What is BG08?
BG08, formally known as Guidance on the Safe Operation of Temporary Steam and Hot Water Boiler Installations, was developed by the Combustion Engineering Association (CEA).
It sets out clear responsibilities for owners, hirers, installers and operators to ensure that temporary boiler systems are designed and managed safely from delivery through to decommissioning. The guidance covers siting, connection, operation, maintenance and inspection of both steam and hot water temporary plant. By following BG08, organisations can prevent safety incidents, maintain compliance and ensure reliable operation during temporary use.
What does BG08 cover?
The guidance provides practical recommendations on:
- Safe siting and layout of temporary boiler installations
- Design and specification of steam and hot water connections
- Management of fuel, electrical and condensate systems
- Commissioning, testing and inspection requirements before operation
- Operator training and supervision
- Emergency procedures and shutdown routines
- Compliance with regulations such as PSSR, PUWER, DSEAR and CDM
- Decommissioning and removal of temporary plant safely
Why BG08 matters
BG08 is not legislation, but it is the recognised UK guide for the safe management of temporary boiler installations. Following it helps operators and contractors demonstrate compliance with UK safety law while maintaining the integrity of the plant and surrounding environment.
Temporary systems often operate in non-standard conditions, increasing the risk of leaks, overpressure and poor combustion control. BG08 provides a framework to reduce these risks, ensuring that temporary boilers are installed, operated and maintained safely and efficiently throughout their use. For more guidance on maintaining and caring for your boiler equipment, explore our specialist training courses.
Download the latest version of BG08
The current edition of BG08, Temporary Steam and Hot Water Boilers, was published in September 2020 and is available to purchase from the CEA’s official document store.
At Dunphy, we support safe and compliant boiler operations. Whether temporary or permanent, thorough advanced combustion systems, controls and operator training. If you need guidance on temporary boiler setup or compliance with BG08, get in touch with our team today.
For more information, see our blogs on:
BG01: what’s new for steam boilers regulations?
BG02: what hot water boiler operators need to know?
BG03: Safe operation of blowdown systems for industrial steam boilers
BG04: Industrial boiler water treatmentÂ
BG05: Safe design and operation of Biomass systems
BG06: Safe operation of boiler feed water de-aeration systems