OAR 918-225-0570: Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspection Schedules

Unless the division grants special permission, all inspectors must comply with the following inspection schedule: (1) Power boilers must be inspected, at minimum: (a) Internally — every year, when physical construction of the boiler allows; and (b) Externally — every year, while under pressure. (2) Cast iron boilers must be inspected externally — every two years, while under pressure. (3) Low pressure steam boilers must be inspected, at minimum: (a) Internally — every two years, when physical construction of the boiler allows; and (b) Externally — every two years, while under pressure. (4) Hot water heating and hot water supply boilers must be inspected: (a) Internally — every six years, when physical construction of the boiler allows; and (b) Externally — every two years, while under pressure. (5) Pressure vessels containing anhydrous ammonia intended for use as fertilizer must be inspected, at minimum, externally every three years. (6) Fixed pressure vessels, containing only air, not located at a place of public assembly, not exceeding 20 cubic feet in volume, and operated at gauge pressures of not more than 200 pounds per square inch must be inspected, at minimum: (a) Internally — every six years, subject to section (13) of this rule; and (b) Externally — every six years. (7) Co2 vessels and hydro-pneumatic pressure vessels, used for beverage service, not exceeding 20 cubic feet in volume, and operated at gauge pressures of not more than 300 pounds per square inch must be inspected, at minimum: (a) Internally — every six years, subject to section (13) of this rule; and (b) Externally every six years. (8) Pressure vessels, not classified in sections (5), (6), and (7) of this rule, and subject to internal corrosion or erosion must be inspected, at minimum: (a) Internally — every two years, subject to section (13) of this rule; and (b) Externally — every two years. (9) Unfired pressure vessels, not classified in sections (5), (6), (7), (10) and (11) of this rule, and not subject to internal corrosion must be inspected, at minimum, externally — every four years. (10) Unfired pressure vessels not subject to internal corrosion but containing a substance which, if it were to leak, might cause serious irreversible harm to a person must be inspected, at minimum: (a) Internally — every two years, subject to section (13)of this rule; and (b) Externally — every two years. (c) A substance “might cause serious irreversible harm” if the substance’s Material Safety Data Sheet describes serious health or physical risks caused by short-term exposure to the substance. (11) Unfired pressure vessels not subject to internal corrosion that are located at a place of public assembly and are not classified in section (8) of this rule must be inspected, at minimum: (a) Internally — every two years, subject to section (13) of this rule; and (b) Externally — every two years. (12) Pressure piping systems containing refrigerants, steam, or pressurized condensate: Inspection during fabrication, installation, repair, or alteration for verification of compliance with material, welding, brazing, and structural support requirements. The inspector may require other tests to verify quality of weldments. This rule does not apply to welded repair of pressure piping under OAR 918-225-0720. (13) The inspector may waive an internal inspection, under section (6), (7), (8), (10) or (11) of this rule if the inspector believes from alternate inspection methods an internal inspection is not necessary to verify the safe condition of the vessel. (14) An inspector may require additional internal or external inspections, or tests, other than those required in this rule, if the inspector has reason to believe that the boiler or pressure vessel does not meet minimum safety standards. (15) Failure to comply with sections (1) through (14) of this rule may cause inspections to be performed by a deputy inspector per ORS 480.570(6) as directed by the chief inspector. (16) The inspection schedule established in this rule is summarized in Table 1-B. [NOTE: Table referenced is not included in rule text.] [ED. NOTE: To view attachments referenced in rule text, click here to view rule.]