512 EM 385-1-1 Chapters 16-22

20-5. Inspection Requirements.

Records of the inspections and tests must be available for review on request. Post certificates of compliance near the vessel controls prior to operation of the equipment.

Inspections and Tests - General

Inspect and test pressurized equipment before use and after repairs, adhering to ASME BPVC for new and NBBI/NBIC for in-service pressure vessels.
The Qualified Inspector (QI) determines and documents inspection frequency unless specified by state, local codes, or manufacturers.
A Competent Person (CP) must conduct visual inspections of all pressurized equipment, with frequencies varying based on the permanence of the installation.

Hydrostatic Testing of In-Service Pressure Vessels

Perform hydrostatic tests on in-service unfired pressure vessels after repairs or modifications, as determined by the QI or per manufacturer's instructions.
Conduct hydrostatic testing on vessels with inspection doors upon repair, modification, or as determined by deterioration, following manufacturer’s guidelines or QI decisions.
Understand exemptions for certain unfired vessels and adhere to specific testing requirements for fire extinguishers as outlined in chapter 9.

Boiler and Systems Inspection

Ensure safety devices are properly installed and not isolatable from their heat source by valve closure.
Reinspect and update the certification of boilers after major repairs or relocation within their current certification period.
Follow ASME BPVC guidelines for inspecting steam boilers and pressure vessels.

Compressed Gas Cylinders

Visually inspect compressed gas cylinders according to the specified CFR and CGA standards.

20-6. Activity Hazard Analysis (AHA) Requirements.

Develop AHAs according to paragraphs 1-6 or 2-6, as applicable.

20-7. Minimum Plan Requirements.

Not Applicable.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

20-3. When should boilers be reinspected and certification updated _____?

as needed by visual inspection

after major repairs or relocation

after 40 hours of continuous operation

as required by local, state, and federal regulations

You forgot to answer the question!

EM 385-1-1 Paragraph 20-5.

20-5. Inspection Requirements.

Records of the inspections and tests must be available for review on request.  Post certificates of compliance near the vessel controls prior to operation of the equipment.

a.  Inspections and Tests - General.  (20-5.a)

(1)  Inspect and conduct performance tests on pressurized equipment and systems before placing them in service and after any repair or modification.

(a)  New pressure vessels.  Conduct inspections of pressure vessels prior to placing in service according to the ASME BPVC.

(b)  In-service pressure vessels.  Conduct inspections of in-service pressure vessels according to the NBBI/NBIC.

(2)  If not otherwise specified by state or local codes or the manufacturer, the QI will determine inspection frequency and document the inspections.  State and local codes take precedent for inspection frequency.

(3)  A CP must perform and document visual inspections of pressurized equipment. Inspect temporary or portable pressurized equipment and systems at least once every six months and permanent installations at least annually.

b.  Hydrostatic Testing of In-Service Pressure Vessels.  (20-5.b)

(1)  Unless otherwise specified by state or local codes, perform hydrostatic testing of in-service unfired pressured vessels as follows:

(a)  After any repairs or modifications that may affect the integrity of the system or its ability to maintain stored pressure, as determined by the QI.

(b)  According to the manufacturer's instructions or a QI’s recommendations after consultation with the manufacturer.

(2)  Perform hydrostatic testing on vessels with inspection doors, such as oil filled (governor) pressure tanks, whenever they are repaired or modified or appear to be deteriorating. The frequency of inspections to determine internal or external conditions will be according to the manufacturer’s recommendations or as determined by a QI.

(3)  The following unfired vessels are exempt from this requirement:

(a)  Vessels designed for a maximum allowable pressure not exceeding 15 psi
        (103.4 kPa).

(b)  Vessels having an internal volume of 5 ft3 (0.14 m3) or less and a maximum rated pressure of 100 psi (689.5 kPa).

(c)  Compression tanks containing water under pressure not exceeding 100 psi
        (689.5 kPa) and temperatures not exceeding 200°F (93.3°C).

(d)  Compression tanks containing water and fitted with a permanent air charging line subject to pressures not exceeding 15 psi (103.4 kPa) and temperatures not exceeding 200°F (93.3°C).

(4)  Fire extinguishers (see chapter 9).

c.  Boiler and Systems Inspection.  (20-5.c)

(1)  Inspect safety devices affecting operation of the firing equipment to determine if they are installed and located so that they cannot be isolated from the heat source by the closing of a valve.

(2)  Re-inspect and post a new certificate prior to placing into operation any boilers that have undergone major structural repairs or those that have been relocated during their current 12-month certification period.

(3)  Inspect steam boilers and pressure vessels according to the ASME BPVC. d.  Compressed Gas Cylinders.  Visually inspect compressed gas cylinders
according to 49 CFR 171–173 and 175–177 and CGA C-6, C-8, and P-1.  (20-5.d)