CHAPTER 61. STEAM HEATING SERVICE
GENERAL PROVISIONS Sec.
61.1. Definitions.
SERVICE AND FACILITIES
61.11. Accidents.
61.12. Interruptions of service.
61.13. Complaints.
61.14. Records.
61.15. Change in character of service.
61.16. Use of meter.
61.17. Utility to provide meters.
61.18. Location of meters.
61.19. Testing facilities.
61.20. Meter tests.
61.21. Adjustment of bills for meter error.
61.22. Disputed bills.
61.23. Access to meters and discontinuance of service.
61.24. Notice of desire to have service discontinued.
61.25. Refusal to serve applicants.
61.26. Temporary service.
61.27. Maps, plans and records.
61.28. Filing of annual financial reports.
ACCOUNTS
61.31. Systems of accounts.
SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
61.41. Purpose and policy.
61.42. Safety and compliance with standard code.
61.43. Notification of major construction.
61.44. Operating and maintenance plan.
61.45. Security planning and emergency contact list.
61.46. Customer educatin and information program.
61.47. Employee training.
61.48. Periodic inspections.
61.49. Records.
61.50. Welding; qualification and nondestructive testing.
61.51. Steam leaks and steam emergency reports.
61.52. Facility failure investigation.Authority The provisions of this Chapter 61 issued under the Public Utility Code, 66 Pa.C.S. § 501, unless otherwise noted.
Source The provisions of this Chapter 61 adopted March 11, 1946, unless otherwise noted.
GENERAL PROVISIONS
§ 61.1. Definitions.
The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
Critical valves—Valves that are deemed critical in case of emergencies or shut down.
Customer—A party supplied with steam service by a public utility.
Customer’s piping—The pipe of the customer which extends from the service line termination point to the point of utilization.
Degree day—A unit used in estimating quantities of fuel and power consumption based on a daily ratio of consumption the mean temperature below 65°F.
Facilities—Mains and service lines owned or operated by a steam utility for the purpose of transporting steam from where it is produced to the customer’s piping.
Failure investigation—The process of collecting and analyzing data to determine the cause of failure.
Hot water—Water heated by an energy source above its initial temperature.
Main—Piping that transports steam from where it is produced and delivers it to the beginning of the service line.
Pounds of steam—The quantity of steam supplied, measured in pounds and equal to the same amount of water, which would result from condensing the steam used by the customer.
Service line—The pipe connecting the utility main to the customer’s piping. The point of service termination is the customer’s property line unless otherwise provided by contract.
Steam—Water vapor kept under pressure so as to supply energy for heating.
Steam distribution system—A system that takes steam from where it is produced and delivers it to end users.
Steam trap—A device used to discharge condensate and noncondensable gases with a negligible consumption or loss of live steam.
Steam utility—A utility that provides the public services associated with steam distribution.
Water hammer—The phenomenon that occurs when steam charges in the pipeline while condensate is present.
Authority The provisions of this § 61.1 amended under the Public Utility Code, 66 Pa.C.S. § § 501 and 1501.
Source The provisions of this § 61.1 amended December 1, 2017, effective December 2, 2017, 47 Pa.B. 7314. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (239219) to (239220).
SERVICE AND FACILITIES
§ 61.11. Accidents.
(a) General. A steam utility shall submit a report of each reportable accident involving the facilities or operations of the steam utility in this Commonwealth. The reports shall be addressed to the Secretary of the Commission.
(b) Reportable accidents. Reportable accidents are those involving utility facilities or operations which result in one or more of the following circumstances:
(1) The death of a person.
(2) Injury to a person sufficient that the injured person requires immediate treatment at a hospital emergency room or in-patient admittance to a hospital, or both.
(3) An event that involves a release of steam from the steam utility, which results in estimated property damage of at least $50,000.
(4) An occurrence of an unusual nature, whether or not death or injury of a person results, which apparently will result in a prolonged and serious interruption of normal service.
(5) An event that results in an emergency shutdown of the steam utility.
(6) An occurrence of an unusual nature that is a physical or cyber-attack, including an attempt to interfere with a steam utility’s computers, software and communication networks that support, operate or otherwise interact with the steam utility’s operation.
(7) An unusual occurrence that is significant in the judgment of the steam utility.
