Regulation 72. Hydrostatic tests.

                                    P.U.(A) 5/70

FACTORIES AND MACHINERY (STEAM BOILER AND

                   UNFIRED PRESSURE VESSEL)

                           REGULATIONS, 1970

          PART IV - MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Regulation 72. Hydrostatic tests.

(1) Every steam boiler and unfired pressure vessel shall, before being put into service for the first

time, be subjected to a hydrostatic test-

(a) of twice the authorised safe working pressure where such pressure is not more than

one hundred pounds per square inch; and

(b) of one and a half times the authorised safe working pressure plus fifty pounds where

such pressure exceeds one hundred pounds per square inch:

Provided that where any steam boiler or unfired pressure vessel complies with the

standard conditions in regulation 7 or where there is evidence that it has been

satisfactorily tested hydrostatically at the manufacturer's or maker's works in accordance

with the above, the Inspector may in his discretion carry out a hydrostatic test to one and

one-half times the authorised safe working pressure only.

(2) Such steam boiler or unfired pressure vessel shall withstand satisfactorily such hydrostatic

pressure without appreciable leakage or undue deflection or distortion of its parts for at least

twenty consecutive minutes.

 (3) After any repair affecting the strength of any steam boiler or unfired pressure vessel, the

Inspector may require it to be tested hydrostatically to one and one-half times the authorised safe

working pressure.

(4) Every steam boiler shall be tested hydrostatically at intervals not exceeding seven years.

Provided that where any steam boiler by reason of its construction, cannot be inspected

thoroughly internally, an Inspector may require such steam boiler to be tested hydrostatically after

any regular inspection.

(5) Where by reason of its construction an unfired pressure vessel cannot be inspected

thoroughly internally, an Inspector may require such unfired pressure vessel to be tested

hydrostatically after any regular inspection.

(6) Where in the opinion of the Inspector the hydrostatic test of any steam boiler or unfired

pressure vessel is not satisfactory the authorised safe working pressure of such steam boiler or

unfired pressure vessel shall be reduced by an amount which the Chief Inspector may deem to

be appropriate:

Provided that where the owner of such steam boiler or unfired pressure vessel makes such

alterations thereto as will enable it to withstand to the satisfaction of the Inspector a further

hydrostatic test the authorised safe working pressure may be retained.

(7) During a hydrostatic test of any steam boiler or unfired pressure vessel the safety valve

thereof shall be removed.

(8) All pipes and pipe fittings shall be satisfactorily tested hydrostatically to twice the authorised

safe working pressure of the steam boiler or unfired pressure vessel to which they are to be fitted,

before erection on site:

Provided that where an Inspector is satisfied that such pipes and pipe fittings have been

satisfactorily so tested at the manufacturer's or maker's works he may require a hydrostatic test to

one and one-half times the authorised safe working pressure only.

(9) Where the joints in a pipe system are of welded construction the system shall, after erection

on site be tested hydrostatically to twice the authorised safe working pressure of the steam boiler

or unfired pressure vessel to which it is fitted or such joints shall be completely radiographed.

(10) No person shall, without the approval in writing of an Inspector, test any part of a steam

boiler or unfired pressure vessel or the fittings thereof or any pipes or pipe fittings, for pressure

tightness by any means other than water pressure.

(11) After any satisfactorily hydrostatic test and on payment of the prescribed fees for such test

an Inspector shall issue to the owner a certificate in the form shown in the sixth Schedule to these

regulations.

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