By the end of 1881, there were numerous associations for the control of steam boilers throughout Germany. However, each expert could essentially decide on his own definition of proper functioning.

Although the “Deutscher Verband von Dampfkessel-Überwachungsvereinen” – the “German Steam Boiler Inspection Association” had existed since 1873, there were still no binding standards relating to boiler safety.

Between May and June 1881, the Association reached an agreement with the “Verein deutscher Eisenhüttenleute” – the “German Association of Steel Manufacturers” regarding the material inspection of boiler construction.

With these standards, technical control was carried out already in the construction phase, in order to prevent and minimize potential danger. Additional standards were approved in Hamburg in 1884. with a similar purpose and guidelines for calculations used for the construction of boiler bodies.