(c) Exception. Injuries, as defined in subsection (b)(1) and (2), may not include those suffered as a result of a motor vehicle accident with utility facilities unless a vehicle involved in the accident is owned by the steam utility or driven by a utility employee while on duty.
(d) Telephone reports. A report by telephone shall be made immediately to the Commission’s Pipeline Safety Division after the steam utility becomes aware of an occurrence of a reportable accident under subsection (b)(1), (3), (4) or (5). A report by telephone shall be made within 24 hours after the steam utility becomes aware of a reportable accident under subsection (b)(2).
(e) Written reports. A written report shall be made on Form UCTA-8 within 30 days of the occurrence of a reportable accident. For reportable accidents under subsection (b)(6), a steam utility shall remove from Form UCTA-8 information that would compromise the security of the utility or hinder an active criminal investigation. Accidents reportable on forms required by the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, Department of Labor and Industry, or the United States Department of Transportation, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, shall be reported to the Commission by filing a copy of the forms instead of a report on Form UCTA-8, as long as the alternative forms, at a minimum, provide all of the following information:
(1) The name of the steam utility.
(2) The date of the reportable accident.
(3) The date of the report.
(4) The location where the reportable accident occurred.
(5) The name, age, residence and occupation of the injured or deceased parties.
(6) The general description of the reportable accident.
(7) The name and telephone number of the reporting officer.
(f) Form availability. Blank UCTA-8 forms are available for download on the Commission’s web site.
(g) Reports not exclusive. The reporting under this chapter is not limited to the requirements in this section and does not limit requests for additional information.
Authority The provisions of this § 61.11 amended under the Public Utility Code, 66 Pa.C.S. § § 501 and 1501.
Source The provisions of this § 61.11 amended December 1, 2017, effective December 2, 2017, 47 Pa.B. 7314. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (239220) to (239221).
§ 61.12. Interruptions of service.
(a) Records. A steam utility shall keep a record which must include data showing the time, duration and cause of an interruption of service affecting its entire system or a major division of its system. The records shall be preserved for a period of 5 years.
(b) Notification to customers. A customer who may be affected adversely as a result of a service interruption shall be notified prior to starting work which will result in an interruption of his service, except in cases of emergency.
Authority The provisions of this § 61.12 amended under the Public Utility Code, 66 Pa.C.S. § § 501 and 1501.
Source The provisions of this § 61.12 amended December 1, 2017, effective December 2, 2017, 47 Pa.B. 7314. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (239221).
§ 61.13. Complaints.
(a) Investigations. A public utility shall make a full and prompt investigation of complaints made to it or through the Commission by its customers.
(b) Records of complaints. A public utility shall preserve written steam service complaints showing the name and address of the complainant, the date and character of the complaint and the adjustment or disposal made of the complaint. The complaint records shall be preserved for a period of 6 years.
§ 61.14. Records.
Records required by this chapter shall be kept within this Commonwealth at an office or offices of the public utility located in the territory served by it, and shall be open for examination by the Commission or a representative of the Commission.
§ 61.15. Change in character of service.
If a substantial change is made in the steam pressure which the public utility is obligated to supply or in other service conditions which would affect the efficiency of operation or which requires the adjustment of regulators or appliances of customers in the area affected, the equipment and appliances shall be inspected and, if necessary, readjusted, without charge by the utility, to meet the new conditions.
§ 61.16. Use of meter.
(a) Steam sold. Steam sold by a public utility shall be charged for by meter measurement, except in case of flat-rate service or if otherwise authorized by the Commission.
(b) Other steam. Other steam, either used by the public utility or furnished to others from the steam heating distribution system, shall be metered and a record kept, unless otherwise authorized by the Commission.
§ 61.17. Utility to provide meters.
Unless otherwise authorized by the Commission, a public utility shall, at its own expense, provide and install and shall continue to own, maintain and operate, equipment necessary for the measurement of steam furnished to its customers.
§ 61.18. Location of meters.
Meters shall either be installed inside of buildings, or shall be protected from climatic changes if it is necessary to locate it outside of a building.
§ 61.19. Testing facilities.
A public utility shall provide and keep available adequate facilities for testing its meters. A public utility not maintaining a standardizing laboratory may have its meters and instruments certified by any standardizing laboratory approved by the Commission upon written permission from the Commission. The accuracy of testing equipment will be established and checked periodically by representatives of the Commission. The tester will seal and date tag the testing facilities after making final adjustments and shall furnish the public utility with a certificate properly dated and signed.
