Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 50, December 14, 2024
Section 3a.111 - Field inspectionsField inspections shall be conducted by an individual holding a current Pennsylvania Inspector Commission to inspect boilers and unfired pressure vessels in this Commonwealth. Field inspections shall be conducted according to the following timetable:
(1) Power boilers and process boilers will be inspected internally and externally while not under pressure every 12 months except as provided under section 9(e) and (f) of the act (35 P. S. § 1331.9(e) and (f)).(2) The Department may extend power boiler internal inspections to 24 months and process boiler internal inspections to 60 months if the boiler passes an annual external inspection and the following requirements are met: (i) There is continuous boiler water treatment under the direct supervision of a person trained and experienced in water treatment for controlling and limiting corrosion and deposits.(ii) The records are available for review and contain the following: (A) The date and time the boiler was out of service and the reason for being taken out of service.(B) Daily analysis of water samples showing water conditions and elements or characteristics that produce corrosion or other deterioration to the boiler or its parts.(iii) An inspector performed annual inspections of the boiler, which included inspection of the items contained in paragraphs (1) and (2).(iv) The boiler is operated under direct supervision of a trained operator.(v) Inspection records demonstrate no significant scaling, corrosion, erosion or overheating.(3) Internal and external inspection of low-pressure steam vapor boilers that are not under pressure will be conducted every 24 months.(4) External inspection of hot water supply boilers will be conducted every 24 months. An inspector may require internal inspection because of a vessel's age or condition. The Department will notify the boiler owner or operator verbally or in writing of the need for an internal inspection.(5) Internal inspection of steel hot water heating boilers will be conducted every 48 months. External inspections will be conducted every 24 months.(6) Internal and external inspections of low-pressure boilers in schools will be conducted every 24 months.(7) External inspections of cast iron boilers will be conducted every 24 months and will include an internal inspection of the firebox. The unit shall be flushed until clean if the watersides appear to contain sludge.(8) Unfired pressure vessels will be inspected every 36 months. An inspector may require internal inspections because of a vessel's age or condition. The Department will notify the boiler owner or operator verbally or in writing of the need for an internal inspection. This section cited in 34 Pa. Code § 3a.36 (relating to clearances); 34 Pa. Code § 3a.161 (relating to modular boilers); 34 Pa. Code § 3a.162 (relating to portable boilers); 34 Pa. Code § 3a.163 (relating to fired coil water heaters and instantaneous water heaters); 34 Pa. Code § 3a.164 (relating to storage water heaters); 34 Pa. Code § 3a.165 (relating to steam/hot water coil storage water heater); 34 Pa. Code § 3a.166 (relating to miniature boilers and kitchen equipment); 34 Pa. Code § 3a.167 (relating to hot water/steam heat exchangers); 34 Pa. Code § 3a.168 (relating to autoclaves and quick opening vessels); 34 Pa. Code § 3a.169 (relating to fuel trains and piping systems); 34 Pa. Code § 3a.170 (relating to swimming pool heaters); and 34 Pa. Code § 3a.171 (relating to locomotive boilers).