BGE Inspection & Quality Control 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When inspecting PE (polyethylene) pipe fusion joints, which visual characteristic indicates an acceptable butt fusion weld?
- A single flat bead with no rollback
- Uniform double rollback bead with no voids or gaps (Correct answer)
- A raised centerline ridge only
- No bead visible (smooth surface)
Correct answer: Uniform double rollback bead with no voids or gaps
An acceptable butt fusion joint shows a uniform, symmetric double rollback bead on both sides of the joint, indicating proper heat and pressure were applied.
Question 2: BGE crews are replacing a section of cast iron gas main. What minimum pressure test is typically required before returning the line to service?
- Visual leak check only at operating pressure
- A pressure test at 1.5 times the maximum allowable operating pressure (MAOP) (Correct answer)
- A vacuum test at -5 psig
- A soap bubble test at 0.25 psig
Correct answer: A pressure test at 1.5 times the maximum allowable operating pressure (MAOP)
Federal pipeline safety regulations (49 CFR Part 192) require a pressure test at a minimum of 1.5 times MAOP to verify integrity before returning gas lines to service.
Question 3: An inspector notices a gas meter set installed closer to a window opening than code allows. Which step should be taken first?
- Immediately shut off gas to the meter
- Document the deficiency and notify the responsible supervisor (Correct answer)
- Seal the window opening
- Remove the meter and reinstall it in the street
Correct answer: Document the deficiency and notify the responsible supervisor
The first step is to document the non-conformance and notify the supervisor so a corrective action plan can be developed per QC procedures.
Question 4: During electric cable splicing inspection, what is the purpose of verifying the correct torque on compression connectors?
- To ensure the insulation color matches the conductor
- To confirm the connector will carry the rated current without overheating or failing (Correct answer)
- To check that the conductor gauge matches the circuit breaker
- To verify the splice is waterproof
Correct answer: To confirm the connector will carry the rated current without overheating or failing
Correct torque on compression connectors ensures low-resistance, mechanically secure connections that prevent overheating and connection failure under load.
Question 5: What is the primary reason BGE requires photographic documentation during trench inspections?
- To satisfy customer requests for photos of their property
- To provide a verifiable record of installation conditions and compliance at the time of inspection (Correct answer)
- To track the number of workers on site
- To document equipment used by the contractor
Correct answer: To provide a verifiable record of installation conditions and compliance at the time of inspection
Photographs create an objective, time-stamped record of actual field conditions that supports compliance verification, dispute resolution, and regulatory audits.
Question 6: A pipe coating inspection using a holiday detector finds a discontinuity (holiday) in the coating. What must occur?
- Apply a tape flag and move on
- Repair the holiday and re-test the repaired area before backfilling (Correct answer)
- Increase cathodic protection current to compensate
- Document but allow backfilling if the holiday is small
Correct answer: Repair the holiday and re-test the repaired area before backfilling
All coating holidays must be repaired and re-tested prior to backfilling to ensure continuous corrosion protection.
Question 7: Which federal regulation governs the inspection and testing requirements for natural gas distribution systems operated by utilities like BGE?
- 49 CFR Part 192 (Correct answer)
- 29 CFR Part 1910 (OSHA General Industry)
- 40 CFR Part 68 (EPA RMP)
- 10 CFR Part 50 (NRC Nuclear)
Correct answer: 49 CFR Part 192
49 CFR Part 192 (Transportation of Natural and Other Gas by Pipeline) sets minimum federal safety standards for gas pipeline design, construction, testing, and inspection.
BGE Inspection & Quality Control 3
When inspecting PE (polyethylene) pipe fusion joints, which visual characteristic indicates an acceptable butt fusion weld?