§ 61.20. Meter tests.
(a) Allowable error for condensation meters. No condensation meter may be placed in service or allowed to remain in service which has an error in registration of more than 4% when the temperature of the condensate is standard (140° F) and the average water flow through the meter is approximately equal to the manufacturer’s rating of the meter.
(b) Allowable error for flow meters. No steam flow meter may be placed in service or allowed to remain in service which has an error in registration of more than 4% when the steam, at its average moisture content, nominal pressure and average steam flow through the meter or its differential pressure-producing device, is approximately equal to the manufacturer’s rating of the meter or its differential pressure-producing device.
(c) Periodic tests. A public utility shall make periodic tests of meters in service in accordance with the following:
(1) Condensation meters shall be tested at least once every 24 calendar months.
(2) Steam flow meters shall be tested at least once every 3 years.
(3) Meters shall be sealed or capped after the completion of periodic tests.
(d) Meter records. A public utility shall maintain a record of each customer meter. This record shall show the name of the manufacturer, type, rating, date of purchase and date installed in service, location and removal date, date and reasons for tests, and the error before and after testing, indicated by the words ‘‘as found’’ and ‘‘as left.’’ This record shall be kept for 6 years.
(e) Installation test. A steam service meter installed shall be tested for accuracy by the public utility before its installation, or shall be tested within 12 calendar months after installation. It shall also be inspected by the public utility for proper connection, mechanical condition, and suitability of location within 60 days after installation.
(f) Request test. Upon payment of the fee specified in § 1.43 (relating to schedule of fees payable to the Commission), each public utility shall make a test of the accuracy of registration of any service meter if a written request is made by the customer for whom the meter is installed. A customer may require the seal of the meter to be broken in his presence or that of his representative if he desires personally or by a representative to witness the testing of a meter. The fee shall be retained by the utility if the tested meter is found to be accurate within the limits specified in subsections (a) or (b). However, the cost shall be borne by the utility and the fee returned to the customer if the tested meter is found to be inaccurate. A report of the test shall be made to the customer.
(g) Fees for testing appliances of public utilities. For testing the measuring apparatus and condensation meters of public utilities the Commission will charge and collect from such utilities the following fees:
(1) For a testing facility tested at the plant of a company—$15.
(2) For a condensation meter tested at a Commission laboratory—$3.
Cross References This section cited in 52 Pa. Code § 61.21 (relating to adjustment of bills for meter error).
§ 61.21. Adjustment of bills for meter error.
(a) Fast meters. If, upon test of a meter, the meter is found to have an error of more than 4% fast, the public utility shall refund to the customer the overcharge, based upon the corrected meter reading for a period equal to 1/2 the time elapsed since the last previous test, but not to exceed 3 months. If the period of registration error can be definitely fixed, the overcharge shall be computed for the period. If the meter has not been tested in accordance with § 61.20 (relating to meter tests), the period for which it has been in service beyond the regular test period shall be added to the 3 months in computing the refund.
(b) Slow meters. If, upon test of a meter, the meter is found to have an error of more than 4% slow, the public utility may render a bill for the steam consumed, but not covered by bills previously rendered, for a period equal to 1/2 of the time elapsed since the last previous test, but not to exceed 3 months. If the period of registration error can be definitely fixed, the charge may be computed for the period.
(c) Nonregistering meters. If a meter is found not to have registered for a period, the public utility shall compute the steam used by taking the average of the steam used for the nearest meter-reading period immediately preceding and the meter-reading period immediately following the date when the meter was found to be not registering, the computation to be based upon the degree days in the different months of use, which amount shall be assumed to be the amount of steam used by the customer during the billing period in which the meter was found not to have registered. Exceptions shall be made to this rule only where the facts clearly show that the stated method does not give the correct consumption for the period.
§ 61.22. Disputed bills.
In the event of a dispute between a customer and a public utility respecting a bill, the utility shall immediately make the investigation required by the particular case and report the result of the investigation to the customer.
§ 61.23. Access to meters and discontinuance of service.
(a) Access to meters. For purposes of maintenance and operation, each public utility shall at all reasonable times have access to meters, service lines and other property owned by it on the premises of customers. Neglect or refusal on the part of customers to provide reasonable access to their premises for these purposes shall constitute sufficient cause for discontinuance of service.
