BGE Inspection & Quality Control 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During a gas pipeline weld inspection, which non-destructive testing (NDT) method is most commonly used to detect internal flaws without cutting the pipe?
- Visual inspection only
- Radiographic testing (RT) (Correct answer)
- Hydrostatic pressure test
- Soil resistivity measurement
Correct answer: Radiographic testing (RT)
Radiographic testing uses X-rays or gamma rays to reveal internal weld defects without damaging the pipe.
Question 2: A BGE inspector finds a gas service line with coating disbondment but no visible corrosion. What is the appropriate action?
- No action needed if no corrosion is present
- Document and schedule repair of the coating (Correct answer)
- Immediately replace the entire service line
- Apply cathodic protection and close the file
Correct answer: Document and schedule repair of the coating
Coating disbondment creates conditions for future corrosion and must be documented and repaired even before corrosion appears.
Question 3: What does a 'hold point' in a quality control inspection plan require?
- Work must stop until the inspector approves before proceeding (Correct answer)
- Workers hold tools while safety is checked
- The foreman holds the permit until work is complete
- Pressure is held constant during testing
Correct answer: Work must stop until the inspector approves before proceeding
A hold point is a mandatory pause in construction or repair where work cannot continue until an authorized inspector reviews and approves the work.
Question 4: When inspecting an electric transmission tower, what condition would most urgently require immediate escalation?
- Minor rust on non-structural bolt
- Cracked or missing insulators on an energized line (Correct answer)
- Faded paint on tower leg
- Slightly loose guy wire anchor cap
Correct answer: Cracked or missing insulators on an energized line
Cracked or missing insulators on energized transmission lines present an immediate risk of flashover, fault, and potential public safety hazard.
Question 5: Which document records the as-built conditions of a utility installation and is required for regulatory compliance?
- Work order form
- Material safety data sheet (SDS)
- Red-line or as-built drawing (Correct answer)
- Excavation permit
Correct answer: Red-line or as-built drawing
Red-line or as-built drawings document the actual installed conditions, including any field changes from the original design, and are required for utility records.
Question 6: A quality inspector observes that a contractor backfilled a gas main trench before the required inspection. Under BGE QC standards, what must happen?
- Accept the work if no leaks are found later
- Require the contractor to excavate and expose the work for inspection (Correct answer)
- Issue a warning and allow the work to remain
- Conduct a hydrostatic test as a substitute inspection
Correct answer: Require the contractor to excavate and expose the work for inspection
Work that bypasses a mandatory inspection point must be re-exposed so the required inspection can be performed before final acceptance.
Question 7: What is the purpose of a 'witness point' in a utility QC inspection plan, as distinguished from a hold point?
- Both witness and hold points require work stoppage
- A witness point requires notification but work may proceed if the inspector does not attend (Correct answer)
- A witness point is only used for electric work, not gas
- A witness point requires a third-party auditor to sign off
Correct answer: A witness point requires notification but work may proceed if the inspector does not attend
A witness point notifies the inspector of an activity, but unlike a hold point, work may continue if the inspector is not available to attend.
BGE Inspection & Quality Control 2
During a gas pipeline weld inspection, which non-destructive testing (NDT) method is most commonly used to detect internal flaws without cutting the pipe?