s110425 Testing for gas leaks or CO detection

Identifier: s110425

Date: 04/25/2011

Question:

Please confirm that it is not required by SOP to provide gas leak testing or CO detection on combustible gas appliances and under which SOP does this fall?

Answer:

Inspectors are required by the ASHI Standards of Practice(SOP) to inspect gas piping, but are not required to use instruments to do so.The SOP does not require gas leak detection, other than detection using techniques that are not technically exhaustive. (One example of such a technique would be suing your nose.)

 The SOP requires inspecting certain gas combustion appliances (6.1.A.3, 8.1.B1, & 12.1.A.1) and their vents (6.1.A.5, 8.1.B.2,& 12.1.A.2) but does not require measurement of CO levels at appliances or elsewhere. Other methods for detecting possible presence of CO concerns might include flame color, flame shape, backdrafting or other methods that are not technically exhaustive.

References:

6.1 The inspector shall:

       A.Inspect

           5.fuel storage and fuel distribution systems.

13.1 General limitations

            A.The inspector is NOT required to perform any action or make any determination not specifically stated in these Standards of Practice.

            B.Inspections performed in accordance with these Standards of Practice:

1. are not technically exhaustive defined as: An investigation that involves dismantling, the extensive use of advanced techniques, measurements, instruments, testing, calculations, or other means.

 13.2 GeneralExclusions:

            A.Inspectors are not required to determine:

                   12.  the presence of any environmental hazards including, but not limited to, toxins, carcinogens, noise and contaminants’ in soil, water and air. 

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