(b) Notice of discontinuance. No public utility may discontinue service to a customer for violation of its rules and regulations or for nonpayment of bills without a diligent attempt to induce the customer to comply with the rules and regulations, or to pay such bills when due. Service shall not be discontinued until after at least 24-hour written notice has been given by the utility that bills are five or more days delinquent, or that the violation of rules shall cease. If fraudulent use of steam is detected, or if the measuring equipment of the utility has been tampered with, or if a dangerous condition is found to exist on the premises of customers, the steam may be shut off without advance notice.
§ 61.24. Notice of desire to have service discontinued.
A customer who is about to vacate any premises supplied with service by a public utility, or who for any reason wishes to have service discontinued, shall give at least 24-hour written notice to the utility, specifying the date on which it is desired that service be discontinued. The service discontinuance shall be under the terms in the rules and regulations of the utility filed with the Commission. In the absence of notice, the customer shall be responsible for service rendered.
§ 61.25. Refusal to serve applicants.
(a) Noncompliance with rules and regulations. A public utility may decline to serve an applicant until he has complied with Commonwealth and municipal regulations governing steam heat service and the approved rules and regulations of the utility.
(b) Inadequate facilities of utility. A public utility may decline to serve an applicant if it does not have adequate facilities to render the service desired, or if the service is of a character that is likely to unfavorably affect service to other customers.
(c) Inadequate facilities of applicant. A public utility may refuse to serve an applicant if, in its judgment, installation of the piping of the applicant is regarded as hazardous or of a character that satisfactory service cannot be given.
§ 61.26. Temporary service.
In the case of temporary service for short-term use, a public utility may require the customer to pay the costs of making the service connection and removing the material after the service has been discontinued, or to pay a fixed amount in advance to cover such expenses. However, if the material is removed, the customer shall be credited with the reasonable salvage which the public utility will receive on discontinuance of service.
§ 61.27. Maps, plans and records.
A public utility shall keep complete maps, plans and records of its entire distribution and other system showing the size, character and location of each main, district regulator, expansion joint, street valve and trap and each service connection, together with other information that may be necessary. The maps, plans and records required by this section shall be kept up to date so that the utility may furnish promptly and accurately copies of its maps or any information regarding its facilities upon request by the Commission. Special surveys to locate such facilities are not generally required if existing plans are inadequate.
§ 61.28. Filing of annual financial reports.
Under 66 Pa.C.S. § § 504 and 3301 (relating to reports by public utilities; and civil penalties for violations), the Commission may require a public utility to file, and invoke penalties for failure to file, certain reports. In this regard, the following apply:
(1) Unless prior permission to do otherwise is granted, a public utility, other than transportation, subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission, shall file annual financial reports with the Commission by April 30 immediately following the reporting year, for reports based upon the calendar year; or by July 31 immediately following the reporting year, for reports permitted to be based upon the fiscal year ending May 31. A request for an extension of time for filing an annual report shall be submitted to the Commission prior to the filing dates specified in this paragraph.
(2) If a public utility, other than transportation, fails to file its annual report in compliance with this section, the public utility may be subject to a penalty as provided under 66 Pa.C.S. § 3301. Continued failure to file annual reports may result in additional penalties.
Authority The provisions of this § 61.28 issued under the Public Utility Code, 66 Pa.C.S. § § 501 and 504.
Source The provisions of this § 61.28 adopted May 6, 1988, effective May 7, 1988, 18 Pa.B. 2106.
Cross References This section cited in 52 Pa. Code § 101.2 (relating to definitions); and 52 Pa. Code § 101.4 (relating to reporting requirements).
ACCOUNTS
§ 61.31. Systems of accounts.
Each public utility shall keep its accounts in conformity with the ‘‘Uniform Classification of Accounts’’ (18 CFR Part 101).
SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
§ 61.41. Purpose and policy.
(a) The purpose of this section is to prescribe the minimum safety requirements for the design, fabrication, installation, inspection, testing, operation and maintenance of steam distribution systems in this Commonwealth.
(b) Public utilities engaged in the distribution of steam by means of a pipeline shall comply with this section.
(c) The Commission will have the authority to inspect the distribution systems of steam utilities.
