Modifications to Chapter 8, Inspections, Testing and Purging

(1) Delete sub-section 8.1.1* and replace with the following: 8.1.1* General. (a) Inspection of a new or rough gas piping system: Inspections shall conform to the requirements of 248 CMR 3.00: General Provisions Governing the Conduct of Plumbing and Gas Fitting Work Performed in the Commonwealth in addition to the following: 1. Unless an emergency exists, gas shall not be turned on and gas piping systems shall not be placed into service until the following conditions have been satisfied: a. The gas piping system shall be tested in the presence of the Inspector and approved to insure that it meets the requirements of 248 CMR; and b. Where any part of the gas piping system is to be enclosed or concealed, the testing shall be conducted prior to the covering of any portion of the gas piping system. 2. Gas piping systems that extend from the outlet of the service meter assembly to the closed shutoff valve at each appliance shall satisfy the following: a. withstand a pressure test of not less than six inches of mercury or three PSIG for a period of not less than ten minutes without showing any drop in pressure; b. the pressure shall be measured with a mercury manometer, slope gauge or an equivalent device so calibrated as to read in increments of not less more than 0.1 PSIG; and c. Where new branches are installed to an existing gas piping system, the newly installed branch(es) shall be required to be tested in compliance with this section so long as the newly installed branch(es) can be isolated from existing branch(es). Connections between the new piping and the existing piping shall be tested with a noncorrosive leak-detecting fluid or leak detecting methods as authorized by this code. 3. Gas piping systems in excess of one million BTU input shall be tested at a pressure not less than ten times the proposed maximum working pressure of the gas system and: a. the test duration shall be not less than one hour per 100 linear feet of piping or a fraction thereof: and: b. The maximum test duration shall not exceed a 24 hour time period irrespective of the piping system design, and: c. The maximum test pressure shall not exceed 100 PSIG. 4. For undiluted liquefied petroleum gas systems, all piping located upstream of the second stage regulator shall: a. be tested to a pressure not less than one and one half times the maximum operating pressure of said piping system; and b. the pressure shall be measured with a device so calibrated as to read in increments of not greater than one tenth PSIG. (b) Inspection of the Final Gas Piping System. 1. After the test of the rough gas piping system, the gas piping system may be turned on and the appliance may be tested at normal operating pressure by means of: a. a non-corrosive leak detection fluid; or b. a properly calibrated electronic leak detector. 2. Following the successful testing and approval of a gas piping system, the inspector shall attach a permanent tag in a conspicuous place. The tag shall indicate that the gas piping system has been tested and approved. (c) Minor repairs and additions are not required to be pressure tested, provided that the work is inspected and connections are tested with a non-corrosive leak detection fluid, a properly calibrated electronic leak detector or other method acceptable to the inspector. (4) Delete sub-section 8.1.5.3 and replace with the following: 8.1.5.3 Defective or Damaged Piping. Whenever there is reason to believe the gas piping system of a building or structure is defective or damaged, it shall be subject to a test and inspection, and any defects or life safety hazards found shall be corrected as required and documented in writing to the inspector. (6) Delete sub-section 8.2.3* and replace with the following: 8.2.3* Leak Check. Immediately after the gas is turned on to a new or old gas piping system that has been tested, inspected and approved, the connected appliances shall: (a) be checked for leakage and proper operation, and: (b) where leakage or defective appliances or equipment are encountered, the gas supply to the appliance or equipment shall be shut off until the necessary repairs have been made.