Ticking time bombs: Faulty boilers pose lethal risks across Kerala

KOCHI: Inadequate official oversight has left boilers in factories across Kerala vulnerable to catastrophic explosions, raising serious safety concerns. Between 2024 and March 2026, four boiler explosions were reported in the state, claiming four lives and leaving 17 people seriously injured.

Boilers that do not comply with prescribed standards or are poorly maintained can become as dangerous as bombs. Their inspection falls under the jurisdiction of the State Factories and Boilers Department.

Under the Indian Boiler Regulations (IBR), boilers must be manufactured only in approved factories against specific orders and can be operated only after obtaining approval from the State Factories and Boilers Department. Operation of a boiler also requires a licensed operator.

However, the report alleges that corrupt officials often ignore violations, allowing boilers to be installed without proper compliance and repaired by unqualified personnel.

Operators are required to hold Class A or Class B licences, depending on a boiler's capacity. Personnel carrying out repairs must possess Grade I, Grade II or Special Class qualifications.

Boilers are widely used in plywood and tyre factories, rice mills, Ayurvedic medicine manufacturing units, hotels and hospitals.

Safety requirements

• Under IBR norms, any vessel with a capacity of 23.73 litres or more that generates steam by boiling water, including large pressure cookers, is classified as a boiler.

• Boiler licences can be renewed only after the unit is dismantled annually in the presence of officials from the Factories and Boilers Department, its components are inspected for quality, and the boiler is reinstalled.

• Repair work must be carried out only by recognised technicians with the approval of the Joint Director of the Factories and Boilers Department.

Boiler accidents in Kerala

The four reported incidents between 2024 and March 2026 resulted in four deaths and 17 serious injuries.