(d) This section does not apply to all of the following:
(1) Piping and facilities used for or in connection with the generation or production of steam.
(2) Piping downstream of the customer’s property line.
Authority The provisions of this § 61.41 issued under the Public Utility Code, 66 Pa.C.S. § § 501 and 1501.
Source The provisions of this § 61.41 adopted December 1, 2017, effective December 2, 2017, 47 Pa.B. 7314.
§ 61.42. Safety and compliance with standard code.
(a) Responsibility. A steam utility shall at all times use reasonable effort to properly warn and protect the public from danger, and shall exercise reasonable care to reduce the hazards to which employees, customers and others may be subjected to by reason of its equipment or facilities.
(b) Standard code. Steam distribution pipeline facilities installed after December 2, 2017, shall be designed, constructed, tested, operated and maintained in accordance with the most updated and applicable standards of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Two Park Avenue, New York, NY 10016-5990, https://www.asme.org/. The Commission has the discretion to determine whether a redesign, repair, modification or replacement of a facility constitutes a new facility subject to these regulations.
(c) Statutory compliance. A steam utility shall comply with sections 1—11 of the act of December 10, 1974 (73 P.S. § § 176—186), known as the Underground Utility Line Protection Act, and Pennsylvania One Call.
(d) Enforcement. A steam utility will be subject to inspections as necessary to assure compliance with this section. The facilities, books and records of a steam utility shall be accessible to the Commission and its staff for the inspections. A steam utility shall provide the Commission or its staff with the reports, supplemental data and information requested by Commission staff to administer and enforce this section.
(e) Records. A steam utility shall keep adequate records as required for compliance with this subsection for 3 years. The records shall be accessible to the Commission and its staff.
(f) New facility. A facility that is repaired, modified or constructed on or after January 18, 2018, will be considered a new facility.
Authority The provisions of this § 61.42 issued under the Public Utility Code, 66 Pa.C.S. § § 501 and 1501.
Source The provisions of this § 61.42 adopted December 1, 2017, effective December 2, 2107, 47 Pa.B. 7314.
§ 61.43. Notification of major construction.
(a) A steam utility shall notify the Commission and the Pipeline Safety Division of proposed major construction, reconstruction or maintenance of its facilities at least 30 days prior to the beginning of work. Major construction, reconstruction or maintenance is defined for this reporting as a single project involving an expenditure in excess of $250,000. The notification of proposed construction must include all of the following:
(1) Description and location (city, township, county) of proposed work.
(2) Type of facility (for example, distribution mains, service lines, expansion joints, and the like).
(3) Estimated starting date.
(4) Estimated completion date.
(5) Design pressure.
(6) Estimated cost.
(7) Name and address of reporting steam distribution utility.
(8) Name, address and telephone number of person to be contacted regarding the project.
(b) A steam utility shall notify the Commission and the Pipeline Safety Division of the completion date of the major construction when it occurs.
Authority The provisions of this § 61.43 issued under the Public Utility Code, 66 Pa.C.S. § § 501 and 1501.
Source The provisions of this § 61.43 adopted December 1, 2017, effective December 2, 2017, 47 Pa.B. 7314.
§ 61.44. Operating and maintenance plan.
(a) By January 1, 2018, a steam utility shall establish and file with the Secretary of the Commission and the Pipeline Safety Division a detailed, written operating and maintenance plan for complying with this chapter. Revisions to a plan shall be submitted at least 30 days prior to the effective date of the revision.
(b) The operating and maintenance plan must include, at a minimum, all of the following:
(1) Detailed instructions for employees covering operating and maintenance procedures during normal operations and repairs.
(2) Procedures for welding, brazing and welder qualifications.
(3) Procedures for reporting, investigating, classifying, handling and monitoring steam leaks.
(4) Procedures to correct, within specified time frames, deficiencies found during inspections, evaluations, tests, and the like required under this chapter.
(5) Procedures for continuing surveillance of steam facilities to determine and take appropriate action concerning failures, leakage history, and other unusual operating and maintenance conditions.
(6) An established list of qualified persons who exclusively may approve the turn-on of any section of the steam distribution system.
(7) Procedures to ensure that the turn-on of any section of the steam distribution system is accomplished only by persons specifically trained, qualified and approved for that purpose.
(c) A steam utility shall adhere to its operating and maintenance plan filed with the Commission.
