Defining global inspection and engineering excellence — setting the industry standard for quality, innovation, and safety worldwide

Innovation is moving full steam ahead, reshaping global industry operations. But as technologies evolve, the role of quality and safety excellence has never been more critical. The Industrial Revolution demanded reliable safety oversight for steam-powered equipment, prompting the establishment of Harford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance Company (HSB). HSB has evolved over the last 150 years, continuously advancing safety standards and innovating new industrial and technological risks.

Today, HSB services help organizations navigate various challenges and requirements in an increasingly complex regulatory landscape. With a global presence, HSB provides comprehensive inspection, engineering, and technical training services to organizations across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. As the largest Authorized Inspection Agency (AIA) accredited by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), HSB consistently expands and diversifies its offerings while employing experts who can interpret the Code.

HSB’s inspectors have Code knowledge, training, and the support of a global engineering network. They are skilled to work independently and engage directly with client leadership, allowing them to operate with the highest level of autonomy, responsibility, and professionalism. This means getting the job done right the first time with minimal delays and escalations.

HSB aims to support clients all over the world through every project stage. With more than 450 inspectors in over 30 countries, HSB’s staff proficiently navigates international codes and regulations, offering tailored guidance and support. Upon hire, each inspector is given extensive educational training prior to becoming officially designated, starting with three months of tailored classes and programming, followed by focused, on-the-job training with peer and supervisory experts. Once designated, each inspector has the tools and knowledge to provide quality service supported by a worldwide network of engineers, ensuring both effective field support and prompt local responsiveness.

Leaders of HSB’s Global Inspection and Engineering Services understand what sets them apart. "Our edge is the amount of in-house training and management we offer to support the multiple roles our inspectors play,” explained Allen Summerall, senior vice president of the U.S. Inspection Group. “Our Codes and Standards knowledge, leadership teams, and involvement with Code committees all play into why our inspectors are well prepared to service multiple types of customers.” With a stacked bench of top-tier, multitalented professionals, HSB offers a nimble workforce that includes even more specialized inspectors with dual designations.

Roy Wyatt, director of technical services and 39-year veteran at HSB, said, “We can offer our clients dual designated inspectors who provide comprehensive, end-to-end quality assurance, blending manufacturing oversight with operational integrity management.”

This dual designation allows inspectors to cover the entire lifecycle of a pressure vessel or boiler, offering significant benefits to industrial clients in areas of compliance, efficiency, and safety.

Dual designated inspectors bring a comparative advantage, including:

• Comprehensive Code knowledge: Dual commission holders possess a deep understanding of ASME construction codes (Sections I, IV, VIII) and NBIC maintenance codes, which may enhance their ability to detect both manufacturing flaws and operational degradation.
• High-level expertise: They serve as a critical bridge connecting fabrication shops, engineering teams, and regulatory bodies.

“From experience, we have a history of being able to offer dual designated inspectors for engineering and insurance, which has been a benefit for our clients,” said Pam Bertolini, supervisor code services. “During jurisdictional inspections, we can advise our insurance clients of potential issues. We can also perform mechanical inspections on air conditioning, heating, and other operational equipment. Our inspectors hold ASME and other international certifications, which is a significant plus for our clients who are fabricating to codes other than ASME.”

HSB’s robust global safety program is seamlessly woven into the fabric of the organization with a primary focus on creating safer work environments for our field staff.

Operating where complexity, regulation, and real-world execution intersect, HSB specializes in high-consequence environments where technical accuracy, Code interpretation, and field judgement directly affect safety and regulatory compliance. Safety is a critical partner of the organization.

Vice President of Global Safety Anne Ehrmann stated, “The Corporate Safety team continues to grow to better support the advancing needs of HSB with safety support in the U.S., Latin America, Europe, Middle East, and Asia. My team and I share a passion for the prevention of workplace injuries and fatalities.” 

With strengths that include ASME Code inspection and interpretation, nuclear and utility oversight, advanced reactor support, international Code compliance, and lifecycle management of pressure equipment across global operations, HSB does more than apply standards. They support clients in a space where codes meet real-world conditions. HSB delivers integrated technical training, inspection, monitoring, and full lifecycle support across complex, high-consequence industries. Their scope spans ASME code services, AIA work, Notified Body, third-party inspection, advanced reactor technologies, international Code compliance, ISO certification, transportable pressure equipment and systems, and project management across both nuclear and conventional energy sectors.

HSB's expertise extends beyond the execution of codes themselves. Our active participation in standards bodies such as ASME, NBIC, PED, JSME, and KEPIC reflects our deep commitment to the integrity and advancement of industry standards.

Because HSB's teams are engaged at the code-development level and active in the field, they bridge the gap between regulation and application. Clients benefit from HSB's deep understanding of evolving requirements, practical interpretation of standards, and proactive guidance that helps them navigate changes effectively.

“What gives HSB the competitive edge is that we can solve problems no one else can,” said Julie Hoskinson, manager Codes and Standards. “The Codes and Standards group comprises talented and knowledgeable individuals that when combined, become an engineering force multiplier. As a group, we have more than 200 years of diverse experience, in addition to robust tools arming us with decades of wisdom and past technical opinions. Bring us the complex and unique boiler and pressure vessel questions — this is where you see the true collaborative magic of the Codes and Standards team.”

This dual role — shaping standards while executing against them — positions HSB professionals at the center of the industry.