Full description Background
The Boilers Inspection (Amendment) Act 1956 (No.5975), operative from 12 September 1956, provided for the appointment of a Board of Reference to conduct examinations and grant certificates of competency for welders of boilers and inspectors of boilers. Prior to this two inspectors of the Boiler Inspection Branch of the Department of Mines were empowered to examine uncertified welding operators and to approve their employment as fusion welders although they could not issue certificates of competency. Boiler inspectors were appointed by the Governor in Council upon the recommendation of the Board of Examiners for engine drivers (Mining) (VA 1398).
The Board of Reference under the Boilers Inspection Act 1958 was reconstituted as the Board of Examiners for Welders of Boilers and Pressure Vessels under the Boilers and Pressure Vessels Act 1970.
This latter Act was repealed by the Occupational Health and Safety Act 1985 with the Schedules to the Act providing the authority for the continuance of Boards of Examiners and the certification of practitioners. Responsibility for this Act and for licensing and certification services passed to the Victorian Workcover Authority.
Data time period: 1836 to 2013