Authority The provisions of this § 61.44 issued under the Public Utility Code, 66 Pa.C.S. § § 501 and 1501.
Source The provisions of this § 61.44 adopted December 1, 2017, effective December 2, 2017, 47 Pa.B. 7314.
§ 61.45. Security planning and emergency contact list.
(a) A steam utility shall develop and maintain written plans for physical and cyber security, emergency response and business continuity in accordance with § 101.3 (relating to plan requirements).
(b) Within its Chapter 101 emergency response plan, a steam utility shall provide procedures for all of the following:
(1) The availability of personnel, equipment, tools and materials as needed at the scene of an emergency.
(2) Actions directed toward protecting people first, then property.
(3) Emergency shutdown in any section of the pipeline system necessary to minimize hazards to life or property.
(4) Making safe any actual or potential hazard to life or property.
(5) Safely restoring any main or service outage.
(c) During January of each year, a steam utility shall file with the Commission’s Secretary and the Pipeline Safety Division a list of the utility’s responsible officials who may be contacted in the event of an emergency. The steam utility shall serve this list on all municipalities within which its facilities are located. Revisions to this list within the year shall be immediately reported to the Pipeline Safety Division and affected municipalities.
Authority The provisions of this § 61.45 issued under the Public Utility Code, 66 Pa.C.S. § § 501 and 1501.
Source The provisions of this § 61.45 adopted December 1, 2017, effective December 2, 2017, 47 Pa.B. 7314.
§ 61.46. Customer education and information program.
(a) A steam utility shall initiate and maintain, on a continuing basis, a satisfactory program for customer education and information designed to assist its customers and appropriate governmental organizations to recognize steam emergency conditions and situations and to notify the steam utility of those emergency situations.
(b) The program and the media used must be as comprehensive as necessary to reach all customers.
(c) During January of each year, a steam utility shall file with the Commission’s Secretary and the Pipeline Safety Division a current description of its customer education and information program, including a detailed statement of the means of its implementation and samples of all descriptive literature and other educational aids.
Authority The provisions of this § 61.46 issued under the Public Utility Code, 66 Pa.C.S. § § 501 and 1501.
Source The provisions of this § 61.46 adopted December 1, 2017, effective December 2, 2017, 47 Pa.B. 7314.
§ 61.47. Employee training.
(a) An employee involved in the operation, maintenance or testing of steam pipelines and related facilities shall satisfactorily complete training at all progression levels to ensure effective and safe implementation of the procedures required under this chapter. Every employee and supervisor shall receive annual training.
(b) A new employee involved in the operation, maintenance or testing of steam pipelines and related facilities shall receive basic classroom training prior to on-the-job training in field operations.
Authority The provisions of this § 61.47 issued under the Public Utility Code, 66 Pa.C.S. § § 501 and 1501.
Source The provisions of this § 61.47 adopted December 1, 2017, effective December 2, 2017, 47 Pa.B. 7314.
§ 61.48. Periodic inspections.
(a) Steam traps and trap piping assemblies shall be inspected for general condition and proper operation at least once a year.
(b) Blow-off valves shall be checked for operability immediately prior to closing each associated main valve during a scheduled shutdown of a section of the steam distribution pipeline system. Removal of condensate from a shutdown section of pipeline shall be accomplished prior to reopening main valves.
(c) Accessible expansion joints shall be inspected at least twice annually. The inspection shall include checks for leakage, proper alignment and traverse measurement.
(d) Service valves owned by the utility located within the customer’s building shall be inspected at least once annually.
(e) Manholes owned by the utility containing steam facilities shall be inspected for general conditions and adequacy of insulation at least once annually.
(f) Remote system pressure indicating devices shall be inspected and tested for accuracy at least once every 2 years. At a minimum, pressure indicating gauges shall be installed at the interface between portions of the system which are designed for different operating pressures.
Authority The provisions of this § 61.48 issued under the Public Utility Code, 66 Pa.C.S. § § 501 and 1501.
Source The provisions of this § 61.48 adopted December 1, 2017, effective December 2, 2017, 47 Pa.B. 7314.
§ 61.49. Records.
A steam utility shall maintain records documenting inspections, maintenance, tests and all other matters required under this chapter for at least 5 years. Records shall be kept on file at the steam utility’s offices and be readily accessible to Commission staff.
