverage, and many newspaper clippings are included in the files. Technical and engineering drawings of equipment are also included in the files.

The series also includes one bound volume, possibly the first accident report created by the Vancouver office of the Boiler Inspection, titled "Reports No. 1: Explosion from Boiler No. 1075B" from 1909-1913. The volume includes photographs and copies of reports, blueprints, test results and diagrams.

The records were covered under the Safety Engineering Services ORCS secondary 30040-20.