Inspection of Boilers and Pressure Vessels

Inspection of Boilers and Pressure Vessels 1. All boilers and pressure vessels, not exempt by the Act, shall be inspected internally and externally, as provided by these rules and regulations, by an authorized inspector. The owner or user shall prepare each boiler or pressure vessel for such inspection and for appropriate pressure tests, whenever necessary. Following is a recommended general guide in preparing equipment for an internal inspection: 2. Boilers a. Cool the boiler, furnace and setting sufficiently to prevent damage to any part. b. Drain and wash thoroughly internal parts to be inspected. c. Remove manhole and handhole plates, and wash out drain and inspection plugs. d. Remove a sufficient number of grates or internally fired boilers, as requested by the inspector. e. Remove brickwork, refractory and insulation, as required by the inspector, to determine condition of boiler, headers, tubes, furnace, structural supports, and other parts. f. Prevent leakage of water, steam or vapors into boiler interiors that would endanger personnel. g. Before opening the manhole or handhole covers and entering any parts of the steam-generating unit connected to a common header with other boiler, the non-return and steam stop valves must be closed, tagged,and preferably padlocked, and drain valves or cocks between the two valves opened. The feed and check valves must be closed, tagged, and preferably padlocked, and drain valves or cocks located between the two valves opened. After draining the boiler, the blowoff valves shall be closed and padlocked. Blowoff lines, where practicable, shall be disconnected between pressure parts and valves. All drains and vent lines shall be opened. h. Prepare the pressure gauge for testing. 3. Pressure vessels a. Remove manhole and handhole plates, cleaning and inspection plugs. b. Clean internal surfaces and adequately ventilate all interior surfaces. c. Isolate the unit to the extent that internal temperature, pressure and environment are not injurious to personnel and are under strict control during complete inspection. d. Remove linings or coverings, as required by the inspector, to determine true physical condition of the vessel and its components. e. Make protective and regulating controls readily accessible for inspection. f. Prepare the pressure gauges for testing.