Which entity is responsible for employing inspectors that conduct regular inspections in ASME-approved shops?

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) is indeed the entity responsible for employing inspectors that conduct regular inspections in ASME-approved shops. ASME is a professional organization that develops codes and standards for mechanical engineering, particularly in relation to pressure vessels and boiler construction. These codes and standards, including the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, require adherence to strict safety and quality protocols, which are enforced through regular inspections conducted by qualified inspectors.

These inspectors are specifically trained to assess compliance with ASME standards and ensure that manufacturing processes and end products meet the high safety and fabrication requirements as outlined in the relevant codes. This oversight mechanism is crucial to maintaining structural integrity and preventing hazardous failures in equipment.

The other entities mentioned, while they have important roles in safety and regulation, do not conduct the specific inspections related to ASME approval. For example, the Federal Government oversees a broad range of safety regulations but relies on ASME's established standards for specific industries. The National Safety Council focuses on safety education and advocacy rather than direct inspections. OSHA, on the other hand, is more focused on workplace safety and health regulations rather than the inspection of mechanical engineering facilities specifically tied to ASME standards.