The Manchester Steam Users’ Association was established in 1854 to prevent steam boiler explosions. It employed mechanical engineers to inspect the boilers of members who subscribed to the service. The service had been proposed by the engineer Sir William Fairbairn. It is considered to be the first boiler inspection authority in Britain. At the time of its establishment, there had been a considerable number of deaths and injuries from boiler explosions across the country. Between 1864 and 1874, 617 people were killed and 997 people injured as a result of boiler explosions. The Association aimed to avoid explosions at its members’ facilities through quality inspection and remedial works with a guarantee. Members included cotton manufacturers, metal founders, saw mills, builders, and locomotive manufacturers and operators.

The Association proposed new legislation to the Home Secretary in 1876 to prevent loss of life from steam boiler explosions, and went on to draft The Boiler Explosion Bill which was first read in the House of Commons in 1881.

The Association became part of British Engine Boiler & Electrical Insurance Co Ltd in 1932. Its headquarters were at Longridge House, a purpose built office block opened in 1959. The building was destroyed by the IRA bomb in 1996.

British Engine Boiler & Electrical Insurance Co Ltd had been a subsidiary of Royal Insurance Co Ltd since 1912, and is now owned by Knapton Insurance Limited.