All gas piping, appliances and accessories hereinafter installed,
sold or offered for sale shall conform to reasonable standards of
safety. The presence on a gas appliance or accessory of a safety seal
or label of a nationally recognized testing agency or a certificate
or letter of approval from such agency or the inclusion of an appliance
or accessory in an approved listing by such agency shall be prima
facie evidence that such appliance or accessory conforms to reasonable
standards of safety. Such nationally recognized testing agencies shall
be qualified and equipped to perform and shall perform periodic inspections
of current models of gas appliances and accessories.
Beginning at the meter outlet, or service regulator if no meter
is provided, the installation of all piping, appliances and accessories
complying with the American Standard Z21.30-1964, Installation of
Gas Appliances and Gas Piping, shall be considered prima facie as
conforming to reasonable standards of safety, the provisions of which
American Standard are incorporated herein by reference as though set
out in full, and the Clerk to the County Commissioners shall keep
available copies thereof for study and inspection. Such American Standard
Z21.30-1964, adopted by reference in this section, is hereby amended
as follows:
A. Paragraph 1.1.1, Applicability. In the first sentence, delete the
words "undiluted liquefied petroleum gases."
B. Paragraph 1.1.2, Nonapplicability. Add a new subparagraph to read:
(d) Gas equipment and gas piping systems for undiluted liquefied petroleum
gases.
C. Paragraph 2.8.3(b), Piping in Floors, is amended by adding: (Steel
and wrought iron pipe shall be mill wrapped, and steel and wrought
iron fittings and joints shall be suitably coated and wrapped. Screwed
pipe joints shall not be imbedded in solid floors.).
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation, except
an authorized agent or employee of the gas supplier, to turn on, remove,
install or otherwise work on or tamper with any gas meter or connect
or reconnect gas service in or on any premises. It shall also be a
violation of this section to authorize any person or to direct any
person in the course of his employment to perform any of the acts
prohibited by this section. This chapter shall not prohibit an installer
from turning on the supply of gas temporarily for the purpose of testing
the installation made by him or from turning on gas that he has temporarily
turned off for the purpose of connecting an appliance or making repairs.
Upon completion of the installation of any gas appliances and/or
gas piping subject to the provisions of this chapter and prior to
use by the consumer thereof, the installation shall be inspected by
an inspector designated by the County Commissioners of Charles County.
The inspection shall ensure that the requirements of said American
Standard Z21.30-1964 are complied with.
Any person, firm or corporation convicted of violating this
chapter shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction
thereof, shall pay a fine not to exceed $100 for each violation or
be imprisoned in the County jail for not more than one year, or both
fined and imprisoned.