Authority The provisions of this § 61.49 issued under the Public Utility Code, 66 Pa.C.S. § § 501 and 1501.
Source The provisions of this § 61.49 adopted December 1, 2017, effective December 2, 2017, 47 Pa.B. 7314.
§ 61.50. Welding; qualification and nondestructive testing.
(a) Welding shall be performed by qualified welders employing qualified welding procedures. Welders and welding procedures shall be qualified in accordance with the most updated and applicable standards of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Two Park Avenue, New York, NY 10016-5990, https://www.asme.org/.
(b) Field welds that are inaccessible or not in a manhole on new steam pipelines shall be nondestructively tested. A new pipeline shall be tested at system pressure.
(c) Field welds made on existing mains and service lines shall be subject to a program of random unannounced nondestructive testing to assess the quality of welding and test the work of each welder. The required minimum testing rate shall be 10% of all welds made during a calendar year. If 10% or more of the welds tested in a calendar year are found to be unacceptable, the test rate shall increase by 5% for the ensuing calendar year. If fewer than 10% of the welds are found to be unacceptable in a year when the required test rate was greater than 10%, the test rate may be decreased by 5% for the ensuing calendar year.
(d) Pressure tests will not be required if 100% of the welds are tested with nondestructive methods.
Authority The provisions of this § 61.50 issued under the Public Utility Code, 66 Pa.C.S. § § 501 and 1501.
Source The provisions of this § 61.50 adopted December 1, 2017, effective December 2, 2017, 47 Pa.B. 7314.
§ 61.51. Steam leaks and steam emergency reports.
(a) Emergency leaks require an immediate response to protect life and property and shall be worked continuously until repairs are completed or until the condition is no longer hazardous. An emergency leak includes any leak which could cause property damage or personal injury or any leak which, in the judgment of the operating personnel at the scene, is regarded as potentially hazardous.
(b) Nonemergency leaks include any leak which is not immediately hazardous at the time of discovery and can be reasonably expected to remain that way. Nonemergency leaks shall be re-examined within 6 months from the date of discovery, and repaired within a reasonable time.
(c) A steam leak record, identified by number, shall be used to depict the entire history of a leak from the time of discovery through repair. The record must contain information as to the nature of the repair.
(d) A steam utility shall record data and compile a written report of each steam leak and steam emergency leak as defined in subsection (a).
(e) An event log shall be kept and maintained on file recording the receipt and handling of each event and must contain all of the following information:
(1) The location of leak or emergency.
(2) The time the report is first received.
(3) A description as to type of leak or emergency.
(4) The time personnel are first dispatched to the location.
(5) The time of arrival of personnel at the location.
(6) The times of dispatch and arrival of additional personnel called to the location.
(f) A steam utility shall have available for inspection by the Commission’s Pipeline Safety Division, on or before the last day of each calendar month, a written summary of its performance in responding to reports of steam leaks and emergencies. The written summary shall be retained for 5 years.
(g) Vaporization of rain or groundwater from contact with a main or service line will not be considered a leak for the purposes of this section.
Authority The provisions of this § 61.51 issued under the Public Utility Code, 66 Pa.C.S. § § 501 and 1501.
Source The provisions of this § 61.51 adopted December 1, 2017, effective December 2, 2017, 47 Pa.B. 7314.
§ 61.52. Facility failure investigation.
(a) A steam utility shall establish procedures to analyze each failure that causes injury or damage for the purpose of determining its cause and to minimize the possibility of recurrence. The procedures must include a method to select samples of the failed facility or equipment for laboratory examination when necessary. The steam utility’s procedures may include the use of independent consultants.
(b) The procedures must provide for complete cooperation between the steam utility, including its independent consultants, with Commission staff in testing or surveying equipment or systems deemed necessary by staff or the consultants for the investigation and analysis of a failure or accident to determine its cause and to minimize the possibility of recurrence.
(c) A facility failure occurs when the facility fails to perform the function it was designed for.
(d) When a steam utility chooses to employ one or more independent consultants, reasonable minimum requirements relating to knowledge, experience and certification must be included in the steam utility’s procedures.
Authority The provisions of this § 61.52 issued under the Public Utility Code, 66 Pa.C.S. § § 501 and 1501.
Source The provisions of this § 61.52 adopted December 1, 2017, effective December 2, 2017, 47 Pa.B. 7314.
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