The Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), Malaysia published two guidelines on 7 August 2026 under the Occupational Safety and Health (Plant Requiring Certificate of Fitness) Regulations 2024: 

• Guidelines on Conditions of Pressure Vessels under the Second Schedule of the Occupational Safety and Health (Plant Requiring Certificate of Fitness) Regulations 2024 

• Guidelines on Application for Periodic Inspection Using Advanced Technology for Pressure Vessels and Steam Boilers Requiring a Certificate of Fitness 

The 2024 Regulations require users of steam boilers, pressure vessels, and lifting machinery to obtain a Certificate of Fitness (CF). The first guideline clarifies the conditions under which pressure vessels are subject to the CF requirement and outlines applicable exemptions. The second provides procedures and technical requirements for applying for periodic inspections using advanced technology for pressure vessels and steam boilers. 

Exemptions for Pressure Vessels 

Pressure vessels meeting one or more of the specified exemption criteria are not required to obtain a Certificate of Fitness, and no formal exemption application is necessary. However, users must maintain relevant documentation and make it available to demonstrate compliance with the applicable criteria. 

The guideline provides further clarification on each exemption, including pressure vessels: 

• With an internal or external design pressure of 15 PSIG or less, regardless of vessel size. 

• With an internal diameter, width, height, or cross-sectional diagonal of six inches or less, regardless of vessel length or pressure. 

• Containing water under pressure with a design pressure of 300 PSIG or less and a design temperature of 99°C or less. 

• With two or more chambers where the design pressure of each chamber is 15 PSIG or less and the differential pressure between chambers does not exceed 15 PSIG. 

• Associated with piping components or accessories designed to mix, separate, snub, distribute, or control the flow of a medium. 

• Forming part of a rotating or reciprocating mechanical device and supporting its operation. 

• Designed as a plate heat exchanger or spiral heat exchanger. 

• Incorporated into a chiller package for a building. 

• Located within a complete cold box package, including applicable aluminium heat exchangers and associated structural, insulation, and protection components. 

• Consisting of a gas cylinder used for the storage or transportation of compressed, dissolved, or liquefied gases. 

Periodic Inspection of Pressure Vessels and Steam Boilers 

The guideline also establishes application procedures and technical conditions for periodic inspections. The requirements are categorized into four groups: 

• Category A: Pressure vessels 

• Category B: Steam boilers 

• Category C: Pressure vessels using liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as a medium and cryogenic pressure vessels 

• Category D: Pressure vessels using special media, including hazardous substances and petroleum products 

These guidelines provide greater clarity on the Certificate of Fitness requirements, applicable exemptions, and inspection procedures for organizations operating pressure vessels and steam boilers in Malaysia. 

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