Requirements for Identification and Replacement of A307 Bolts Memo_Signed.pdf

Department of Veterans Affairs

Memorandum

Date:

From: Acting Assistant Under Secretary for Health for Support (19)

Subj: URGENT: For Action: Requirements for Identification and Replacement of A307

Bolts on Steam and Hot Water Piping Systems (VIEWS 12473639)

To: Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) Directors (10N1-23)

1. PURPOSE: This memorandum provides notification and information on requirements for the identification and replacement of American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) A307 bolts (all grades) on steam and hot water piping systems for all Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers (VAMC).

2. BACKGROUND: Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Master Specifications for Hydronic Piping (Specification 23 21 13, Section 2.3) and Steam and Condensate Heating Piping (Specification 23 22 13, Section 2.3) indicate ASTM A307 bolts for use on steam and hot water pipe flanges. However, the ASTM A307 bolt (all grades) is considered a general-purpose bolt and does not possess the necessary material strength at elevated temperatures for use on steam and hot water piping systems.

These specifications are being updated to indicate ASTM A193 bolts as the appropriate fastener for steam and hot water piping systems. The current VHA Master Specifications can be accessed at:

https://www.cfm.va.gov/TIL/spec.asp.

All VAMCs must complete a survey of their existing steam and hot water piping systems and develop a replacement plan, prioritizing high and medium pressure steam and hot water piping systems operating over 50 pounds per square inch. If ASTM A307 bolts (all grades) are identified, an Interim Safety Measure must be developed to ensure the safety of staff and the facility until replacement is complete.

3. DECISION: Effective immediately, Network Directors must ensure all VAMCs in their VISN review their specifications for projects in design and correct any references to ASTM A307 bolts, and for projects in construction, assess if ASTM A307 bolts are specified for use on any steam or hot water piping system. If ASTM A307 bolts are indicated, the construction contract must be modified to remove the ASTM A307 bolts. VISN Capital Asset Managers (CAM) must provide a list of impacted construction projects via email to the Office of Healthcare Engineering (OHE) at VHAHealthcareEng@va.gov by Friday, January 3, 2025.

All VAMCs must develop a plan to survey existing steam and hot water piping systems by Wednesday, June 18, 2025, and notify their VISN CAM upon completion of the survey.

Page 2.

Subj: For Action: Requirements for Identification and Replacement of A307 Bolts on Steam and Hot Water Piping Systems (VIEWS 12473639)

4. For additional information or questions regarding this memorandum, please contact OHE at VHAHealthcareEng@va.gov.

Alfred A. Montoya Jr., MHA, FACHE