GPT Preventive Maintenance Procedures 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: How often should gas pipe technicians perform a full visual inspection of above-ground gas piping in a commercial facility?
- Every 5 years
- Annually at minimum (Correct answer)
- Only when requested by the customer
- Every 10 years per NFPA 54
Correct answer: Annually at minimum
NFPA 54 and most jurisdictions require at minimum an annual visual inspection of above-ground gas piping in commercial facilities.
Question 2: Which tool is most appropriate for detecting small gas leaks during a preventive maintenance inspection?
- Manometer
- Combustible gas detector (CGI) (Correct answer)
- Pipe wrench
- Pressure gauge only
Correct answer: Combustible gas detector (CGI)
A combustible gas indicator (CGI) is the standard tool used to sniff for gas leaks at joints, valves, and fittings during PM inspections.
Question 3: During a PM inspection of a gas drip leg, what is the technician's primary concern?
- Checking the drip leg color code
- Removing accumulated liquid condensate and debris (Correct answer)
- Replacing the drip leg with a new one
- Verifying the drip leg has an approved cap color
Correct answer: Removing accumulated liquid condensate and debris
Drip legs collect liquid condensate and debris that could damage appliances; the PM task is to drain or remove this accumulation.
Question 4: What should a technician do if a gas shutoff valve is found to be stiff or difficult to operate during a PM inspection?
- Leave it alone to avoid disturbing the seal
- Document it and apply an approved lubricant or schedule replacement (Correct answer)
- Force it open with a pipe wrench
- Cap the valve and remove it from service permanently
Correct answer: Document it and apply an approved lubricant or schedule replacement
Stiff valves should be lubricated with an approved lubricant or flagged for replacement to ensure they can be closed quickly in an emergency.
Question 5: When inspecting flexible gas connectors during a PM visit, which condition requires immediate replacement?
- Connector is newer than 5 years
- Connector shows kinking, corrosion, or physical damage (Correct answer)
- Connector has a yellow coating
- Connector is stainless steel corrugated type
Correct answer: Connector shows kinking, corrosion, or physical damage
Kinked, corroded, or physically damaged flexible connectors are a serious fire and explosion hazard and must be replaced immediately.
Question 6: A gas pressure regulator vent is found to be obstructed by a wasp nest during a PM inspection. What is the correct action?
- Leave it — regulators don't need open vents
- Clear the obstruction and install an approved vent guard (Correct answer)
- Replace the entire regulator immediately
- Seal the vent with tape until pests are removed by an exterminator
Correct answer: Clear the obstruction and install an approved vent guard
A blocked regulator vent can cause the regulator to malfunction and over-pressurize the system; it must be cleared and protected with an approved vent guard.
Question 7: What is the purpose of documenting findings with photographs during a gas pipe PM inspection?
- Photography is not permitted on job sites
- To provide a visual record supporting the written report and future comparisons (Correct answer)
- Only to prove to the customer that work was performed
- Required exclusively by OSHA for confined space entry
Correct answer: To provide a visual record supporting the written report and future comparisons
Photographic documentation creates an objective visual record that supports written findings, helps track deterioration over time, and can be referenced if conditions are disputed.
GPT Preventive Maintenance Procedures 2
How often should gas pipe technicians perform a full visual inspection of above-ground gas piping in a commercial facility?