S.C. Code Ann. § 41-14-120 – Schedule and evidence of inspections; entry of premises where boiler being installed or repaired

(A) Owners and operators of all boilers must file with the department evidence of timely inspection as provided in this section. Evidence of timely inspection may be in the form of a certification of insurance, which contains evidence that the boiler was inspected and approved or it may be an inspection report from a certified special inspector.
(B) The director or the chief boiler administrator shall give twenty-four hours' notice to enter any premises in the State where a boiler is being installed or repaired for the purpose of ascertaining whether the boiler is being installed or repaired in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
(C)
1. (1) After December 31, 2005, each boiler used, or proposed to be used in this State must be thoroughly inspected as to their installation and condition as follows:
  1. (a) Annually, a certificate inspection must be conducted on power boilers and high pressure, high temperature water boilers and this inspection must be an internal inspection; however, if it is not possible to perform an internal inspection, the inspection must be as complete an inspection as possible. The boilers must also be externally inspected while under pressure, if possible.
  2. (b) Biennially a certificate inspection must be conducted on low pressure steam or vapor heating boilers and an internal inspection must be conducted every four years where installation permits.
  3. (c) Biennially a certificate inspection must be conducted on hot water heating and hot water supply boilers and an internal inspection must be conducted at the discretion of the inspector.
2. (2) A grace period of two months beyond the periods specified in items (a) and (b) of subsection (B)(1) may elapse between certificate inspections.
3. (3) The department may provide for longer periods between certificate inspection in its regulations.
4. (4) Pursuant to this chapter, the department has jurisdiction over the interpretation and application of the inspection requirements as provided for in regulations of the board. The person conducting the inspection during installation or repair shall certify as to the minimum requirements for safety as defined in the ASME Code. Inspection requirements of operating equipment must be in accordance with generally accepted practice and compatible with the actual service conditions, which must include all of the following:
  1. (a) previous experience, based on records of inspection, performance, and maintenance;
  2. (b) quality of inspection and operating personnel;
  3. (c) provisions for related safe operation controls;
  4. (d) interrelation with other operations.
5. (5) The department may permit variations in the inspection requirements based upon documentation of the actual service conditions by the owner or user of the operating equipment.
6. (C) The inspections required in this chapter must be made by a special inspector provided for in this chapter.
7. (D) If the inspector determines that a hydrostatic test is necessary, it must be made by the owner or user of the boiler.