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Pressure Vessels

Pressure Vessel Unit

The pressure vessel unit is responsible under Labor Code sections 7620-7771 for the inspection of boilers (any fired or unfired pressure vessel used to generate steam pressure by the application of heat), and tanks (any fired or unfired pressure vessel used for the storage of air pressure or liquefied petroleum gases).

Permits are required for air tanks, LPG propane storage tanks over 125 gallons, and high pressure boilers over 15 psig steam. Permit exceptions depend on vessel capacity and operating pressures. Permit inspections may be performed by a Pressure Vessel Unit inspector or an inspector employed by an qualified insurance company. Schedule an inspection with the nearest pressure vessel office or contact your insurer to see if they provide this inspection service. The complete regulations are contained in Title 8 regulations, sections 450-560 and sections 750-797.

The address for pressure vessel permit payments has changed.

Effective April 1, 2015, please send all payments to:

Department of Industrial Relations
DOSH – Pressure Vessel Permits
P.O. Box 511266
Los Angeles, CA 90051-7821

Contact the Pressure Vessel Invoice Inquiry Team at  PVPayInquiry@dir.ca.gov for any questions.

Pressure Vessel Unit Office Locations

Northern Office *

Oakland Pressure Vessel District Office

1515 Clay Street Suite 1622-A
Oakland, CA 94612

Phone: (510) 622-3066
FAX: (510) 622-3063
Email: capvinsp@dir.ca.gov

Manager: Leonard Tong, Senior Safety Engineer

*  Counties north of San Luis Obispo, Kern and San Bernardino counties.

Southern Office **

Santa Ana Pressure Vessel District Office

2000 E. McFadden Ave Suite 215
Santa Ana, CA 92705

Phone: (714) 567-7208
FAX: (714) 567-7297
Email: capvinsp@dir.ca.gov

Manager: Gary Teel, Senior Safety Engineer

**  Counties of San Luis Obispo, Kern, San Bernardino and south.

Pressure Vessel Headquarters Office

Manager: Don Cook, Principal Engineer
1515 Clay Street, Suite 1622-A
Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 622-3052
FAX (510) 622-3063

Apply for a "Permit to Operate"

To apply for a "Permit to Operate" for an air tank, liquefied petroleum tank or a boiler:

  1. Click on the link Pressure Vessel Inspection Request Form ;
  2. Fill it out and mail (or fax) a printed copy to the appropriate office listed above;
      Or
    Email a scanned copy to capvinsp@dir.ca.gov.

  Pressure Vessel Invoice Payment Options Frequently asked questions

Payment By Credit Card

The following "no service fee" Payment options are also available:

Payment By Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) Payment By Check

Payment Status Inquiries

BEFORE YOU CONTACT US:

To expedite our response to your payment status inquiry, please have the following information ready when contacting us.

Check EFT Credit Card
  • Invoice number(s)
  • Amount paid
  • Check No(s).
  • Address check was remitted
  • Copy of front and back of check(s) – if check(s) cleared
  • Invoice number(s)
  • Amount paid
  • Confirmation No.
  • Transaction or process date
  • Invoice number(s)
  • Amount paid
  • Confirmation No.
  • Transaction or process date
  • Card type and last 4 numbers of card

Contact Information for Payment Status Inquiries

Pressure Vessel Registration Database

Click on the heading to access the searchable and printable pressure vessel database showing the current permit and inspection activities for all steam boilers, air tanks, and LPG tanks in the State of California.

Below are the frequently requested Circular Letters:

Training Materials

2016 PowerPoint Presentations

Where can I request a W-9 form?

Please email your request to DIRW9Inquiry@dir.ca.gov and specify which collection unit and/or type of fee you will be paying.

June 2016