Class 5 Boiler Practice Exam

Is inspection of category M piping required if performed by an authorized owner's representative?

1. Yes, it is required

2. No, it is not required

3. Only for new installations

4. Only during regular maintenance

The correct answer is: No, it is not required

The inspection of category M piping being not required when performed by an authorized owner's representative is rooted in regulatory guidelines that aim to streamline processes while ensuring safety and compliance. Category M piping refers specifically to the type of piping that requires periodic inspection due to its role in the operation of certain systems, typically related to pressure equipment and critical areas of boiler operation. In many jurisdictions, the laws or standards governing boiler operations recognize that if an inspection is conducted by a qualified and authorized individual operating on behalf of the owner, the traditional requirements for separate inspection may not be necessary. This is based on the premise that authorized representatives are trained to recognize and address the pertinent safety and operational aspects involved in such inspections. Therefore, as long as the authorized owner's representative adheres to established protocols and maintains thorough documentation of the inspection, they are deemed capable of performing inspections within the intended safety framework, rendering formal external inspections unnecessary in that scenario. In contrast, there are specific scenarios where inspections may still be mandated, such as in new installations or during regularly scheduled maintenance, where further verification from an outside party could add value, but for the context of category M piping by an authorized representative, additional inspections are not required.