On and after the effective date of the rules and regulations first promulgated by the board, each boiler and pressure vessel used or proposed to be used within this state, except boilers or pressure vessels exempt under Section 45-23-15, shall be thoroughly inspected as to their construction, installation and condition as follows:
Power boilers and high pressure, high temperature water boilers shall receive a certificate inspection annually or as the board may require and shall also be externally inspected annually while under pressure if possible.
Heating boilers shall receive a certificate inspection biennially.
Pressure vessels subject to internal corrosion shall receive a certificate inspection biennially.
Pressure vessels not subject to internal corrosion shall receive a certificate inspection at intervals set by the board, but internal inspection shall not be required of pressure vessels, the contents of which are known to be noncorrosive to the material of which the shell, heads or fittings are constructed, either from the chemical composition of the contents or from evidence that the contents are adequately treated with a corrosion inhibitor, or from evidence that the vessel parts are isolated from the contents with a corrosion resistant lining, provided that such vessels are constructed in accordance with the rules and regulations of the board, and provided further that evidence proving noncorrosiveness is approved by the board.
Nuclear vessels within the scope of this chapter shall be inspected and reported in such form and with such appropriate information as the board shall designate.
A grace period of two (2) months beyond the periods specified in paragraphs (a), (b), (c) and (d) may elapse between certificate inspections.
The board may, in its discretion, permit longer periods between certificate inspections.
Under the provisions of this chapter, the board shall provide for the safety of life, limb and property, and therefore has jurisdiction over the interpretation and application of the inspection requirements as provided for in the rules and regulations which they have promulgated. Inspection during construction and installation shall certify as to the minimum requirements for safety. Inspection requirements of operating equipment shall be in accordance with generally accepted practice and compatible with the actual service conditions, such as: (i) previous experience, based on records of inspection, performance and maintenance; (ii) location, with respect to personnel hazard; (iii) quality of inspection and operating personnel; (iv) provision for related safe operation controls; (v) interrelation with other operations outside the scope of this chapter.
Based upon documentation of such actual service conditions by the owner or user of the operating equipment, the board may, in its discretion, permit variations in inspection requirements.