4.1 Recent Development of Codes and Standards of Boiler and Pressure Vessels in Japan

Japanese boiler and pressure vessel (B&PV) codes and standards were issued as governmental regulatory rules based mainly on the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Codes Section I, Section III, and Section VIII. The administrative aspects of the Japanese rules had been changed from those of the ASME Codes to meet Japanese national situation and social environment. Roles and functions for the regulatory codes are public safety, administrative property, and general descriptions. Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) deals with power generation facilities, gas utility facilities, high pressure gas facility, etc. Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) covers boilers, small pressure vessels, etc.