Requirements for Identification and Replacement of A307 Bolts Memo_Signed with OHE guideance.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

VHAMINFleckD Text Box All stations should put ISMs in place for this now. Example ISM is loaded in the Action Item folder to share.

June 18 - need to have a plan in place - do not have to have a completed survey.

VISN does not need to submit the facility plans but we need to confirm that the facilities have a plan.

1-2 years MAX to have it completed.

Need to systematically inspect outward from the boiler plant. Start at high risk + high pressure and go from there.

Need to prioritize/assess ANYTHING over 100*F.

Follow boiler plant piping spec - Grade B7 ASTM A193

Question 1: What immediate actions can be taken?

Response 1: Dispose A307 bolts from the shops and replace them with the correct ones. Also, create ISMs per the Memo. Determine which construction projects need to be modified. Ensure all design projects align with new guidance.

Question 2: Is there a starting point (in time) regarding the A307 bolt memo? Meaning, for example, anything installed pre 20XX is not affected.

Response 2: There are 4 Specs impacted. The Boiler Plant Piping Systems Spec 23 21 11 and Steam Energy Distribution 33 63 00 show A193 bolts back to 2016 and the Boiler Plant Piping System Spec even earlier. Steam & Condensate Heating Piping Spec 23 22 13 and Hydronic Hot Piping 23 21 13 have always had the A307 bolts listed. So, any projects that fall under the latter two specs have the wrong bolts. These specs must be updated in your projects and check the others for accuracy.

Question 3: The referenced specification that are changing are 23 21 13 and 23 22 13, however the memo states steam and hot water piping systems. Are we to assume that domestic hot water piping systems are not included, as specification 22 11 00 (which covers domestic water piping) is not referenced? The first part of paragraph #2 says ASTM A193 bolts are to be used on all steam and hot water systems. It then says a replacement plan must be developed which prioritizes HPS, MPS and hot water piping over 50 PSI. This reads to me as though bolts on heating water systems under 50 psi are still a problem and need to be identified, they just don't get prioritized on the replacement plan.

Response 3: You must survey ALL steam and hot water systems but prioritize the systems operating over 50 psi in your risk analysis and actions. The survey will include bolts on hot water systems under 50 psi as well, but they are not prioritized as high on the replacement plan. Domestic hot water piping systems must be included but most domestic water system typically have soldered joints and do not have flanges. Spec 22 11 00 has no mention of A307 bolts.

Question 4: What grade ASTM A193 bolts should the facilities purchase to replace A307?

Response 4: The affected specifications will be updated and most likely will follow the 23 21 11 Spec language. “Bolts shall be high strength steel ASTM A193/A193M, Class 2, Grade B7. Nuts shall be ASTM A194/A194M.”