The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) operates 170 medical centers nationwide, serving over 8 million veterans annually. Many VA Medical Centers (VAMCs) utilize centralized steam and hot water piping systems for building heating and chilled water distribution.
Recent assessments have determined that ASTM A307 bolts, currently specified in the VHA Master Specifications for Hydronic Piping (23 21 13, Section 2.3) and Steam and Condensate Heating Piping (23 22 13, Section 2.3), do not meet performance standards for the high-temperature, high-pressure conditions typical in these systems.
Specification Update and Mandated Action
To address this critical safety issue:
- All VAMCs are now required to use ASTM A193 bolted hardware, which provides the mechanical strength and thermal resistance required for steam and hot water service.
- Facilities must conduct a comprehensive A307 Bolt Survey of their piping systems, prioritizing systems operating above 50 psi, particularly medium- and high-pressure lines.
- For any identified ASTM A307 hardware, an Interim Safety Measure (ISM) must be immediately implemented to ensure safety until full hardware replacement is completed.
Specifications are available at the VA’s Office of Construction and Facilities Management Technical Information Library
Facility Action Requirements (Deadline: Wednesday, June 17)
- A307 Bolt Survey & Identification Plan
Each VAMC must develop and submit a formal plan to conduct an A307 Bolt Survey, identifying all non-compliant fasteners in steam and hot water systems. - Scope of Work Execution
Initial scopes of work (SOWs) have been issued for inspection, documentation, and phased replacement of A307 hardware with ASTM A193 components. This work has been listed in SAM.gov as “A307 Bolt Survey”. Low-strength bolts are marked with “A307” on their heads. - Interim Safety Measures (ISM)
Where A307 bolts are identified in operational systems, appropriate ISMs (e.g., load reduction, increased monitoring, temporary reinforcements) must be implemented without delay.
Integration of Xceed Capabilities
To support compliance and enhance technical rigor, Xceed Engineering Services offers specialized services, including:
- Specification Review and Compliance Auditing
Systematic review of facility documentation to identify discrepancies with updated VHA piping and bolting specifications. - On-Site Flange and Fastener Inspection
Deployment of inspectors to perform visual and mechanical assessments of piping flanges as part of the A307 Bolt Survey process. - Structural Assessment of Flange Assemblies
Analysis of mechanical integrity and potential failure risks in flange assemblies using engineering-based assessment methods. - Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
Advanced simulation of flange and fastener performance under thermal and pressure loading conditions to guide risk-based replacement planning.
These technical services are intended to support each facility in executing a safe, efficient, and compliant response to the A307 bolt issue, minimizing operational risk and ensuring long-term reliability of heating and steam systems.
Need help or have questions? Reach out to XCEED today for support, advice, or to get things moving