1. (1) To ensure the safety of natural gas and hazardous liquid facilities, it is incumbent on the operators to make sure all equipment used to verify regulatory compliance is properly calibrated on a timely basis. Proper calibration of equipment is essential to construction, operation, maintenance of pipelines and facilities used to gather correct readings/ measurements and determine safety levels.

2. (2) Exemption of this rule applies only to equipment and readings used/taken for a purpose other than regulatory compliance. This exemption does not cover:

   1. (a) Gauges left in place that are relied upon to test safety equipment;
   2. (b) Equipment used to make operational decisions that might impact safety;
   3. (c) Used in the construction of a pipeline; or
   4. (d) Used to document regulatory compliance.

3. (3) Calibration may be required for the following reasons: must be done in accordance with the manufacturer's recommended calibration instructions, and should be considered when:

   1. (a) A new instrument;
   2. (b) After an instrument has been repaired or modified;
   3. (c) When moving from one operating environment to another significantly different operating environment;
   4. (d) When a specified time period has elapse;
   5. (e) When a specified usage (operating hours) has elapsed;
   6. (f) Before and/or after a critical measurement;

   7. (g) After an event, for example;

      1. 1. after an instrument has been exposed to a shock, vibration, or physical damage, which might potentially have compromised the integrity of its calibration, or
      2. 2. sudden changes in weather;
   8. (h) Whenever observations appear questionable, or instrument indications do not match the output of surrogate instruments;
   9. (i) On a regular schedule considering the type and usage of the instrument involved. Combustible Gas Indicator (CGI) instruments shall be checked for calibration at least once each month not to exceed 45 days;
   10. (j) At any time, it is suspected that the instrument's calibration has changed;
   11. (k) As specified by a requirement, e.g., customer specification, instrument manufacturer recommendation; or
   12. (l) Another reason not currrently listed.

4. (4) Calibration should be accomplished using the following:

   1. (a) In accordance with the manufacturer's recommended calibration instructions;
   2. (b) By manufactures approved facilities or with manufactures approved products; or
   3. (c) By properly trained personnel.
5. (5) The operator must include the calibration procedure(s)/process(s) in the Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Plan. If it is determined that a calibration is required for a reason listed under section 3 then the reason for the calibration should be listed in the calibration records. Documentation is not required to support the decision to not calibrate for a reason listed under section 3. The verification of calibration or recalibration must be documented and maintained for a minimum of 10 years.

Author: Alabama Public Service Commission

Statutory Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §37-4-83.

History: Effective May 2023. New Rule: Published with LRS June 30, 2023. Filed for Codification in the Alabama Administrative Code by the Alabama Public Service Commission on May 26, 2023, pursuant to Code of Ala. 1975, §41-22-7.