§ 154.804 - Review, certification, and initial inspection.

(a) A new vapor control system installation must be certified by a certifying entity as meeting the requirements of this subpart prior to operating.

(b) [Reserved]

(c) An existing vapor control system installation that has been Coast Guard approved for operation with specific vessels must be certified by a certifying entity prior to receiving vapors from other vessels.

(d) Plans and information submitted to the certifying entity must include a qualitative failure analysis. The analysis must demonstrate the following:

(1) The vapor control system is designed to permit the system to continuously operate safely when receiving cargo vapors from tankships and barges over the full range of transfer rates expected at the facility;

(2) The vapor control system is provided with the proper alarms and automatic control systems to prevent unsafe operation;

(3) The vapor control system is equipped with sufficient automatic or passive devices to minimize damage to personnel, property, and the environment if an accident were to occur; and

(4) If a quantitative failure analysis is also conducted, the level of safety attained is at least one order of magnitude greater than that calculated for operating without a vapor control system.

Note: The American Institute of Chemical Engineers publication, “Guidelines for Hazard Evaluation Procedures” may be used as guidance when preparing a qualitative failure analysis. Military Standard MIL-STD-882B may be used as guidance when preparing a quantitative failure analysis.

(e) The certifying entity must conduct all initial inspections and witness all tests required to demonstrate that the facility:

(1) Conforms to certified plans and specifications;

(2) Meets the requirements of this subpart; and

(3) Is operating properly.

(f) Upon receipt of written certification from the certifying entity that a facility's vapor control system complies with the requirements of this part the COTP shall endorse the letter of adequacy required by §154.325 of this part to indicate that the facility is acceptable for collecting vapors of crude oil, gasoline blends, benzene, or any other vapors for which it is certified.

(g) Any design or configuration alteration involving a certified vapor control system must be reviewed by a certifying entity. After conducting any inspections and witnessing tests necessary to verify that the modified vapor control system meets the requirements of this subpart, the certifying entity must recertify the installation.

(h) Certifications issued in accordance with this section and a copy of the plans, calculations, and specifications for the vapor control system must be maintained at the facility.

(i) A certifying entity accepted under §154.806 of this subpart may not certify a facility vapor control system if it was involved in the design or installation of the system.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 1625–0060)

[CGD 88–102, 55 FR 25429, June 21, 1990, as amended by USCG–1998–3799, 63 FR 35531, June 30, 1998; USCG–2006–25150, 71 FR 39209, July 12, 2006]